Cavetown drops introspective new single ‘NPC’

Indie-pop sensation Cavetown is back with “NPC,” the fourth single from his highly anticipated new album Running With Scissors, set to drop on January 16.

The latest track from six-time Platinum-certified artist Robin Skinner (aka Cavetown) turns the disorientation of touring life into a shimmering, introspective anthem that blends pop-punk energy with quiet emotional depth.

Written mid-tour, “NPC” reimagines Skinner’s childhood imaginary friend, Mr. Nobody, as a grown-up alter ego — always moving, rarely grounded. “‘This song came from a place of feeling detached from my own story,’” Skinner shared. “‘It’s like I’m watching someone else play my character sometimes, traveling, performing, doing all these things I love, but wondering who’s really steering the ship.’”

With over two billion global streams and one of the most loyal online fanbases, Cavetown continues to carve out space as one of Gen Z’s most comforting voices — and “NPC” shows no signs of slowing that momentum.

Following sold-out tours with AJR and Pierce the Veil, Skinner’s ability to transform burnout into connection is more resonant than ever. The single is both a dizzying reflection on constant motion and a gentle balm for anyone navigating identity, purpose, or emotional fatigue.

Set against warm melodies and rich production, Running With Scissors will be Cavetown’s most emotionally expansive album yet — unpacking growth, boundaries, and what it means to arrive in a healthier place. As a trans-masc artist, Skinner’s music has long been a safe space for queer youth and fans navigating mental health, chosen family, and belonging.

That mission continues with the second annual This Is Home Project Benefit Show, happening December 14 at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY. The event will feature performances by Annie DiRusso, Dreamer Isioma, Sidney Gish, Sydney Rose, and Tall GFs, with surprise guests to be announced.

All proceeds will go to New Alternatives — which supports unhoused LGBTQ+ youth in NYC — and the Lambda Literary Foundation, which uplifts queer writers.

“‘Helping LGBTQ+ youth feel safe and seen has always been at the heart of what I do,’” Skinner said. “‘Music gave me a community when I really needed one, and I want to help build that same sense of belonging for others.’”

Since its 2022 launch, The This Is Home Project will have raised over USD 700,000 by the end of 2025 for queer youth-focused nonprofits across the U.S., U.K., and Europe.

With 968,000 Instagram followers, 444,000 TikTok fans, and 2.26 million YouTube subscribers, Cavetown’s reach is global — but it’s the quiet honesty of songs like “NPC” that keep his listeners coming back.

Running With Scissors is out January 16, 2026. “NPC” is available now on all major streaming platforms.