The London born artist has released his new single entitled ‘Say What You Will’, the track was released yesterday via Republic Records and Polydor Records. The singer’s new single is already gaining traction through radio play, the track was recently played on the Annie Mac show, broadcasted on BBC Radio 1. The presenter made the song the show’s ‘Hottest Record in the World’, a title previously held by many successful records.

Blake has taken to his Instagram to thank fans and listeners for their support concerning his new single.

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A post shared by James Blake (@jamesblake)

The single’s release was also accompanied by a thought-provoking music video, the video features special star guest and fellow producer, American singer-songwriter Finneas. The 23-year-old artist is the brother of recording artist Billie Eilish with whom he has collaborated musically. Musical talent clearly runs in the family as Finneas has won eight Grammy awards, including such awards as Producer of the Year and Album of the year. He also won an award for his work on his sister’s 2019 debut album entitled ‘When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?’, for which he won the Non-classical award.

Blake has described the track’s meaning in the single’s press release, the singer relates the new track to finding his personal peace within his life and subsequent success, “The song is about finding peace with who you are and where you’re at regardless of how well other people seem to be doing. Comparison really is the thief of joy,” The song’s following lyrics also carry such themes with a tone of modesty, conveying a sense of tranquillity over the growing pressures of life. “I can find my way with no superpowers/ I can take my place without becoming sour/ I might not make those psychopaths proud/ At least I can see the faces of the smaller crowds,”

Along with the release of the singer’s new album’s lead single, Blake has also confirmed the release date of his new album. The artist’s fifth studio album entitled ‘Friends That Break Your Heart’ is set to be released on 10th September 2021. The album’s press release provides the following notes regarding the artwork, describing it as “a visual encapsulation of the emotions brought forth throughout the body of work,” The album’s artwork showcases the work of artist Miles Johnston, a UK artist known for his illustrations, predominately achieved using graphite and oils. The artist has taken to his Twitter to announce his excitement over his recent venture with Blake.

I’m so excited to finally share this! I was asked by one of my favorite musicians @jamesblake to design his album cover for the upcoming masterpiece “Friends that break your heart”. Really was a dream come true, painted in oils. Hope you dig! pic.twitter.com/cnABRjbkKw — Miles Johnston (@MilesJohnston) July 22, 2021

Blake has also teamed up with other artists on the musical aspect of the new release. The album will feature further collaborations with other performers, including Monica Martin, SwaVay, JID and American singer-songwriter and Grammy-nominated artist SZA. The singer’s new release will follow up on his last studio album, ‘Assume Form’, released in 2019 via Polydor Records. The fourth studio album gained an impressive accolade for the artist, Blake was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album for the 2020 Grammy Awards and received both critical and commercial success for its release.

The multitalented artist is no stranger to Grammy nominations; the singer was nominated for Best New Artist in 2014, which was awarded to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. The singer’s debut album, ‘James Blake’ was released in 2011 to critical acclaim, siring three singles and two more released from the album’s deluxe edition. His debut release was also nominated for an award, the album gave Blake his first Mercury Prize nomination in 2011 and was also shortlisted for the Brit Award Critics Choice Award. Blake would go on to win a Mercury Prize when he was again nominated in 2013 for his second studio album ‘Overgrown’ released the same year.

Blake is set to go on tour this year in support of his new album, where the singer will perform in 15 different cities, the tours dates and locations have been announced by the artist. Unfortunately for UK fans, the tour will take place in North America, but with September around the corner, UK fans will not have to wait long to hear the artist’s new material.

Click here to pre-order the album.

Blake was announced the winner at tonights ceremony at the Roundhouse in London, having been voted by a panel of music industry professionals. His win comes as something of a surprise, beating bookies favourite Laura Mvula, who was the pick to win for her debut, ‘Sing to the Moon’. Rudimental and Foals were also considered more likely bets than Blake.

The electronic musician from London had already seen one nomination for the prestigious award, when his self-titled debut was shortlisted in 2011, losing to PJ Harvey’s, ‘Let England Shake’.

Opening his acceptance speech with, ‘Well, I lost a bet’, Blake kept the speech short and sweet, thanking his parents and three friends, before leaving the stage without his award, necessitating an awkward return to the platform.

The ceremony, featuring performances from several of the nominated acts, saw a brief hitch at the beginning when the televised broadcast was interrupted for several minutes.

A reminder of the nominees:

• Arctic Monkeys – ‘AM’
• James Blake – ‘Overgrown’
• David Bowie – ‘The Next Day’
• Disclosure – ‘Settle’
• Jake Bugg – ‘Jake Bugg’
• Foals – ‘Holy Fire’
• Jon Hopkins – ‘Immunity’
• Laura Marling – ‘Once I Was An Eagle’
• Laura Mvula – ‘Shout to the Moon’
• Rudimental – ‘Home’
• Savages – ‘Silence Yourself’
• Villagers – ‘(Awayland)’

Check out a sample from James Blake’s Mercury Prize winning album, the track, ‘Retrograde’ below: