The neo-soul trailblazers are also touring the new record this year.
Six years after the release of their acclaimed sophomore effort Choose Your Weapon, Melbourne’s neo-soul titans Hiatus Kaiyote have heralded their return with the announcement of their third album Mood Valiant.
Set for release on Friday June 23, Mood Valiant will mark the first ever Hiatus Kaiyote record to be released on Brainfeeder; the LA-based label helmed by Flying Lotus and featuring a roster of acts including Thundercat, Louis Cole, Teebs and TOKiMONSTA. Ninja Tune will also distribute the release globally.
The news of the band’s return is accompanied by the release of lead single ‘Get Sun’, which features contributions from Arthur Verocai, with the band travelling to Rio de Janeiro in 2019 to work on the single with the Brazilian composer.
The song – a staggered flurry of strings, off-kilter grooves and Nai Palm’s distinctive vocal harmonies – was initially started in 2018, however, a press statement reveals that the band were forced to halt the recording process after Nai Palm was diagnosed with breast cancer that year.
“When you think your life is going to be taken away from you, it makes you think about who you are,” Nai Palm reflected in a statement shared today.
“I guess after the breast cancer scare I decided that I needed to prove to life that the offering I have is genuine. My only wish is to live and offer my experience of time and beauty.”
Bassist Paul Bender also shared his thoughts on working alongside Verocai to create ‘Get Sun’, recalling that “We had recorded the song ‘Get Sun’, and it already sounded good.
“We had no idea what he had written for it. When Verocai fired up his horn and string sections, it was a release for everyone. Tears were running down my face.”
In addition, Hiatus Kaiyote have also announced a string of local dates to support the release of Mood Valiant this July, September and October, with the band also performing a special show with Harvey Sutherland and special guests for St Kilda’s April Sun in early May. Check out all the dates, as well as the video for ‘Get Sun’, below.
Hiatus Kaiyote Mood Valiant 2021 Tour
Sunday May 2 – April Sun @ St Kilda Triangle (with Harvey Sutherland)
Friday July 2 – The Forum, Melbourne VIC
Thursday September 30 – UC, Canberra ACT
Friday October 1 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle NSW
Saturday October 2 – The Enmore Theatre, Sydney NSW
Thursday October 7 – The Astor Theatre, Perth WA
Saturday October 9 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide SA
Friday October 15 – The Tivoli, Brisbane QLD
Mood Valiant is out via Brainfeeder/Ninja Tune on Friday June 23. Get your tickets to their album tour here.
