James Blake Returns with “Playing Robots Into Heaven”

James Blake, the multifaceted talent known for his songwriting, vocals, and production prowess, has gifted fans with another auditory delight. Today, he unveiled his eagerly awaited album, “Playing Robots Into Heaven.” The Mercury Music Prize and GRAMMY® Award-winning artist has intricately woven a tapestry of eleven tracks, blending cinematic soundscapes with emotive vocals and poignant lyricism.

Each song, while captivating as a standalone, forms a seamless narrative, initiating with “Asking To Break” and culminating in the album’s namesake, “Playing Robots Into Heaven.” The record echoes Blake’s signature blend of alternative, electronic, indie, and experimental soundscapes.

“Loading,” the album’s preliminary single, underscored Blake’s evolution as an artist. The song, described as “pulsating” and acclaimed for its “immersive production and glitchy beats” by DIY, has certainly set high expectations for the album.

The journey to “Playing Robots Into Heaven” began with “Big Hammer,” a single that not only stood out musically but also featured a captivating video by Oscar Hudson, known for his work with Radiohead and Bonobo.

PLAYING ROBOTS INTO HEAVEN TRACKLISTING
1.         Asking To Break
2.         Loading
3.         Tell Me
4.         Fall Back
5.         He’s Been Wonderful
6.         Big Hammer
7.         I Want You To Know
8.         Night Sky
9.         Fire The Editor
10.       If You Can Hear Me
11.       Playing Robots Into Heaven

While this album follows his successful “Friends That Break Your Heart,” it finds Blake revisiting the electronic undertones reminiscent of his earlier works with labels like Hessle and Hemlock. Additionally, there’s a discernible influence from his CMYK event series with Ronda INTL. These events, which began in LA, have been instant sell-outs, featuring a plethora of special guest appearances, including Steve Lacy and Channel Tres.

Commemorating the album’s launch, Blake is setting out on an international headline tour, starting in Milan on September 18th and concluding in Los Angeles on October 20th.

Beyond his solo work, Blake’s imprint on the contemporary music scene is undeniable. He’s masterminded tracks on iconic albums such as Frank Ocean’s “Blonde” and Kendrick Lamar’s “DAMN.” His collaborations also encompass titans like JAY-Z, Beyoncé, and Travis Scott.

Blake’s solo endeavors, commencing with 2011’s self-titled album, have solidified his standing in the music world. Albums like “Overgrown” showcased his unique ability to bring diverse artists together, winning him accolades like the Mercury Prize. “Assume Form” in 2019 further cemented his reputation, with recognition from esteemed outlets such as Time Magazine and Billboard.

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Blake remained an active presence, entertaining fans through Instagram live performances, and releasing two notable EPs, “Before” and “Covers.”

Following his fifth studio album, “Friends That Break Your Heart” in 2021, which debuted at #4 on the UK charts, Blake continues to expand his horizons, collaborating with artists like Metro Boomin on tracks for the Spider-Verse soundtrack.

With “Playing Robots Into Heaven,” James Blake’s influential and ever-evolving footprint in the music landscape remains indelible.

JAMES BLAKE 2023 TOUR DATES

Sep-18	Milan, Italy	Fabrique
Sep-20	Paris, France	L’Olympia
Sep-21	Brussels, Belgium	Forest National Club
Sep-22	Paris, France	L’Olympia	SOLD OUT
Sep-24	Berlin, Germany	UFO im Velodrom
Sep-26	Tilburg, Netherlands	013
Sep-28	London, UK	Alexandra Palace
Oct-03	Atlanta, GA	Coca Cola Roxy
Oct-05	Queens, NY	Knockdown Center	SOLD OUT
Oct-06	Queens, NY	Knockdown Center
Oct-09	Boston, MA	MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Oct-10	Montreal, QC, Canada	L’Olympia
Oct-12	Toronto, ON, Canada	Rebel
Oct-14	Chicago, IL	Aragon Ballroom
Oct-16	San Francisco, CA	The Masonic Theater
Oct-19	Los Angeles, CA	Hollywood Forever Cemetery	SOLD OUT
Oct-20	Los Angeles, CA	Hollywood Forever Cemetery