Alela Diane returns with new album 'Who’s Keeping Time?', shares lead single “California”

Alela Diane returns with new album 'Who’s Keeping Time?', shares lead single “California”

Alele Diane just announced Who's Keeping Time?, her brand new album, which arrives May 22 via Loose Music/Fluff & Gravy, marking her first release on the label.

The announcement comes alongside the release of lead single "California". Listen below:

Diane had this to say about the track:

“I wrote this song after a quick trip down to the tiny California town where I grew up, no matter how much time passes, part of my heart will always live among those golden hills. On this particular visit, I found myself talking to a woman who I clearly must have known in a former chapter of life, but I couldn’t place her. Time sure can move through like a wildfire. All that’s left are muted memories, elusive as ghosts.”

Part of the record’s genesis traces back to loss. On April 1 last year, Portland folk mainstay Michael Hurley passed away at 83. Diane, who counted him as both influence and friend, performed at a tribute in his honor and the experience caused her to reevaluate her relationship with music. As she’s reflected since, she missed her people. She wanted to be in rooms where songs are breathed into being. In her own words, “I felt very clear about what I wanted in that moment: I want to be alive. I want to see live music. I want to play it.”

Who's Keeping Time? was recorded in the attic of Diane's 1892 Victorian home. Drummer Danny Austin-Manning; co-producer Sam Weber (known for his work with Madison Cunningham and Anna Tivel); and bassist Sebastian Owens joined her on the project. The album’s eleven tracks were recorded in just ten days, largely live, in that same attic space.

Who's Keeping Time? is due May 22. Available for pre-order here. Full tracklist:

  1. California
  2. Galloping
  3. In My Own Time
  4. Dusty Roses
  5. Could Be
  6. Spring Is A Fine Time To Die
  7. Wide Open Spaces
  8. Piss, Coffee, Blood or Wine
  9. To Be Kind
  10. Fragile As A Flame
  11. Endless Waltz

Tour Dates:

05/22 Zurich, CH @ Rote Fabrik
05/23 Schorndorf, DE @ Manufaktur 
05/24 Beverungen, DE @ Orange Blossom Festival
05/25 Rotterdam, NL @ LantarenVenster
05/26 Deventer, NL @ Burgerweeshuis
05/28 London, UK @ Rough Trade Denmark Street
06/12 Trout Lake, WA @ Trout Lake Hall
06/13 Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
06/18 Seattle, WA @ Sunset Tavern
07/03 Nürnberg, DE @ St. Katharina Open Air
07/30-08/02 Happy Valley, OR @ Pickathon


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