Kelela Expands Her Sonic Universe On Fearless Third Album ‘new avatar’

A bold, shape-shifting album that cements kelela as a true innovator.

Kelela has never been interested in staying within the lines. Across previous albums 'Cut 4 Me', 'Take Me Apart' and 'Raven', she's continually reshaped the possibilities of contemporary R&B, drawing from electronic music, ambient textures and club culture without ever sounding confined by genre. On her third album, 'new avatar', released today, that restless creative streak reaches another high point.

Rather than following the blueprint of its predecessor, 'new avatar' feels like a deliberate reset. Guitars sit alongside fractured electronic production, club rhythms dissolve into intimate moments, and Kelela's voice moves effortlessly through it all. The result is her most sonically varied record yet, but also one of her most emotionally direct.

The album's final preview came earlier this week with 'the bridge', a collaboration with PinkPantheress that captures the quiet intimacy of leaving a club at sunrise. Their second track together pairs hushed vocals with syncopated percussion and moody synths, inspired by Kelela's memories of crossing Williamsburg Bridge after nights out in Bushwick. Elsewhere, A.K. Paul appears on 'outta time', while Fousheé features on 'new life forms'.

Lyrically, new avatar explores transformation, intimacy, desire and resilience while continuing Kelela's long-standing refusal to accept rigid genre boundaries.

“When it comes to genre, so much of what we compartmentalise isn’t natural; it’s something institutions and structures impose on us. My goal as an artist is to express what feels true to me regardless of whether or not it fits into those boundaries,” explains Kelela. “When I do that, I know I’m creating space for other people to feel affirmed in their own perspective. My hope for this record is that everyone can experience this catharsis of integration with me. I also need everyone to put some respect on R&B’s name — it being as foundational as it is expansive, and to rethink what alternative and rock music can be,” Kelela shared.

'new avatar' has been celebrated for its ambitious songwriting and adventurous production, thanks to its seamless fusion of alternative rock, electronic music and R&B into something that feels distinctly Kelela.

Kelela will support the album with her first full multinational tour in years this autumn, including a headline show at London's O2 Academy Brixton on 4 November.