James Blake to Release ‘Trying Times,’ His First Album as a Fully Independent Artist, in March

On Friday, March 13, British singer-songwriter James Blake will release his seventh solo album, "Trying Times," through his own Good Boy Records. This project marks a significant shift, representing his first fully independent release since assuming complete control of his business operations. The album's cover, depicting Blake spinning multiple plates, visually symbolizes his new hands-on role in managing his career, from booking tours to seeking more equitable models for music distribution.

In a recent interview with Variety, Blake elaborated on this transformation. He admitted that until last year, he was an artist who largely avoided the business side of the industry. "When I really looked into the machinations of what was going on behind each part of the industry, getting all the statements, I saw that there are unethical parts of the model that are responsible for a massive transfer of wealth away from the artist," Blake explained. He stressed that the issue isn't a lack of revenue, but its diversion. "It's just being diverted to the wrong places, and the system is set up to not give you that information." This move towards independence reflects a growing trend among established artists seeking greater creative and financial autonomy, a path previously taken by acts like Radiohead and Taylor Swift at different career stages.

The lead single "Death of Love" has already been released, accompanied by a live video featuring the London Welsh Men's Choir and directed by the creative duo Harrison & Adair. Blake, known for his ethereal production and soulful vocals, boasts an impressive history of collaborations with major artists including Beyoncé, Frank Ocean, and Kendrick Lamar. His recent work includes a feature on British rapper Dave's album "The Boy Who Played The Harp" and a contribution to the soundtrack for Ryan Coogler's film "Sinners." That film's composer, Oscar-winner Ludwig Göransson, collaborated with Blake on the track "Séance"; notably, "Sinners" recently made headlines by becoming the most-nominated film in Academy Awards history.

The tracklist for "Trying Times" showcases a mix of solo and featured works, promising a blend of introspective songwriting and high-profile collaborations. The full sequence is: Walk Out Music, Death Of Love, I Had A Dream, She Took My Hand, Trying Times, Make Something Up, Didn’t Come To Argue (ft. Monica Martin), Days Go By, Doesn’t Just Happen (ft. Dave), Obsession, Rest Of Your Life, Through The High Wire, Feel It Again, and Just A Little Higher. Industry analysts suggest that the success of this independent venture could inspire other mid-career artists to renegotiate their relationships with major labels, potentially reshaping traditional industry power dynamics.