Kelela Announces Third Album 'new avatar', Shares New Single linknb
Monday, 11 May 2026
Written by Jon Stickler
Photo: Neva Wireko
Kelela has announced her third album.
Set for release via Warp Records, 'new avatar' will arrive on July 10, following up 2023's 'Raven', its 2024 remix edition and last year's live record 'In The Blue Light'. She said:
"This album finds solace in confronting. I don't want the music to be a distraction from what's really going on in the world; I want it to make sense in this crazy moment while helping people get in touch with the beauty and joy they’re also experiencing."
The album, which features PinkPantheress, A. K. Paul and Fousheé, deals with a world falling apart and the clear thinking needed to get through it. Kelela added:
"People also need to know that my friends and I are laughing constantly and that humour isn’t a defence mechanism; it’s an expression of how sharp our read is and how clearly we see the world."
The American singer's April single idea 1 will feature on the new record alongside her newly shared track linknb, which was written during a difficult period of writer's block and blends R&B, shoegaze and electronic pop influences. Head below to view the video, directed by Mischa Notcutt.
'new avatar' tracklist:
1. Idea 1
2. Point Blank
3. Goin Down
4. Outta Time (featuring A. K. Paul)
5. Against Me
6. Crystalize
7. Retaliation Lullaby
8. linknb
9. Don’t Piss Me Off
10. New Life Forms (feat. Fousheé)
11. The Bridge’ (feat. Pinkpantheress)
12. If We Meet Again
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