Darren Criss Releases New EP ‘Masquerade’

Fans of Darren Criss have waited for a day like this; the singer-songwriter-actor has released a new EP titled Masquerade. 

On August 16, Criss took to Instagram to announce the EP. The teaser photo includes pieces of each of the five characters featured throughout the five singles, which make up a full version of Darren. The caption simply stated, “🎭 Masquerade 🎭 New EP out this Friday 8/20.”

In an interview with Elvis Duran and The Morning Show, the actor shared his excitement for the EP and explained the significance of the masquerade.

When discussing how his successful acting career has taken time away from pursuing new music, Criss said, “This is kind of a celebration of a lot of the different masks I like to wear as a musician. Because actors get to do this, right? Like you get to be in a romantic comedy or a horror movie… I never understood why musicians couldn’t necessarily do this.”

HE HAS DONE IT AGAIN
DARREN CRISS BROKE ME pic.twitter.com/oMFRwKYqiu

— kate (@kateluvsglee) August 20, 2021

Not now sweetie, mommy is streaming
masquerade by Darren criss pic.twitter.com/j2XRomv6h8

— yahel loves hagar | Masquerade is out 🙂 (@yahelsarcasm) August 20, 2021

Although the entire EP was just released, three out of the five tracks were sporadically released since April. “F*kn Around” was the first released and had fans begging for more. The single has been featured on a few Apple Music playlists, and Criss performed the song on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

A few short weeks later, “I Can’t Dance” was released, and it was met with the same excitement and engagement as the first track. Afterward, fans had to wait for months for the final single, “Night Like This,” released on July 30.

This final single was the most anticipated as it was the sound Criss and his wife used to create their first TikTok, celebrating the results of the 2020 election. Since then, fans begged the Glee alum to release the potential party anthem.

In a press release regarding the final track, Criss said, “What artist doesn’t want a song of theirs to end up on the permanent playlist for every wedding, New Year’s Eve, reception, afterparty, Quinceañera, Bar, and Bat Mitzvah.” He went on to say that he hopes “Night Like This” will join the ranks of go-to celebration songs.

ⓘ this user wants you to listen to Masquerade by Darren Criss

MASQUERADE OUT NOW pic.twitter.com/DNHOC0p9rC

— lea_michelefanacc15 (@michelefanacc15) August 20, 2021

NO BUT MASQUERADE IS ACTUALLY INCREDIBLE MR DARREN CRISS IS A MUSICAL GENIUS

— emily🐀 (@SILLYL0VES0NGS) August 19, 2021

From playing Blaine Anderson on Glee to Andrew Cunanan on The Assassination of Gianni Versace, it is no secret that Darren Criss does an exceptional job at playing a character, thus fans anticipation and excitement for this diverse character-driven EP.

Fans can stream Masquerade here.