Loyle Carner has returned with two new singles, after a two-year hiatus. The heartfelt new tracks, ‘all I need’ and ‘in my mind’ were dropped yesterday, April 9.
A press release delves into the new styles Carner is exploring. ‘all I need’ is an upbeat, indie-influenced track with poetic, metaphorical lyrics about searching for peace of mind. ‘in my mind’ takes a more relaxed approach, with a slow tempo and instrumentation that wouldn’t feel out of place on a King Krule record.
The statement says the two new singles mark a musical change for Carner, pairing hip-hop with alternative sounds inspired by bands like Big Thief, Idles and Fontaines DC. It also says the move has taken “his entire career to find the confidence to explore”.
It also provides some context behind the stylistic shift and the recording process: “After inadvertently forming a band around his ‘Hugo’ tour – a dream of Carner’s throughout his life – the introspective jam of ‘in my mind’ sees Loyle step outside of his comfort zone, whilst also centering on what matters. The track was recorded with Loyle’s son sat on his shoulders, holding lyric sheets that in themselves connect generations of men – what you pass on, and what you’re able to let go of.”
The new songs are the first solo offerings from Carner since his album ‘Hugo’, a sample-heavy hip-hop affair featuring production from legendary producers like Madlib and Alfa Mist, reaching no. 3 in the UK album charts.
Loyle Carner’s career has seen him become a celebrated name in UK hip-hop. He studied acting at Brit school in his younger years, before dropping out to pursue music after the passing of his stepdad. He managed to secure some support slots with high-profile names like Joey Bada$$, MF Doom, Kae Tempest and Nas, while gathering a buzz on BBC radio shows. His 2017 debut album, ‘Yesterday’s Gone’, received widespread critical acclaim, and gathered him a Mercury Prize nomination.
Since then, he’s released two other studio albums, been nominated for multiple BRIT and MOBO awards as well as 2023’s Mercury Prize, had his music featured on the video game FIFA 20, and is now taking an opportunity to get back to his dramatic roots – he’s recently been announced as part of the cast of Mint, a new BBC drama from BAFTA-nominated director Charlotte Regan.
The upcoming tv-series is described by the BBC as “a darkly comic and unconventional drama about a crime family’s inner life, told through Regan’s unique and distinctive voice. It explores the question of what love might feel like when everyone outside of your family is terrified of you.”
The Croydon rapper has recently been confirmed for Glastonbury 2025, set to headline ‘The Other Stage’. You can find our latest coverage on the festival here.
