Wisconsinites Lightris and sero came out swinging with their January single “Kwik Trip.” Perhaps the first inescapable underground smash of 2026, it sounds like a true song-of-the-summer contender, if you look past the song's snow-filled music video. The duo are “jollymaxxing” through the woes of daily life, and their energy is contagious. If their lyrics are any indication, Lightris and sero “won’t stop ‘til the breaks fall off.” We sent over some questions about their friendship, gas station snacks, and the scene in their home state. Read their answers, and listen to “Kwik Trip” below. 

How did you two meet? When did you start making music together?

sero: I believe we met back in 2024 because we went to the same high school and I found out there was a music production club. Lightris was the club leader so after that we just started hanging out. I think that same year we made a song called “what’s my name” that interpolated Rihanna, but it's probably never gonna see the light of day.

Lightris: Yeah, I think a big reason we connected so quickly was that we had similar music taste; we were both really into the “hyperpop” scene. We also were both quite experienced and passionate about music and music production.

You’ve got your first taste of underground virality with “Kwik Trip.” How are you feeling? How many A&Rs are in your DMs?

sero: It’s been great because it’s led us to meet incredible people who share our love for the art, but it’s also the scariest it’s ever been. Being perceived by so many people who will make up a whole image of you based on one moment that doesn't represent anything you are half a year after you made it is kinda terrifying.

Lightris: I’m feeling good about it. It was very overwhelming and a bit scary at first but to be honest I always knew the day would come when I would have to deal with this stuff. It has been crazy to see what it’s like from the other side of the music industry, not as a fan but as an artist. Overall I’m thankful for everything and hopeful about the future. Since the drop there’s probably been like 15 A&Rs in my DMs; they’re very persistent. 

What’s your Kwik Trip order?

sero: Blue Takis, and occasionally an Arizona Tea. I stopped eating Takis, though, because they're quite unhealthy, so now I just get gummies or donuts.

Lightris: Chocolate Peanutbutter Rice Krispie bar and an old fashioned donut or Apple Fritter. I also love the Haribo Sour Spaghetti gummies but those are hard to find.

What’s the best dance move?

sero: The Uptown Downtown move is very fun. I spam it whenever I can.

Lightris: No such thing as the best dance move, there's too many to choose from and dance is really just about everyone doing their own style. Personally, I like doing the shoulder shrug; I feel like it’s applicable to most songs. I wouldn’t say I’ve mastered a style enough to say it’s MY best dance move, but I love top rocking and watching people do it so I’ll go with that.

What do you want people to know about the Milwaukee scene? 

sero: This is kinda funny to me because we're not even from Milwaukee. We live in Madison but we got so enamored by music and the movement that people like kill.dawn, Bigfrank, Sunny Lou and everybody on Run Along were starting. Then we found out about Bankhead and all the people who did it first. I want people from other states to know that Wisconsin is next up. It has it all, the dances, the music, the producers, it’s just the perfect formula. And also that lowend (Milwaukee music) and jerk are not the same thing.

Lightris: The Milwaukee scene has so much to offer. People probably just know it from JP or from some of the funnier dances that are on TikTok but Milwaukee really is just as artistically active and innovative as all the other big US cities. I think everyone, especially people from the Midwest, should look into the culture and learn about the dances, the music, and all the people working towards building the scene. The more people we can get to appreciate it the more I think it’ll flourish.

“Bring It Back Up” has a real pop sensibility. How’d that song come together? How can everybody “get in mode”?

sero: Getting in mode just means getting turnt, dancing. Catch a vibe and get hype with your friends. 

Lightris: I made the beat to the song in October of 2025 and had the chorus written and recorded but it stayed as just an idea until December when sero and I finished it together. I was aiming to make lowend beat inspired by older Milwaukee music that uses a lot of orchestra hits, but then put my own spin on it and really try to bring the energy as high as possible. Getting in mode is just Milwaukee slang for dancing. People can get in mode by just letting go and moving to the song without fear of judgement.

You’ve got a wild B2B set on SoundCloud, remixing everything from Lorde to KATSEYE to Mk.gee. Will there be more DJing in your future? What other bootlegs do you have in the vault?

sero: I make remixes every now and then, most of the time as studies rather than to actually make a remix. I don't DJ often but would love to. Who knows.

Lightris: I would love to do more DJing in the future, I make club remixes all the time. My only problem is i would just wanna join the crowd really. If I get the opportunity I would for sure. I got a remix of an Enya song and a Janet Jackson song that I would play.

sero, I loved the SZA sample breakdown you shared on TikTok. In either of your music, are there any secret samples? What’s a production moment you’re most proud of?

sero: Most of my music is on SoundCloud, and in “bark, bite” particularly there's very short moments where I’m sampling or interpolating something. Like the lead from the Nyan Cat theme song, the vocal melody from Build a Bitch by Bella Poarch or a drum fill from Something Comforting by Porter Robinson. Also, that whole song is a production moment I’m very proud of altogether.

Lightris: I have quite a few samples and interpolations in my music, but I’ll let people figure it out themselves.