Indie-rock singer-songwriter Kurt Vile has announced a new album, ‘Philadelphia’s Been Good to Me’, due out on 29 May via Verve Records, alongside the release of its lead single, ‘Chance to Bleed’. The record is set to arrive as the singer-songwriter continues to build on a catalogue that has made him one of indie rock’s most distinctive and idiosyncratic figures.
The new single offers a familiar reminder of what Vile does best: laid-back guitar work, a gently ramshackle feel and songwriting that drifts between introspection and sly humour. It is accompanied by a video shot in Philadelphia, reinforcing the sense that this project is deeply rooted in the city that has shaped much of his musical identity. The album title itself points to that connection, with Vile describing the record as something of a homecoming: “bringing it all back home to Philly“.
According to early reports, Philadelphia’s Been Good to Me includes 11 tracks, among them “Zoom 97,” “99 BPM,” “Rock ’o Stone” and “You Don’t Know Cuz It’s My Life”.
Vile shared his intentions for the project: “I’m treating it like my last record. I put everything into it. It’s my best vocal record. It’s my best electric guitar record. It’s my most organic record, made in the comfort of my own zone”.
The teasing single is accompanied by an official video filmed in Philadelphia, including scenes shot at Kung Fu Necktie in Fishtown. That location choice also ties the rollout to the city that Vile references in the record title, along with the catchy chorus line: “You got a chance to bleed now. With that old time, lo-fi, DIY, rock n’ roll… nights”.
The song also features backing vocals from Natalie Hoffmann of NOTS and Optic Sink, Greg Cartwright of Reigning Sound and the Oblivians, and Ethan Buckler of King Kong and Slint. The music video, which dropped alongside the April 7 single release, also featured a cameo from comedian/musician/subtle cultural icon Jim E. Brown.
Kurt Vile’s set to play a series of UK shows in 2026 as follows:
3 September 2026 — End of the Road Festival
5 November 2026 — Concorde 2, Brighton
6 November 2026 — O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London
7 November 2026 — O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London.
8 November 2026 — St Philips Gate, Bristol.
9 November 2026 — The Crossing, Birmingham.
10 November 2026 — Albert Hall, Manchester.
11 November 2026 — O2 Academy, Leeds.
13 November 2026 — O2 ABC, Glasgow.
Listen to ‘Chance To Bleed’ here.
