Kelela Announces Upcoming Album 'new avatar' and Shares New Single ‘linknb’

Third Warp album lands in July with collaborations from PinkPantheress, Fousheé and A. K. Paul.

Kelela has officially announced her third studio album, 'new avatar,' arriving 10 July via Warp Records, alongside its powerful new single 'linknb.'

Following the release of 'idea 1' earlier this month, 'linknb' offers another glimpse into Kelela’s evolving sonic world - and it’s one of her most confrontational releases yet. Produced by Oscar Scheller, the track pairs jagged guitar riffs with pounding industrial drums as Kelela delivers lyrics centred on resilience, self-worth and refusing to shrink in the face of adversity.

Written during a period of writer’s block, Kelela describes the track as a personal mantra that helped pull her back into creativity. The accompanying visual, directed by Mischa Notcutt, places her in a surreal urban dreamscape that mirrors the song’s themes of renewal and self-discovery.

'new avatar' marks a major shift for the artist, reconnecting with the guitar-driven sounds of her early days in Washington D.C.’s indie scene while continuing to push electronic and R&B boundaries. The album also features collaborations with PinkPantheress, Fousheé and A. K. Paul.

It follows the critical acclaim of Raven and RAVE:N, The Remixes, which cemented Kelela as one of contemporary music’s most innovative voices.

'idea 1' hinted at transformation but 'linknb' confirms it: Kelela’s next era looks sharper, louder and more uncompromising than ever.