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Described as one of contemporary music’s most influential artists, the Grammy Award winner will return to the stage with the tour beginning in North America in May and June. The UK & Europe leg of the tour will follow in September and October before he returns to California for the final two dates of the tour. 

After gaining popularity with independently released EP’s ‘The Bells Sketch’, ‘CMYK’ and ‘Klavierwerke’, Blake was signed to A&M records and released his self-titled debut album in February 2011. Despite being leaked days after its announcement, ‘James Blake’ was received with critical acclaim and was later nominated for the 2011 Mercury Prize. Following his departure for A&M, Blake signed to its’ sister label Republic Records and released his second album ‘Overgrown’ in April 2013. Albums ‘The Colour in Anything’, ‘Assume Form’, ‘Friends That Break Your Heart’ and ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’ followed in 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2023 respectively. Blake returned today with ‘Trying Times’ under his own independent label Good Boy Records. Although his music is heavily influenced by electronic and experimental sound, Blake manages to maintain the nuance of a singer-songwriter with lyrics based around religion, the state of the world and his decade long relationship with actress Jameela Jamil.

In the time between his last album and ‘Trying Times’, Blake collaborated with UK rapper Dave for the critically acclaimed album ‘The Boy Who Played the Harp’ and also contributed to the soundtrack for the Oscar nominated and BAFTA winning film Sinners. 

The dates for the tour are as follows:
September 29 – London
October 5 – Utrech
October 8 – Brussels
October 12 – Paris
October 15 – Berlin
October 18 – Cologne
October 21 – Glasgow
October 25 – Manchester
October 28 – Bristol

Tickets for the tour will be available from Friday March 20th with access to presale tickets starting from 11am on Tuesday March 17th.

Musings on misery aside (and speaking of songs), one very positive thing that came from 2021 was a surge of fantastic and exciting music from all over the world. Our sister site, mxdwn.com, compiled a Top 50 albums of 2021 list with some excellent picks from this year’s massive roster. You can check that article out here.

Geographical scale be damned, the United Kingdom has always been a hub for fantastic music, decade after decade birthing innovating and head-turning new artists. 2021 has been no different, and as a result, we’ve compiled a top ten list of our own to celebrate (and perhaps introduce people to) some thrilling new British music.

10). Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes- ‘Sticky’

Sticky is an album fuelled by that mosh-pit energy. Fast paced guitar riffs and heavy drumbeats really raise your excitement levels to a peak before it’s really even begun. Over lockdown, many of us likely dreamed about the day we could mosh and sing along to our favourite bands at huge gigs, a club, or even just at your local pub. Sticky truly represents that feeling. The opening track is all about that release of pressure that captures the fizzy, visceral thrill of pleasure-seeking. Then we get songs like “Bang Bang” and “Take It To The Brink” which you can really jump around to. Though it’s not all about releasing our pent-up energy we dive a bit deeper with tracks like “Rat Race” which attacks the callous opportunism of political figures who used the pandemic to increase their wealth. One of the best songs on the album is definitely the collaboration with Idles “My Town”, focusing on issues such as urban decay and men who can’t discuss their feelings. This is a fearless album and an absolutely banging indictment of the last two years that will resonate beyond his usual audience.

-John Weightman

9). Cleo Sol- ‘Mother’

Cleo Sol’s Mother is an hour-long story of welcoming a child into the world. The voice behind the mystifying mercury awards nominated soul group Sault, Cleo Sol is known for her soft and soulful voice. Throughout her album Mother the singer showcased her talent not only through her voice but with her immense songwriting and beat selection. While her album is presented as a letter to her newborn child, the emotion and feelings amplified throughout the project sit with listeners no matter their circumstance.  The singer’s colossal project was well-received critically, with Cleo receiving three nominations at the 2021 Mobo Awards having been nominated for Best Female Artist of the year, Best RnB/Soul Act and Album of the Year. Despite not attending the awards show in Coventry, the eclectic singer took home the award for Best RnB/Soul acts, an award that cemented her as one of the best the UK has to offer.

