James Blake Announces New Album ‘Trying Times’ for March 2026
LONDON, 26 January 2026 – Acclaimed English singer, songwriter and producer James Blake has announced details of his highly anticipated eighth studio album. Trying Times is scheduled for release on 13 March 2026 via his own Good Boy Records, marking a significant new chapter for the artist following his departure from a major label in 2024.
A New Chapter on Independent Ground
The announcement, made via a password-protected website, signals Blake’s continued evolution as an independent artist. In 2024, he left Polydor Records after over a decade to form CMYK Group, a production house and record label. At the time, he described the move as “scary” but necessary to “break free of the algorithm gods gatekeeping art.” Trying Times will be the first full-length project released under this new independent framework, following the 2024 collaborative album Bad Cameo with American rapper Lil Yachty.
Album Details and Recent Activity
The 13-track album will feature a collaboration with British rapper Dave on a song titled “Doesn’t Just Happen.” Blake and Dave have a established working relationship, with Blake having produced and featured on several tracks from Dave’s 2025 album The Boy Who Played the Harp. The announcement was accompanied by the release of a new standalone single, “Death Of Love,” a haunting, synth-heavy track that has been performed live since 2022.
Blake’s most recent solo single was “Like The End,” released in November 2024. The past year also saw him launch Vault, a direct-to-fan music platform, and perform a notable back-to-back DJ set with Mala at London’s Field Day festival.
Career at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Blake Litherland |
| Born | 26 September 1988, Enfield, London |
| Breakthrough | 2010 EPs The Bells Sketch, CMYK, and Klavierwerke |
| Major Awards | Mercury Prize (2013), 2x Grammy Awards, Latin Grammy Award |
| Notable Collaborations | Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean, Travis Scott, Rosalía, Bon Iver, André 3000 |
| 2024 Highlight | Formed CMYK Group; released collaborative album Bad Cameo with Lil Yachty |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is James Blake’s new album out?
James Blake’s eighth studio album, Trying Times, will be released on 13 March 2026.
What label is ‘Trying Times’ on?
The album will be released via Blake’s own Good Boy Records, following his decision to become an independent artist in 2024 after leaving Polydor Records.
Has James Blake released any new music recently?
Yes. He released the single “Like The End” in November 2024. He also released a collaborative album with Lil Yachty titled Bad Cameo in June 2024 and the solo single “Thrown Around” in May 2024.
Will James Blake be touring in 2026?
As of 26 January 2026, no official tour dates have been announced in support of Trying Times. His most recent performances were in late 2025 at festivals including Fuji Rock in Japan and Montreux Jazz in Switzerland.