Considering the fact that a follow-up to James Blake’s 2013 Mercury Prize-winning debut LP will be released at some point this year, up until this point we’ve known little more than its title, Radio Silence. However, indicating it’s potential imminence, the young Brit has confirmed the involvement of both Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon and Kim’s Kanye West. Though overlords of very different genres, the pair have collaborated multiple times in the past, as have Justin and James on the lesser-appreciated Fall Creek Boys Choir. The news comes following Kanye’s declaration a few years back that JB was his favourite artist, and the drawn-out musical love affair has got us quite excited.
Teasing fans to a taste of what’s to come, festivalgoers at Latitude this past weekend were treated to the albums’s title track in the midst of a stunning set from the artist, who played the main stage before headliners Portishead. “It’s really nice to be with you as the sun goes down – it’s always my favourite time to play,” James told the audience. “I’m writing a new album. We played something from it earlier… I hope you liked it.” We did.
Credits
Photography via