Frank Ocean confirms new album is on the way during Coachella set

Frank Ocean gave fans an update on a forthcoming album during his headline Coachella set.

The singer’s last album, Blonde, was released some seven years ago and – bar a handful of singles, including ‘Biking’, ‘DHL’, ‘In My Room’ and ‘Cayendo’ – fans have been clamouring for more music since.

In the interim void, those same fans have jumped on many a cryptic message from Ocean, including when he wiped his Instagram last year, which led some to think new music was imminent. But alas.

Ocean did give an update on a new album this weekend, however, but stressed it will still be a little bit longer until a full-length project appears – and that his appearance at the festival wasn’t a part of promo for a record. 

Frank Ocean's speech during his Coachella set.pic.twitter.com/GN8Ly4GaHN

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Speaking five songs into his set, which had arrived an hour later than scheduled, Ocean said: “It’s been so long, but I have missed you. I want to talk about why I’m here because it’s not about a new album,” he said, pausing, before adding, “not that there’s not a new album… just not right now.”

Speaking about his brother Ryan Breaux, who died in a car accident in August 2020, Ocean subsequently recalled his memories of them both being together at previous Coachellas, adding: “I would always end up here. One of my fondest memories was watching Rae Sremmurd with my brother.”

“We were just dancing in that tent to their music and I know he would have been so excited to be here with all of us and I want to say thank you for the support and the ears and the love.”

Ocean later debuted two unreleased songs in his set, both of which may very well be taken from his impending album, before closing with two Blonde classics: ‘Nikes’ and ‘Nights’.

He also treated fans to two covers: Aretha Franklin’s ‘Night Life’, and The Isley Brothers’ ‘At Your Best (You Are Love)’, which was covered by Aaliyah on her 1994 debut album, Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number.