-Noah Fashesin

8). PinkPantheress- ‘To Hell With It’

20-year-old singer, songwriter and producer PinkPantheress is just one of many British artists who broke out in 2021 with a hugely successful album.  The Bath born artist initially found fame within the popular app TikTok; whilst studying the singer shared various tracks onto the platform. The tracks went viral and consequently the singer was signed to the major record labels Parlophone and Elektra Records. To Hell With It was released on 15th October 2021, the release was PinkPantheress’ debut mixtape and was received with great critical acclaim. The album serves as a homage to 2000s’ music with heavy sampling and smooth lines encompassing the album’s material. With a sample from the classic garage track “Flowers” by Sweet Female Attitude, the release’s opening track “Pain” transports the listener to the heyday of the genre. The track was released as the album’s second single and sired great success within the UK charts. PinkPantheress’ tribute to influential genres can also be heard in “I Must Apologize”, the track utilises a sample of “Gypsy Woman” by Crystal Waters to create an effortless house track. Throughout the album listeners can hear further influences from various genres including nu-metal, as heard in “Last Valentines” which incorporates a sample from “Forgotten” by Linkin Park.

-Sophia-Elizabeth Tuck

7). Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra- ‘Promises’

Every year seems to bring with it one wild card combination that no one necessarily asks for, or maybe even considered. 2021, a year that never seemed to do anything in half measures anyway, delivered to us one of the best curveballs in a good while; Manchester’s own IDM maestro Floating Points takes us on an ambient journey with backing from The London Symphony Orchestra to give us a new Modern Classical gem. But… the addition of John Coltrane alum Pharoah Sanders takes us from a progressive piece of electronic joy, to a minimalist chamber jazz movement that is absolutely greater than the sum of its parts. The 3 collaborators elevate each other in such a way that it absolutely worth investing 45 minutes of your time, and a bit of cash for a decent pair of headphones, to fully absorb the interstellar encounter. My first experience with a new oxymoronic genre, grand-minimalism. 

-George Carter

6). Little Simz- ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’

It is through no luck or coincidence that SIMBI has been featured on almost every end of year list you can care to name. Any assumption that she peaked with GREY Area was put out within seconds of her 2021 release, with Simz somehow coming back stronger after an imponderably strong 2019 release. Laid over a dizzying myriad of styles, Simz impresses with a mature flow, laden with story-telling sensibilities and quotable, declarative statements on life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. Refusing to be pigeon-holed into one style or another, she shifts energies like outfits, from the gritty heaviness of “Speed” and “Rollin Stone”, to the blissful serenity of “I See You” and “Woman”, and again to the soulful, Afrobeat influenced ‘Point and Kill’ and “Fear No Man” toward the end, spitting over Afrika 70-esque beats that would entice a murmur from the late, great Tony Allen. There surely is something for everyone on this record, making it difficult to identify a leading single, a stand-out track, or even a track which typifies the album. With SIMBI, pieces form the whole, making it necessary to listen to the album, cover to cover, just like the old days. 

-Charlie Walker

5). black midi- ‘Cavalcade’

Following on from their explosive art rock/noise-rock/post-punk/post-everything debut Schlagenheim, London’s black midi ventured into slightly more prog-rock oriented territory with their second record, whilst also managing to avoid shedding their quirks and eccentricities that made them so terribly exciting in the first place. The riffing is still unpredictable, jagged and dissonant in many places, especially with the addition of saxophonist Kaidi Akinnibi and pianist/keyboardist Seth Evans, who add a whole new dimension to the group’s sound. Like a book penned by a master storyteller, the record gives the listener something unexpected and fresh with each song; from the screaming John Zorn-esque saxophone that meanders through “Slow” to the earworm bass guitar riff that grumbles beneath Geordie Greep’s accentuated, theatrical vocal delivery on “Dethroned”. Amidst a slew of creative experimental rockers coming out of the UK, black midi have proved once again that they are up there with the best of them.

