West Coast artist MAL€K (born Kalin Curran) returns with “Toast to That,” a magnetic lead single that weaves hip-hop, pop, and elements of country swing. Building on the emotional depth of his previous work, the track leans into a narrative of unexpected connection, capturing that surreal moment when a stranger becomes something more. The track is a nod to fate, flirtation, and the cosmic odds of real chemistry, all set against a cross-genre backdrop that reflects MAL€K’s boundary-pushing musical instincts.
“It’s about that kind of unexpected connection that forms, and moves you so much that you want to celebrate it, acknowledge it, or appreciate it in some way,” shared MAL€K.
In many ways, this single also serves as a toast to MAL€K’s artistry and technical prowess, not only highlighting his skill as a writer and storyteller but also underscoring his evolution into a fully self-sufficient artist. By overseeing every stage of the creative process—from production and mixing to mastering—MAL€K crafts a distinctive sonic landscape, defying genre conventions. “Toast to That” exemplifies his meticulous craftsmanship, marrying narrative depth with innovative production to deliver a cohesive and compelling work that cements his place as a contemporary artist.
“Years ago, I let someone work on my vocals and was not pleased with the results, so I promised myself from that moment I would learn what I needed to, I promised myself that no one else would touch my voice or sound, but me!” said MAL€K
“Toast to That” is the lead track from MAL€K’s third album, The Never Ending Story Part III: The Rolling Stone, set to release on May 31st. This album delivers a cinematic sonic punch, immersing listeners in a vivid, fictional chapter of MAL€K’s life—a restless “rolling stone” with a bottle in one hand and a mic in the other, embodying a rockstar-popstar hybrid caught between chaotic highs and haunting truths.
The record journeys through contrasting scenes: from whiskey and picklebacks to serene countryside escapes; from backstage mayhem to the sting of front-page heartbreaks; from electrifying live shows under neon lights to lost nights battling inner demons disguised as dreams. Fans can look forward to one more album before this Never Ending Story saga reaches its powerful conclusion.
“It picks up where I left off in The Never Ending Story Part II, so this is meant to be played top to bottom, like a movie or story,” explained MAL€K.
MAL€K’s sound is the result of a life shaped by contrast and creativity—born to an Irish mother rooted in tradition and a father from Compton whose story was marked by survival. Raised on a vast musical diet—from the soul of Babyface and the funk of Zapp & Roger to the croon of Sinatra and the grit of hip-hop—his influences run deep and wide.
Music and storytelling are quite literally in his blood: his grandfather was a member of the vocal group The Lettermen, and recent discoveries even trace his lineage back to William Shakespeare. Whether through melody or metaphor, MAL€K’s artistry is grounded in generations of expression.
These legacies of melody and language echo through MAL€K’s approach to music and his ability to offer cinematic storytelling. His Never Ending Story saga isn’t just an album series—it’s a lived mythology, a layered narrative built on pain, performance, and poetic reckoning. With each release, MAL€K continues to push artistic boundaries, carving out a space entirely his own.
For more of his timeless sound, follow MAL€K on Instagram and stay tuned for “Toast to That,” the lead single from The Never Ending Story Part III: The Rolling Stone, releasing May 31st across all music streaming platforms.
