J-pop group BE:FIRST has announced a coordinated push into the US market, beginning with its single “BRUCE WAYNE” and a set of new industry partnerships. The move matters because the group, already highly successful in Japan, is seeking to turn its domestic momentum into a sustained international presence through distribution, touring, marketing and English-language preparation.

The group has signed US distribution with The Orchard, physical distribution with hello82, international touring representation with THE·TEAM and A&R/marketing support from Nebula17. “BRUCE WAYNE”, produced by ATL Jacob and featuring Flo Milli, leads the group’s first “global” EP, WATCH ME, due on 18 September; it will also feature BIA and production by Tommy “TBHits” Brown. BE:FIRST will perform in Phoenix and at Los Angeles’s Head in the Clouds festival before starting a world tour in September, including two New York dates.