Singer, songwriter, and producer Kelela doesn’t squander a release. Whether an original offering, remix, or unplugged recording, Kelela lives with every song. Nearly three years removed from Raven, Kelela is ready to share their latest creative concoction.
In July, Kelela’s long-awaited studio follow-up, New Avatar, will hit streaming platforms. Ahead of its official release, fans have already been treated to two singles, “linknb” and “idea 1.” Both recorders, which were produced by Oscar Scheller, paint a cohesive picture of what’s to come.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Kelela elaborated on the inspiration behind “idea 1,” writing, “Born in a garage and written while I was reading Octavia Butler’s ‘Parable Of The Sower,’ ‘idea 1’ is about what it feels like to exist in this climate—the weight of being expected to witness, absorb, and speak truth at a time when the world feels like it’s unraveling.”
Kelela continued: “That’s a particular kind of burden Black women know intimately. This song doesn’t offer answers; it just refuses to look away.”
The album notes shared by Warp Records tease the musical director of Kelela’s forthcoming body of work.
The description reads: “‘New Avatar’ pulls from everywhere Kelela has ever lived musically. From her first songs written in the D.C. indie scene through to her move towards the club and the electronic production that defined her sound,. With this record, she closes the loop: R&B run through distorted guitar living alongside new intersections in dance music.”
Continue below for the confirmed release date, tracklist, supporting tour dates, and more for Kelela’s album, New Avatar.
Release Date
Kelela’s album, New Avatar, is out on July 10, 2026, via Warp Records. Click here to pre-save or pre-stream.
Tracklist
- “idea 1”
- “point blank”
- “goin down”
- “outta times” with A.K. Paul
- “against me”
- “crystalize”
- “retaliation lullaby”
- “linknb”
- “don’t piss me off”
- “new life forms” with Fousheé
- “the bridge” with PinkPantheress
- “if we meet again”
Album Cover
Supporting Tour
At this time, Kelela has not yet announced a tour to support New Avatar. Still, Kelela is set to appear at two music festivals this fall. Continue below to view the performance dates.
10/16/2026 – Miami, FL @ Ill Points 2026
10/29/2026 – Torino, Italy @ C2C Festival 2026