Jon Batiste Announces New Album ‘World Music Radio’
Jon Batiste has announced the follow-up to his 2022 Grammy Album of the Year We Are. Batiste has been busy since the release of We Are, winning an Oscar for his composition work for the Pixar movie Soul and stepping down as the bandleader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. His new album, World Music Radio, was announced on Wednesday, June 28th across his social media platforms. It is described as a “concept album” in which “[t]he listener is led through the album by an interstellar traveling griot named Billy Bob Bo Bob, who takes you sonically all around the world at the speed of light,” according to Batiste’s Instagram.
Executive-produced by Jon Batiste, Jon Bellion, and Ryan Lynn, the album is set to feature a range of collaborations that were recorded in locations around the world. Among the guests are Jon Bellion and Fireboy DML on “Drink Water,” Kenny G on “Claire De Lune,” Leigh-Anne on “Running Away,” and Lil Wayne on “Uneasy.” It also includes a bonus track titled “Life Lesson” featuring Lana Del Rey, who Batiste collaborated with on two tracks off her recent album, Did you know there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd.
In addition to the album announcement, Batiste released a new single titled “Calling Your Name.” The one-minute and 57-second track features an uncomplicated, catchy chorus that could easily get stuck in one’s head. The funk-pop instrumentals include an identifiable harmonium and harmonica. A visualizer accompanying the song was also released.
Another song from the album, “Be Who You Are,” featuring Camilo, Cat Burns, J.I.D., and NewJeans was released with a music video in June through Coke Studio.
Fans will not have to wait long for World Music Radio as it is set to release on August 18th, via Verve/Interscope Records.
Featured Image Credit: Emman Montalvan