James Blake Teases New Music With Haunting Studio Clip: “I Think We Might Be Sleeping”

James Blake hints at fresh sounds with a mysterious teaser, sparking excitement among fans eager for his next move.

James Blake bringing his soulful energy to a live performance.

A Whisper of Something New

There’s a certain thrill when an artist you admire drops an unexpected hint of new music, especially when it’s wrapped in an air of mystery. James Blake, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for blending soulful vocals with electronic textures, just did exactly that. On January 8, he took to Instagram with a cryptic video titled, “I think we might be sleeping,” giving fans a tantalizing taste of what’s next.

The clip is brief but captivating: Blake is seated in a recording studio, headphones on, intently listening to an unfamiliar yet hypnotic track. The snippet is built around chopped, soulful vocals repeating the phrase, “I think we might be sleeping,” floating over a gentle beat and underscored by eerie, haunting choral voices. It’s the kind of soundscape only Blake could craft—introspective, atmospheric, and emotionally charged.

Have a listen for yourself here on Instagram.

The Gap Since ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’

If you’ve been following Blake’s career, you’ll know that his last full-length solo album was Playing Robots Into Heaven in 2023. That record was a bold exploration of vulnerability and sonic depth, earning critical praise for its raw emotional honesty and innovative production. In fact, it was hailed for its closing tracks, where Blake’s introspection comes to the forefront—delicate piano melodies paired with cinematic arrangements that felt like a soundtrack to a starry night.

Despite this, Blake hasn’t been quiet since. In 2024, he surprised fans with the collaborative album Bad Cameo alongside rapper Lil Yachty, showcasing his versatility across genres. He also dropped the CMYK 002 EP, continuing to experiment and evolve his sound. Yet, nothing has teased a fresh solo full-length as directly as this new Instagram snippet.

Last Year’s Highlights: From SNL to Big Stages

Looking back at 2024, Blake kept his presence felt in some memorable moments. Most notably, he appeared on Saturday Night Live, lending his piano skills to accompany Timothée Chalamet’s striking rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Three Angels.” It was a magical intersection of music and film, supporting the release of A Complete Unknown.

He also graced the lineup at London’s Field Day festival, bringing his signature sound to an eager crowd hungry for those soulful, electronic vibes. Then, in September, he performed at Brian Eno’s Together For Palestine show at Wembley—a powerful cause-driven event that underscored Blake’s commitment to using music as a platform for change. His year wrapped with a performance at the Choose Love 10th anniversary fundraiser at the Royal Albert Hall in November, a fitting tribute to a decade of activism and connection through music.

Blake’s Bold Words on Coldplay

James Blake isn’t shy about speaking his mind either. Last year, he stirred the pot in the music community by defending Coldplay, who often find themselves the subject of casual dismissal. Blake said, “Coldplay bashing has got to stop. It’s not cool anymore! It’s not cool anymore to just be like ‘Coldplay’s not cool.’ Just fuck off.” He praised Chris Martin as a “melodic genius” and highlighted the band’s impressive catalog of songs.

It’s refreshing when an artist challenges the crowd to reconsider popular opinions with such passion and honesty—especially in an era where music tastes can be so polarized.

The Legacy of ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’

Critics lauded Playing Robots Into Heaven for its emotional depth and sonic innovation. The album’s latter half, in particular, revealed a more vulnerable Blake, shedding light on his personal growth and battles with fear of failure. The closing track, “If You Can Hear Me (Ad Astra),” is often singled out as one of his most moving songs, with its melancholic piano lines giving way to sweeping, cinematic soundscapes that perfectly encapsulate the album’s title.

The album felt like a journey—part introspective diary, part futuristic sound experiment—that left listeners both comforted and stirred.

What’s Next for James Blake?

This new teaser opens the door to exciting possibilities. Will Blake continue down the path he set on his last album, or pivot in a fresh direction? The ethereal mood of the teaser clip suggests something deeply personal and atmospheric, perfectly in tune with his musical DNA.

Whatever it is, fans can’t help but lean in closer, ears perked and hearts open, waiting for the next chapter from this singular talent.

There are so many amazing Coldplay songs. And Chris Martin is clearly a melodic genius.
— James Blake

FAQ

• How long has James Blake been since his last solo album?
  Blake’s last solo full-length album was Playing Robots Into Heaven in 2023.
• Has James Blake released any music recently?
  Yes, in 2024, he released the collaborative album Bad Cameo with Lil Yachty and his CMYK 002 EP.
• What was unique about the new teaser clip?
  The teaser features soulful, chopped vocals with eerie choral backgrounds and the phrase “I think we might be sleeping,” hinting at a moody, atmospheric track.
• What notable performances did Blake have last year?
  He performed on Saturday Night Live with Timothée Chalamet, appeared at London’s Field Day, Brian Eno’s show at Wembley, and the Choose Love fundraiser at Royal Albert Hall.
• What’s Blake’s stance on Coldplay?
  He strongly defends them, calling Chris Martin a melodic genius and asking for an end to Coldplay bashing.

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