-Julian Harding

4). Squid- ‘Bright Green Field’

Another crucial band in the UK’s roster of groups who undoubtedly have had every “post” label under the sun applied to their idiosyncratic and experimental sound would be Squid, hailing from Brighton. To put Squid into one box would be a pointless exercise, as with this ambitious debut full-length record the band has shown masterful control of blending their influences, in such a way that each track is a surprising and sometimes dizzying rollercoaster ride through a myriad of different genres. Drummer and vocalist Ollie Judge’s dynamic delivery of tales of dystopia in “G.S.K.” and musings on death by reckless driving in “Boy Racers” are captivating and reflect each and every lyric, whether he is howling in frustration or mumbling underneath an atmospheric drone. The guitars on the album are often defined by a glassy clean tone, spitting out math-rock inspired riffs with more than a hint of jazz influence at times, while an array of other instruments drop in and out to add to the experimental chaos. This stunning debut displays a clear and carefully crafted development from Squid’s pure post-punk beginnings, making the group one to watch for any experimental rock fan.

-Julian Harding

3). James Blake- ‘Friends That Break Your Heart’

James Blake’s Friends That Break Your Heart has to be on this list for a number of reasons, too many to count here. Suffice to say, everything just works perfectly. Opening up for a much more pop-style than he’d allowed himself in recent years, the album’s production is filled with this low-key intensity that makes the most out of every tiny detail, every sound allowed to shimmer and shine through the murk. With brilliant songwriting that combines his talent for memorable tunes and rich, emotionally nuanced harmony, the album doesn’t need to rely on production alone to have an impact. And then there’s that voice. That moment in “Say What You Will“ when he holds the highest note, yet remains tender and restrained, with the backing vocals continuing to circle around beneath him. If that’s not among the most beautiful moments in pop today, then I don’t know what is.

-Calum Moran

2). Sam Fender- ‘Seventeen Going Under’

Seventeen Going Under is one the most real and relatable albums released this year. While the primary musical influence of Springsteen is still clearly remains, Fender tells his own stories and creates his own motifs rather than borrowing common themes used by the Boss. Though there are still elements of this Fender executes it with his own now more developed and unique style. The opening title track incorporates a folk-inflected guitar motif and stripped-down drum beat that underpins Fender’s precise and evocative lyrics looking back on his teenage years. He returns to the subject of toxic masculinity previously explored on his debut album, the singer traces the links between violence and unresolved anger, while also reflecting truthfully and angrily on the brutal impact of a Department of Work and Pensions decision on his family. Fender’s ability to lay bare the conflicts and issues of masculinity in the 21st century is an almost unflinching approach to an often-taboo subject area. He has really developed his own lyrical style, shedding some of the more obvious Springsteen narrative motifs in the process.

-John Weightman

1). Black Country, New Road- ‘For The First Time’

Post-punk, post-Brexit new wave, experimental-rock, call it whatever you will. But no other group sums up the creative intelligence, anti-establishment attitude, or conspicuous self-awareness of the movement better than “Black Country, New Road” and their stunning debut For the First Time. This is a record that feels exciting, and despite coming out only three years after their arrival on the scene, it sounds sharp. Sharp like a band that have been honing their sounds for years. Because of this it’s hard to tell if the group will ever sound like this again. Isaac Wood’s droll wit is anxious to the core, and when paired with the obtuse, angular foundations from the rest of the band; it just sounds like lightning in a bottle. This is undeniably some of the most exciting music you’ll hear all year, it feels encompassing and unlimited in its creative direction. The fact this is their debut still shocks me. 

-George Carter

The single was originally released on 13th September 2021 and was the third track to be released from Blake’s recent album, Friends That Break Your Heart. The artist’s fifth studio album was released on 8th October 2021 via Republic Records and Polydor Records. The album was originally meant for release in September but due to complications in production caused by COVID-19, the release date was postponed. Blake’s newest album marks his first full release in three years and follows his 2019 album Assume Form.

The track and music video is a wonderful snapshot of Blake’s tremendous talent. The dark electronic beats work alongside the track’s deep lyrical content to pull the listener into a bittersweet sonic dream. The single has cultivated an incredible 6 million streams and has received rave reviews from critics. As stated by the press release, NME has called the single “Pulsating” and Stereogum pronounced, “‘Famous Last Words,’ features pulsing synths that gradually swell into grand orchestral majesty.”

