
Summary
KAYTRANADA wasn’t going to let summer pass without serving up a proper dance project…
Former Hypebeast Magazine cover star surprised us all when he took to Instagram yesterday to reveal his new longform studio release would be dropping in just a few days. A play on many of our reactions to the news, the imminent new album is entitled AIN’T NO DAMN WAY, and is confirmed to release on all streaming platforms this Friday.
An official press release describes the project – his first since 2024’s Timeless – as a return to form of sorts, calling it “an intentional return to his dance music roots,” a collection of “predominantly instrumental tracks that were made for the dance floor.”
While we don’t have the official tracklist quite yet, we do have lead single “SPACE INVADER,” a shimmery, synth-infused retro cut that invites us into the captivating new narrative, but also epitomizes Kay’s nostalgia-inspired yet highly future-facing sound.
When we sat down with the pioneering electronic producer last year, he spoke a lot about these themes of duality and fluidity in his creative process. “My favorite disco and boogie songs are often heartbreak anthems that are still upbeat. ‘You broke my heart, but I’m going to be okay,’ type songs. Think heavy instrumentation, bass, strings, drums — like seven or eight minutes, giving you a breakdown that feels so emotional. That’s what inspired me. That was always my type of music. I’ve always loved danceable sad songs, with big chords and heavy drums, but also a vulnerable message.”
Stream “SPACE INVADER,” out everywhere now, and check back in when AIN’T NO DAMN WAY drops on streaming services this Friday, August 15.
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