Rebecca Black took the decks for a DJ set at the Konbini Backroom pop-up event presented by –196 Vodka Seltzer in New York City's Lower East Side on March 27. The event transformed a gallery space into a Japanese konbini convenience store leading to a hidden dance party. Black teased her upcoming music, describing it as heavier, harder, faster and louder than before.
On Thursday night, March 27, –196 Vodka Seltzer partnered with Rebecca Black to host the Konbini Backroom event at a Lower East Side gallery in New York City. Guests entered what appeared to be a Tokyo-style konbini stocked with Japanese snacks and refrigerators filled with the brand's flavors: Lemon, Strawberry, Peach and Grapefruit. A speakeasy-style walkway then revealed a secret dance party where Black delivered an hour-long DJ set, spinning her track “Sugar Water Cyanide” alongside throwbacks from Jennifer Lopez and Fergie, and unexpected surprises like a “Crazy Frog” reggaeton mix or “Friday” mashup, as she described to Billboard. Black told Billboard, “I am so excited to be a part of this event because it’s bringing the nightlife of Tokyo and kobini culture to New York. It’s really a once in a lifetime moment right here in New York.” She explained her approach to sets: “I always want a track in there that people won’t be expecting to hear that night... But one that’ll bring so much joy and surprise that they did.” The performance coincides with the 15-year anniversary of her 2011 viral hit “Friday” and her inclusion on Forbes’ 2026 30 Under 30 Music list. Black, who has 1.1 million Instagram followers, is preparing a follow-up to her 2025 album SALVATION, created during her SALVATION TOUR. “This new music is heavier, harder, faster and louder than anything I’ve made before,” she said, noting the popularity of “Sugar Water Cyanide.” Upcoming gigs include Diplo’s HonkyTonk at Stagecoach and Beyond Wonderland.
