R&B singer Crush is back with “Squeak,” a charming new duet with pop icon IU that captures the delightful awkwardness of falling in love — marking his first solo release in more than a year. Set to be released Wednesday at 6 p.m., the single follows his August 2025 EP “FANG” and its lead track, “UP ALL NITE,” featuring SUMIN. In an interview ahead of the release, Crush discussed the song’s creation, his collaboration with IU and his hopes for the music he leaves behind. Q. What does it mean to release new music under your own name after such a long break? Crush: I’m excited and happy to share new music with listeners again. I’ve spent the past year exploring different musical ideas and thinking deeply about what kind of music I can express most confidently. “Squeak” grew out of that process, and I hope it becomes a song that stays with people in their everyday lives. Q. What inspired the song, and what did you focus on while making it? Crush: It captures the little misunderstandings and awkward moments that two people experience when they fall in love, in a cute and