How Can I Forget (MKTO song)

"How Can I Forget"
Single by MKTO
ReleasedAugust 22, 2018
GenrePop
Length2:57
Label
  • Crooked Paintings
  • BMG
Songwriters
Producers
  • Kiriakou
  • Lundberg
  • Andrew Goldstein
MKTO singles chronology
"Superstitious"
(2016)
"How Can I Forget"
(2018)
"Shoulda Known Better"
(2019)
Music video
"How Can I Forget" on YouTube

"How Can I Forget" is a single by American pop duo MKTO, released on August 22, 2018.[1]

Background

The song is about being unable to forget about one's partner in a previous relationship.[2] Malcolm David Kelley stated that he "jumped in and out of a relationship" at the time he started the song. According to Tony Oller, the support they have received from fans and emotional connections formed with them also served as inspiration for the song.[3] The song was written during MKTO's brief hiatus in 2017,[4] and also as an ode to the fans who have not forgotten about them.[2][4]

Music video

The music video was directed by Izak Rappaport and released on September 7, 2018. It was inspired by Westworld and filmed at Point Dume in Malibu, California.[2][4] It sees MKTO hooked up to machines that trigger memories from past relationships,[2] and hanging out with their respective girlfriends at the beach.[4]

Charts

Chart performance for "How Can I Forget"
Chart (2018) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA Digital Track Chart)[5] 38

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
New Zealand (RMNZ)[6] Gold 15,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. ^ "How Can I Forget - Single". Apple Music. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
  2. ^ a b c d Weatherby, Taylor (September 7, 2018). "MKTO Experience Heartbreak Through Flashbacks in 'How Can I Forget' Video: Premiere". Billboard. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
  3. ^ Weatherby, Taylor (November 27, 2018). "MKTO On Overcoming Addiction and Making Music Together Again: 'We're Living in the Moment'". Billboard. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
  4. ^ a b c d Rees, Katrina (October 1, 2018). "EXCLUSIVE: MKTO discuss their latest single 'How Can I Forget'". CelebMix. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
  5. ^ "ARIA Australian Top 40 Digital Tracks" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  6. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – MKTO – How Can I Forget". Radioscope. Retrieved February 1, 2026. Type How Can I Forget in the "Search:" field and press Enter.