Jake Shimabukuro is turning a viral movie anthem into his next statement. The renowned ‘ukulele virtuoso has reimagined “Golden” from the hit film KPop Demon Hunters as the first single from his new covers album, ‘Pop Experience.’ The record arrives July 10th, 2026 on digital and CD.
The project gathers a diverse slate of contemporary pop songs filtered through Shimabukuro’s signature instrumental style. He spans chart-topping smashes and introspective ballads, transforming familiar melodies into expressive, genre-defying arrangements that show off both his technical command and his musical sensitivity.
“I’ve always loved taking songs that mean something to people and seeing how they feel on the ‘ukulele,” says Shimabukuro. He describes ‘Pop Experience’ as eight tunes he’s loved over the years, from Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel” to Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire,” and calls the process a chance to explore a different side of songs he thought he already knew.
The “Golden” cover already has momentum. Videos of the arrangement have circulated widely across social platforms, drawing enthusiastic reactions from fans who praise his knack for translating a contemporary pop anthem into a rich, expressive ‘ukulele piece.
“When I first heard ‘Golden’ from the KPop Demon Hunters movie, I knew it was something special,” says Shimabukuro. He calls it the kind of song that invites listeners in and reminds them why music matters, adding that the track has been living in his head ever since he first heard it.
The arrangements run deep across the tracklist. From the haunting introspection of Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For” to the emotional pull of Ariana Grande’s “We Can’t Be Friends,” Shimabukuro captures the spirit of each original while making every piece unmistakably his own. The result is some of the most inventive playing of his career.
‘Pop Experience’ continues a run of innovation from a player who’s collaborated across genres and won over audiences worldwide. The album will be available on all major streaming platforms and on CD upon release.
‘Pop Experience’ Track Listing:
Golden (HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI)
Die With A Smile (Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars)
We Can’t Be Friends (Ariana Grande)
Opalite (Taylor Swift)
Rose (HANA)
Vampire (Olivia Rodrigo)
What Was I Made For (Billie Eilish)
Angel (Sarah McLachlan)