After teasing us with recent singles “Washed Away” and “Happy Ending”, Kelela has finally revealed that she has a new album coming out: it’s called RAVEN and will be released on February 10 through Warp. It was executive produced by Kelela and co-executive produced by Asmara, with all songs written and arranged by Kelela. Yo Van Lenz and Florian T M Zeisig (also known as the ambient duo OCA) and LSDXOXO serve as two main producers throughout the album, alongside additional production from Bambii.
On the album, Kelela says: “I started this process from the feeling of isolation and alienation I’ve always had as a black femme in dance music, despite its black origins. RAVEN is my first breath taken in the dark, an affirmation of black femme perspective in the midst of systemic erasure and the sound of our vulnerability turned to power.”
She has also shared a new single called “On The Run”, which features production from Kaytranada, as well as all those others mentioned above. It starts with lightly percolating synths as Kelela intones: “nothing in the world can stop us right now / nothing in the world can make this wrong”. Soon, bass kicks the song into tropical R&B mode, Kelela expressing her desires and the limitlessness of her being in her usual sultry and powerful tones. As ever, she cuts through the noise and casually, coolly demanding what she wants – and there’s no resisting.
Take a listen to “On The Run” below or find it on streamers.
Kelela’s new album RAVEN is out on February 10 through Warp (pre-order/save). You can find her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
