Kelela Embraces Indie-Rock Roots on New Album 'New Avatar'

Kelela discusses her latest album 'New Avatar', marking a return to her indie-rock origins. The lead single 'idea 1' features guitar-forward sound and visuals with icy white hair and bleached brows. The album includes 'outta time', co-written with A.K. Paul over a decade ago, originally intended for 'Take Me Apart' but shelved due to creative differences. Collaborators include PinkPantheress and Fousheé. Kelela created a 'White Bag' playlist revisiting formative music like Metric, Incubus's 'Morning View', Buke and Gase, the Fiery Furnaces, and Laura Marling. Creative direction by Yasser Abubeker situates the album in New York. Kelela continues working with Ferragamo's Maximillian Davis for fashion. A remix project is planned to highlight underground Black producers.