The title of this post has a double meaning.
Firstly, it refers to my own return. My thoughts haven’t been regurgitated onto these virtual pages since January. Sometimes a bit of nagging from your loyal fans is what it takes to get going again (thanks guys 😉).
In addition to marking my own comeback, the heading also hints at what this post will be about. With restrictions beginning to lift over the past few weeks, and with summer on the horizon, it feels like so many artists have emerged from their covid cave to release singles and even announce upcoming albums.
Let’s get cracking – here are a handful of artists who have recently returned from a hiatus, single(s) out and album on the way!
Hiatus Kaiyote
Coincidentally possessing a name in keeping with the theme of this blog post, Australian band Hiatus Kaiyote released silky new track Red Room a couple of weeks ago, the second single from their upcoming album Mood Valiant. This will be the group’s first album release since 2015’s Choose Your Weapon, a gorgeous project that has been sampled by Anderson.Paak, Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Really excited for this one – I’m sure the 6 year wait will be worth it!
Faye Webster
I’ve kept it no secret that Faye Webster’s 2019 album was a massive companion to me throughout lockdown. It’s no surprise that I was delighted when she dropped a couple of singles towards the end of 2020. Last month, she announced the new album! The most recent single Cheers drew on more psychedelic rock influences compared to her other folk-leaning songs. She is such a talented songwriter and I’m pretty sure the new album will be very much rinsed by me.
Silk Sonic
I am not afraid to admit that I do love a bit of Bruno Mars. He is such a talented performer, and I can’t help but be drawn to his soulful jams on 2016’s 24K Magic. In a Breakfast Club interview, Bruno says one reason for this hiatus is that he felt so under pressure to create songs that top the other huge hits he’s had over his career. This new pairing with Anderson.Paak seems like such a wonderful way to bring Bruno out any creative ruts he may have been experiencing. As songwriter Tayla Parx notes in a Vulture article, this duo have a talent for putting a spin on old sounds to create something nostalgic yet authentically contemporary. Really looking forward to the full Silk Sonic album!
Little Simz
Little Simz recently announced her highly-anticipated next album will be arriving September 3rd, following her last full-length GREY AREA in 2019. Having released a window to her quarantine experience in the form of 2020’s Drop 6 EP, the two lead singles she’s released over the last few weeks have continued to demonstrate how she is a master in her craft. Bring on September.
Stuck On Repeat with Leah 