The ever-experimental Kelela knows exactly how to get our attention. She did just that last month when she dropped her single “idea 1.” Now the singer-songwriter is ready to reveal her next form with the announcement of her upcoming album new avatar. As she prepares what’s sure to be an experience, she ushers us into what’s to come with the set’s next single “linknb.”
Produced by Kelela and Oscar Scheller, “linknb” has a sound that mixes the softness of R&B with the edge of ’90s alternative and throws in a few electronic touches for good measure. It’s a stripped-back, vulnerable type of vibe that lends itself well to Kelela’s introspective lyrics.
The song apparently started as a mantra of sorts that the performer used as a way out of writer’s block. It soon evolved into something more, eventually helping the singer find her way to her art and make a statement at the same time.
“It’s not hard to be brave / Easier to give too much away,” she sings on the song’s only verse. “All I know is that I paved the way / Underpaid / We’ve been here before / What’s mine is yours.”
The video for the song looks to take inspiration from The Chemical Brothers’ iconic visual for “Let Forever Be.” The clip appears to be mostly filmed on a handheld camera as we follow Kelela through a busy day in New York City. We watch her take several modes of transport, including a rideshare, bike, subway and on foot. Eventually, though, she finds a calm moment on a rooftop with buildings surrounding her as she looks out to the sky.
With “idea 1” and “linknb” out in the ether, we think we have an idea of the sound that new avatar will bring when it arrives on Friday, July 10th. However, we already know that a Kelela project is rarely ever predictable. What we do know for certain, though, is that she’ll be in great company, with A.K. Paul, Fousheé and Pinkpantheress all set to feature on the album.
See what else is in store when you check out the album’s cover art and full tracklist below.
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Kelela new avatar tracklist:
1. idea 1
2. point blank
3. goin down
4. outta time (feat. 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
