James Blake, the British musician and producer, has just released a new single called ‘Thrown Around’, which he says gives a nod to the music he grew up listening to. The electronic track utilises a lively piano riff amongst other beats, and includes the chorus lyric ‘Thrown Around’. Additionally, the single marks Blake’s first release as an independent artist. This follows his 2023 LP ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’, which was reviewed highly by NME.
Blake spoke about the connection he has with the new song, stating: “It started as an ambient piece that I made with Dom Maker, that connected something very deep in me to the influence of British electronic bands… we feel lonely and Thrown Around. This song brings people together – it is the connection through defiance.” Further exploring the song’s themes, Blake added: “It’s a defiant song that’s wrestling with where our job takes us, what it does to our life. It deals with the drawbacks of spending so much time dedicated to work. We don’t have any drives towards community – we are all driven towards success…”
The musician recently became an independent artist, which he announced on his official Instagram account in April: “it feels good to be independent because I’ve wanted to take things into my own hands for a long time”. Blake also spoke about how being independent would benefit his ability to work more “directly” with his fans. He has been active on social media discussing issues such as the lack of royalties artists receive through streaming, which he has announced he has found a “solution” to.
Blake is set to play at some music festivals this summer, including Glastonbury. His new single, ‘Thrown Around’, is already available to listen to, and provides a conclusion to the musical progression that led to his becoming an independent artist
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