Ontario duo YASSiN & Sean Terrio return with “DON’T DO THAT,” an upbeat and emotionally charged alternative pop-rock single about confronting old habits, creative exhaustion, and the difficult process of becoming a better version of yourself. Driven by full-bodied production, soaring energy, and deeply personal lyricism, the track captures the moment where frustration turns into determination.

At its core, “DON’T DO THAT” reflects the emotional weight both artists experienced following the release of their debut album, 2024’s Just Try. “The song was inspired by the state of mind we both felt like we were in last year after releasing our first album,” they explain. “We struggled getting our creative flow back again. Although the song is upbeat, it may be one of the most personal songs to show how heavy music has felt for us over the last little while.”

• What can you share with readers about your new project?

Sean: This new project feels like a natural evolution from where we’ve been the past couple years. After the high of releasing an album, let alone a debut album, we found ourselves a bit lost and looking for new direction. While none of us truly know where we are going, we do know where we’ve been, which is something you can learn from.

“Don’t Do That” is the reminder to yourself when you are caught up on the past: don’t stay there too long and instead use it as part of your framework for moving forward. You’ll stumble, sometimes you’ll fall, but there’s always an opportunity to get back up and try something else.

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• How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?

Yassin: This song, like the rest of this upcoming album, is the culmination of what we learned from our debut album mixed with uncertainty and a determination to keep going. With each one of the songs we’ve challenged ourselves in ways we never had before. We’ve worked with new people and recorded in unfamiliar places, and you can hear all of that throughout the production and vibe of this one.

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• What about this single makes you most proud?

Yassin: I’m proud of a few things…

One being that we finally made an uptempo rocker that we’ve always dreamed of. Two, the lyrics in this song really capture how Sean and I have been feeling about our place in this business over the last few years. And three, Sean RIPS a big ol’ harmonica solo in this song.

He wasn’t so sure about it at first and thought we should hire someone to play it instead of him, but we asked him to at least lay down a demo for the vibe as we were recording. Turns out no one else could beat his demo, so heck yeah to Sean.

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• Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

Yassin: I don’t think we went into writing this song with a specific thing in mind that needed to be accomplished. We knew as soon as we finished writing it that it was special to us, and we wanted to get it out there as soon as we could.

It also turned into a big rocker of a tune, which no one who’s been a fan of ours has heard from us before. This track is the first song on our upcoming album, and there’s a reason for that. The energy it bursts into has been the driving force of the entire recording of this album.

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• What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

Sean: I think music can help people say what needs to be said, get things off their chest, and maybe even help pick someone else up.

For me personally, it can be really hard to open up in certain ways, so if I can string some words together while I’m alone, bring them to Yassin to make some cool music, and put it out into the world, I feel closer to being heard.

That last part is no doubt huge. I think we are all reaching for connection in some way, shape, or form. Every once in a while you find that through music, so the prospect of feeling more and more connected with myself and those around me is what drives me to continue.

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• If you could collaborate with anyone — dead or alive, famous or unknown — who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

Sean: I think I’d like to hang out with Chris Stapleton, not only to write and play music, but to chill and have a few sodas.

I’d want to speak with Freddie Mercury and ask him about confidence and showmanship. I’d ask Marvin Gaye how I can be cooler. I’d love to listen to Bonnie Raitt and Dolly Parton tell stories, after which I may profess my love to Bonnie — who knows.

I’d love to sit in on a jam with The Red Hot Chili Peppers. I’d love to learn from Earth, Wind & Fire, everyone still with us and those who have passed. Their music has a very special place in my heart.

I could go on forever, but this would be a great start.

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• What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

Yassin: The last song I listened to was probably the final mix of our next single, but the one before that was definitely “HOOPLA” by Quin XCII. That song bops.

A favorite artist of mine is Billy Joel. He’s one of the reasons I started playing piano and wanting to write songs.

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• Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

Yassin: Find us on all social media platforms. You’ll most likely see more of us on Instagram than TikTok, but we’re still over there making bits and stuff.

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• I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

Sean & Yassin: Thank YOU for your time. We’re stoked to have this song released, and we’re working hard to bring more good tunes to the people.