The single’s album, Friends That Break Your Heart, has also sired critical acclaim. The Wall Street Journal described the album as, “An excellent showcase of Mr. Blake’s gifts, which on the evidence here remain intact a dozen years into his winding career.” The Independent also spoke highly of Blake’s release, “Few artists can make such heartbreak sound so pretty, while still reflecting on all its weirdness and complexity.”

On the album’s release date the singer took to Instagram to announce its availability.

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The 33-year-old multi-talented artist first rose to success due to his collaborations with highly regarded artists. In 2016, Blake worked with megastar Beyonce on the track “Forward”. Blake co-wrote and produced the song with the singer and was featured on Beyonce’s sixth album, Lemonade. Blake later worked with Jay-Z in 2017 on the track “ManyFacedGod”, the song featured on Jay-Z’s album 4:44. Blake has also gained success through his solo work and through 1-800 Dinosaur, the company is responsible for club nights and incorporates a record label and radio show.

Blake has received many accolades throughout his career and is regarded as one of the most talented exports of the digital age. The artist received his first Grammy for Best Rap Performance for his work on the triple-platinum release Black Panther: The Album, Blake has also received multiple Grammy nominations. In 2014 the singer was nominated for Best New Artist, in 2017 the artist was nominated for Lemonade under the category Album of the year. Blake received his third nomination in 2020 for his fourth studio album Assume Form, the release was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album. In 2011, Blake received his first Mercury Music Prize nomination for his debut album, James Blake. The classically trained musician would go on to win the award in 2013 for his second studio album Overgrown.

Earlier this autumn, Blake announced the details for his eleven date UK and European tour. The UK leg will start in April 2022 with a performance in Glasgow and will continue into Europe with a closing show in London on 17th May 2022.

James Blake UK tour

30/04/2022 – O2 Academy – Glasgow
01/05 – O2 Apollo – Manchester
15/05 – O2 Academy – Sheffield
17/05 – Alexandra Palace – London

Click here to buy tickets.

Click here to buy/download/stream Friends That Break Your Heart.

Blake is back with a new album on the way. With singles “Say What You Will” and “Life Is Not The Same”, he gives us exactly what we have missed since 2019’s Assume Form. With a third single now released, “Famous Last Words” gives us more reasons to be excited about the upcoming album Friends That Break Your Heart. Met with nothing but love, the new song slides its way into his back catalogue nicely. Fitting into his expressive ‘i need a hug’ genre of music. Which works perfectly against the album cover designed by Miles Johnston.

This is a special one. Famous Last Words out now: https://t.co/oOvjbttvompic.twitter.com/QpYhNvyQ3Q

— James Blake (@jamesblake) September 13, 2021

The Fifth album to James Blakes’ name was supposed to be out as of September 1oth. The new album Friends That Break Your Heart has been delayed until October 8th due to vinyl factory delays. Just less than a month later than its original release date, the album is set to have more of a build-up now after the new single.

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You can listen to James Blakes’ new song below.

You can pre-order James Blakes’ Friends That Break Your Heart here. 

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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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.

Beabadoobee released a beautifully melodic cover of the song Winter Wonderland for the series. Arlo Parks took on the Wham! classic Last Christmas swapping out the nostalgic vibes for a smooth, graceful rendition and James Blake decided to cover the traditional Christmas carol, In the Bleak Midwinter.

Y’all I created a special cover of #LastChristmas just in time for the holidays you can check out the exclusive track on @AppleMusic’s #Superbloom playlist – smash the link xhttps://t.co/Gy7IbijDFO pic.twitter.com/Ydgzu1PHvT

— Arlo Parks (@arloparks) December 2, 2020

Speaking to Zane Lowe from The Zane Lowe Show on Apple Music about his song choice, James Blake said that “all the pop Christmas songs have been covered a million times.” He also expressed his interest in the genre saying he has; “a huge fondness for choral music, Anglican Church spiritual vibes, even though I’m not particularly religious.”

He went on to say; “There’s something very appealing to me about the feeling I get from classical choral music. And I loved it when Jeff Buckley did that cover of ‘Corpus Christi’. In the back of my mind, there’s always been a thing where I’ve got to tackle something [like that].”

