By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – The landscape of modern electronic and soul music is shifting as James Blake, the Mercury Prize-winning producer and singer-songwriter, prepares to enter a definitive new chapter of his career. Blake has officially announced the upcoming release of his latest studio album, Trying Times, marking a significant milestone as his first full-length project to be released as a completely independent artist. To coincide with this announcement, Blake has also unveiled a comprehensive North American tour scheduled for the spring and summer of 2024, alongside the release of a haunting new single and accompanying music video titled “I Had A Dream She Took My Hand.”
The transition to independence is perhaps the most compelling narrative surrounding Trying Times. For over a decade, Blake has navigated the complexities of the major label system, delivering a string of critically acclaimed albums including his self-titled debut, the award-winning Overgrown, and the genre-blurring Assume Form. However, in recent years, Blake has become an outspoken advocate for artist rights and fair compensation in the streaming era. His move away from traditional label structures follows his recent involvement with alternative distribution and fan-engagement platforms, signaling a desire for greater creative autonomy and a more direct connection with his audience. Trying Times, set for global release on March 13th, is the culmination of this newfound freedom, promising an unfiltered look into Blake’s evolving sonic palette.
The lead-up to the album has been bolstered by the arrival of “I Had A Dream She Took My Hand,” a track that showcases Blake’s signature ability to blend minimalist electronic production with deeply emotive vocal performances. The single serves as an atmospheric introduction to the themes of the new record, leaning into the ethereal and often introspective songwriting that has become his hallmark. The music video, which premiered alongside the announcement, utilizes striking visual metaphors to complement the song’s lyrical depth, further cementing the aesthetic direction of the Trying Times era. Fans and critics alike have noted that the new material seems to strike a balance between the avant-garde experimentation of his early EPs and the sophisticated pop sensibilities he developed throughout the 2010s.
This upcoming project follows closely on the heels of his 2023 release, Playing Robots Into Heaven. That album was widely regarded as a "return to roots" for Blake, moving away from the guest-heavy, hip-hop-influenced structures of Friends That Break Your Heart and returning to the modular synthesis and club-oriented rhythms of the London electronic scene where he first emerged. While Playing Robots Into Heaven explored the technical boundaries of electronic music, early indications suggest that Trying Times may lean back toward the "singer-songwriter" identity that garnered him a global following, albeit filtered through an independent lens that allows for more unconventional arrangements.
To support the new record, Blake will embark on a curated tour across North America, beginning in late May. The tour is designed to hit several major cultural hubs, offering fans an intimate yet high-production look at the new material. The itinerary kicks off on May 27th at The Tabernacle in Atlanta, Georgia, a venue known for its historic architecture and excellent acoustics, providing a fittingly grand start to the trek. From there, Blake will head to the Northeast for a highly anticipated two-night residency at the Brooklyn Paramount in New York on May 29th and 30th. These New York dates are expected to be highlights of the tour, as the recently restored venue offers a majestic backdrop for Blake’s immersive soundscapes.
The tour continues into June with a stop at Roadrunner in Boston on May 31st, followed by a performance at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. on June 2nd. As the schedule moves into the mid-Atlantic, Blake will perform at the Franklin Music Hall in Philadelphia on June 4th. The lone Canadian date on the tour is scheduled for June 6th at HISTORY in Toronto. The Toronto venue, which has quickly become a premier destination for international touring acts since its opening, will host Blake’s only appearance north of the border, making it a focal point for his extensive Canadian fanbase.
Following the Toronto show, the tour moves to the Midwest for a performance at The Salt Shed in Chicago on June 8th. This venue, situated along the Chicago River, has become a favorite for artists seeking a unique industrial-chic atmosphere. The North American leg will then conclude with two prestigious dates in California. On June 11th, Blake will perform at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, followed by a final show at the legendary Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on June 12th. Both "Greek" venues are iconic outdoor amphitheaters, and performing under the stars in California has historically brought out some of Blake’s most inspired live iterations.
The live show experience for a James Blake tour is notoriously meticulous. Known for his live looping, improvisational synth work, and the sheer power of his falsetto, Blake often reimagines his studio recordings for the stage. Backed by his long-time touring bandmates, Rob McAndrews and Ben Assiter, Blake’s performances often bridge the gap between a high-energy electronic set and a somber, piano-led recital. With the independent spirit of Trying Times guiding this tour, attendees can likely expect a setlist that honors his extensive catalog while prioritizing the experimental nuances of his new independent work.
The industry at large is watching Blake’s independent pivot with interest. As a major figure in the music world who has collaborated with the likes of Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Travis Scott, his decision to bypass the traditional label machine for Trying Times could serve as a blueprint for other high-profile artists. By controlling the release schedule, the marketing, and the creative direction entirely, Blake is positioning himself as a pioneer of the "artist-first" movement. This independence allows for a release like Trying Times to exist on its own terms, free from the commercial pressures that often dictate the output of major-label stars.
As March 13th approaches, the anticipation for the full album continues to build. "I Had A Dream She Took My Hand" has already begun to circulate through digital spaces, garnering praise for its sophisticated production and vulnerable lyricism. The track suggests an album that is both timely and timeless, dealing with the anxieties of the modern era while maintaining the soulful, human core that has always defined James Blake’s music.
For those planning to attend the North American dates, tickets are expected to be in high demand, particularly for the multi-night run in New York and the iconic California amphitheaters. This tour represents more than just a promotional cycle; it is a celebration of a decade of growth and the beginning of a self-determined future.
The full 2024 North American tour schedule is as follows:
05-27 Atlanta, GA – The Tabernacle
05-29 New York, NY – Brooklyn Paramount
05-30 New York, NY – Brooklyn Paramount
05-31 Boston, MA – Roadrunner
06-02 Washington, DC – The Anthem
06-04 Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall
06-06 Toronto, Ontario – HISTORY
06-08 Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed
06-11 Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre
06-12 Los Angeles, CA – The Greek Theatre
With Trying Times, James Blake is not just releasing an album; he is making a statement about the viability of independence in the highest tiers of the music industry. Between the evocative new visuals, the promise of a fresh sonic direction, and a tour that spans some of the continent’s most respected stages, 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark year for the artist. As he moves from the experimental pulses of Playing Robots Into Heaven into the unknown territory of Trying Times, Blake continues to prove that he is one of the most unpredictable and essential voices in contemporary music.