Kelela Unveils New Single, 'Washed Away' | The Quietus

Kelela Unveils New Single, ‘Washed Away’

The sharing of the new track follows a series of social media teasers in recent days

Kelela has returned with her first original solo material since 2017 album Take Me Apart, a new single called ‘Washed Away’.

The track arrived today (September 13) alongside a social media post in which Kelela said: "Please TRUST the bangers are on the way, but first: how’s your heart?" ‘Washed Away’ is believed to be the lead single from a currently unannounced new album, and its unveiling follows on from a series of social media teasers shared by the artist in recent days which have riffed on her absence from the music scene over the last few years. You can watch a video for the new song, set in Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression, above.

Speaking in a statement about ‘Washed Away’, Kelela said: "I love a banger, but for the first point of contact out of my hiatus, it felt more honest to lead with an ambient heart-check. I specifically want to speak to marginalised Black folk and highlight the work we do to find renewal in a world that’s built to make us feel inadequate. This song is the soundtrack to the relief we find after going inward."

‘Washed Away’ is out now on Warp Records.

The Quietus Digest

Sign up for our free Friday email newsletter.

Support The Quietus

Our journalism is funded by our readers. Become a subscriber today to help champion our writing, plus enjoy bonus essays, podcasts, playlists and music downloads.

Support & Subscribe Today