Arlo Parks’ appearance on the series comes just after she released her newest single Caroline. The song premiered on Annie Mac’s Radio 1 show. This song is the fifth single to be shared from her upcoming first full-length LP Collapsed In Sunbeams. Caroline joins Black Dog, Hurt, Eugene and Green Eyes as singles from the album. Collapsed In Sunbeams is due for release on 29th January 2021.

You can listen to Arlo Parks, Beabadoobee and James Blakes’ Christmas covers below.

Songs off the newly released EP Before include I Keep Calling, Before, Do You Ever and Summer of Now. All of which are high-tempo yet mellow beats that use Blake’s own vocals, something that he openly expressed he was not previously fully comfortable doing. Blake is also a renowned DJ and award-winning producer and his break into songwriting and vocals is now in full bloom throughout this new EP.

Along with dropping official visualizer videos for the other three tracks on his EP on YouTube yesterday, Blake released a music video for his title track Before. Blake calls this his Official Quarantine Video and features multiple professional dancers performing routines in the safety of their homes over a film of Blake singing vocals in his home studio. This is yet another in the long list of creative ways that artists are able to share their work with fans during the restrictions of the Covid-19 global pandemic.

The London-born musician was first recognized for his work on multiple EP’s in 2010 called CMYK and Klavierwerke, which gained him a cult popularity among underground musicians in the UK. These short EP’s were recorded in young Blake’s basement, for which he insisted his new record-label allow him to do. EP releases are not knew for Blake, in fact they are his beginnings.

He later released a self-titled full-length album in 2011 which received critical recognition and a much larger fan base. His 2013 album Overgrown finally helped him gain international attention, leading him to win the Mercury Prize in music for the first time. Blake released two more albums from 2016-2019 before heading back to his roots with this new EP.

Along with praise for his own music, Blake has worked with many well-known musicians as a part-producer, working with big names such as Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott. His production work has led to many Brit Award nominations and eventually made him a Grammy winner.

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A post shared by James Blake (@jamesblake) on Dec 4, 2019 at 9:10am PST

Already many fellow musicians and producers, including Finneas from work with Billie Eilish, have rushed to praise the new Before on social media and James Blake is now trending upward on Twitter setting the stage for a successful EP release for Blake.

Blake will before new EP and other DJ tracks at the Boiler Room Sessions this weekend, October 16th at 2200 BST. Listen to Blake’s new EP release on all streaming platforms.

Yesterday Slowthai took to Instagram to commemorate his brothers passing, writing: ‘today is the anniversary of my baby brothers passing. This is one of the biggest days of the year for me and my family, and with my whole heart I can say I’ve never missed anyone as much as I miss him’.

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today is the anniversary of my baby brothers passing. this is one of the biggest days of the year for me and my family, and with my whole heart I can say I’ve never missed anyone as much as I miss him, I know you’re looking down on us everyday with your smile. i’m doing everything in my power to live for him and also make him proud… tomorrow i’m dropping a song featuring @jamesblake + @mountkimbie called ‘feel away’ and i’m dedicating it to my little brother Michael John. rest in paradise little brother I love you more than life itself

A post shared by slowthai (@slowthai) on Sep 14, 2020 at 9:02am PDT

Slowthai, whose real name is Tyron Frampton, grew up on an estate in the outskirts of Northampton. He describes his childhood varyingly, speaking of anger management issues and an absent father but also of a loving mother and a housing community that felt ‘like a big family’.

One thing for certain is that Slowthai’s deep-rooted connection with Northampton is a thread which runs through both through his personal life and his music. He is still based in the midlands town, stating that living there keeps him ‘grounded’ and also hinting at a dislike for the London-centric nature of the music industry.

Despite this love for Northampton, Slowthai’s feelings toward Britain on the whole are pretty negative. In his 2019 debut album, Nothing Great About Britain, he examines what it is to be British with lyrical intelligence and instrumental texture. The album is a punk-rap triumph, reminiscent of the Sex Pistol’s 1977 hit God Save the Queen.

At the end of the title track, Slowthai imitates Prince Philip, asking the Queen to ‘respect him’ and finishing with the words ‘Elizabeth, you c***’. In his 2018 breakthrough track Tea n Biscuits, Slowthai dispels any ‘quaint…old fashioned ideas you might have about the UK’s countryside.’

