Kele Okereke, best known for fronting Bloc Party, has revealed details of their latest solo project, The Singing Winds Pt. 3, set for release on 17 January 2025 via KOLA Records / !K7. Alongside this announcement, Okereke has shared the record’s lead single, “It Wasn’t Meant To Be,” a reflective and emotionally raw track that delves into the complexities of betrayal and the aftermath of a broken relationship.
Speaking about the single, Okereke explains:
“It’s about trying to find closure after a betrayal, but realising that sometimes, no matter how hard you try, it’s impossible to forget the hurt someone caused you.”
The song carries a certain understated power, as Okereke’s voice alternates between vulnerability and defiance. Over a minimalist backdrop, “It Wasn’t Meant To Be” sets the tone for an album that is poised to be Okereke’s most personal yet.
The Singing Winds Pt. 3 is the third instalment in Kele’s 'Elements' series, a project that began during the lockdown. While his previous solo efforts have explored various genres, from indie to electronic, this new album appears to focus on intimacy, both lyrically and sonically. Okereke has shared that each track is crafted using only his guitar, with every sound shaped by the instrument’s limitations. “This project started as a challenge, something I wanted to see if I could pull off on my own. It’s been a very different kind of process for me, but one that has allowed me to reconnect with the essence of songwriting.”
Alongside “It Wasn’t Meant To Be”, fans have already had a taste of the album with the earlier single “Hometown Edge”, a nostalgic track reflecting on a chaotic night in London. Both songs suggest The Singing Winds Pt. 3 will be a deeply introspective record, with Okereke drawing from his own experiences of upheaval and change over the last few years.
Bloc Party fans will be excited to know that Okereke has plans to bring his new material on tour early next year. He’ll be embarking on an eight-date headline run across the UK in February, hitting cities including Glasgow, Manchester, and London. Reflecting on his return to live performance, Okereke shared his excitement about performing the new songs in a more intimate setting. “I’ve spent so much time working on these tracks alone, it’s going to be something special to bring them to life on stage. I want to create an experience where the audience feels like they’re a part of the process.”
Having recently celebrated Bloc Party’s 20th anniversary with a massive headline show at Crystal Palace Park, and fresh off a co-headlining tour with Interpol, Okereke shows no sign of slowing down. His ability to switch between Bloc Party’s indie rock anthems and his more subdued solo work has made him one of the most versatile voices in modern British music.
The Singing Winds Pt. 3 arrives in January, and judging by the first few singles, it’s shaping up to be another compelling chapter in Okereke’s ever-evolving career.
Save the date for Singing Winds Pt. 3, and watch the video for “It Wasn’t Meant To Be”:
Upcoming live dates