It is Slowthai’s realness about the state of England that has earned him two NME awards this year and countless collaborations with established British musicians like the Gorillaz, Mura Masa and Disclosure. He is expressing a disenchantment that most young Britons feel in the wake of Brexit and three back to back Tory governments.

Slowthai’s new song, however, is not about politics but about relationships. He has shed his usual shouting vocals for a more subdued tone, singing in the chorus: ‘It’s not you// so I guess it’s me’. Mount Kimbie’s beat is hypnotic and James Blake’s voice gives the voice a soothing feel. Slowthai is going in a new direction, and proving himself a versatile musician worthy of his accolades.

‘Are You Even Real?’ – out on the 8th July

Co-written by @iStarrah and @alitamposi

pic.twitter.com/M0V43d2ZAI

— James Blake (@jamesblake) July 6, 2020

‘Are You Even Real?’ was co-produced and co-written by Blake along with Starrah, Ali Tamposi, and Peter Lee Johnson. Prior to the song’s release, the artist shared some of the poignant lyrics on his social media: “Trip down the hill, strawberry fields, are you even real? / She said ‘tell me how you feel’, ‘are you even real?’, ‘are you even real?’ “

Though there is currently no music video for the track, fans can watch the creation of the song is Blake’s video ‘Behind the Mac’ in collaboration with Apple. The video has over 100,000 views and shows him warming up, recording, and then editing and producing from home.

Given that the singer has not shared his feelings or inspiration behind the song, all listeners can do is speculate. However his girlfriend – actress, presenter, activist, and more – Jameela Jamil supported him in promoting the song, posting a photo of the two together and commenting, “My boyfriend put a song out yesterday called “Are You Even Real?” And it’s really good. Check it out.” She joked, “I think it’s about our dog, Barold.”

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My boyfriend put a song out yesterday called “Are You Even Real?” And it’s really good. Check it out. I think it’s about our dog, Barold. @jamesblake

A post shared by Jameela Jamil (@jameelajamilofficial) on Jul 9, 2020 at 9:04am PDT

James Blake is not only a singer and songwriter, but also a producer and multi-instrumentalist who has worked on some incredible projects with fellow artists such as Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Frank Ocean. His career began in 2010 with release of a series of EPs, before his self-titled debut album came out in 2011. He has now released four full-length albums including 2019’s ‘Assume Form’, featuring André 3000 and more.

While in lock-down, Blake has been putting his time to good use, working on new music and filming some covers for his fans. Most recently, he has covered Nirvana’s ‘Come As You Are’ to great acclaim, previously sharing a version of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Never Dreamed You’d Leave In Summer’.

Furthermore, he has shown his solidarity for the #BlackLivesMatter movement by holding a livestream concert fundraiser for The Loveland Foundation. According to its website, the organisation is “committed to showing up for communities of colour in unique and powerful ways, with a particular focus on Black women and girls.” Blake’s fans raised a total of $6,400, and he promised to match it, making a grand total of $12,800.

‘Are You Even Real?’ is available on all platforms.

Blake first teased the song way back in October during an interview at the Austin City Limits Festival (festivals… remember those?), describing it as a love song about “wanting to take a little bit of someone’s load and just loving that person”. But despite saying his new single was “about to drop”, it was only yesterday that “You’re Too Precious“ was officially announced (it’s okay James, we forgive you).

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You’re Too Precious out Friday. Link in bio to pre-save now.

A post shared by James Blake (@jamesblake) on Apr 20, 2020 at 3:05pm PDT

The British producer has spent much of the lockdown in his living room, performing for fans in a series of Instagram live videos. On Monday, during one of these livestreams, Blake broke the news that “You’re Too Precious“ was finally arriving, with his social media channels confirming its release the following morning. Despite recently producing the Jay Electronica track “Universal Soldier“, it’s been over a year since we last got our hands on any new material from Blake. Let’s hope this one is worth the wait.

“You’re Too Precious” will be available for streaming and download on the 24th of April. You can pre-save it on Spotify here. Watch Blake talk about the song in a livestream below: