Kelsey Lu, the Los Angeles-based cellist and composer, is preparing to release her highly anticipated second album, So Help Me God, on June 12 via Dirty Hit. This marks her first full-length project since her critically acclaimed debut, Blood, in 2019 and signals a significant fresh chapter for the artist. The announcement of the album, and the release of its lead single, “Running to Pain,” are generating excitement among fans and critics alike, solidifying Lu’s position as a compelling voice in contemporary music.
The journey to So Help Me God has been a deliberate and transformative one, spanning seven years of artistic exploration. According to a press release, Lu describes the album as being “built slowly and intentionally across seven years of transformation.” She further elaborates that the album “holds so many different worlds at once – devotion and desire, collapse and becoming – trying to make sense of what it means to break, to believe, to long for something without seeing it clearly, and to be reborn again and again and again.” This deeply personal and introspective approach is evident in the album’s sonic landscape, which promises a complex and emotionally resonant experience.
A Collaborative Effort with Notable Producers
So Help Me God is the result of a notable collaboration, co-produced by Jack Antonoff and Yves Rothman. Antonoff, known for his work with artists like Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey, brings his pop sensibilities to the project, although Rothman, a frequent collaborator with artists like HAIM and Charli XCX, contributes his expertise in electronic and experimental music. The mixing was handled by Oli Jacobs. The album also features contributions from a diverse range of artists, including Kim Gordon, Kamasi Washington, and Sampha, adding further depth and texture to the sound.
“Running to Pain” and the Cinematic Vision
The first taste of So Help Me God comes in the form of the single “Running to Pain,” a track described as a “gorgeously graceful piece of synthy art-pop.” The song’s atmospheric soundscapes and introspective lyrics offer a glimpse into the album’s overall themes. The accompanying music video, directed by Savanah Leaf – who previously directed the BAFTA-winning drama Earth Mama (2023) – was filmed on location in Lanzarote, a volcanic island in Spain. The video stars Lu alongside French actress Garance Marillier, known for her roles in the films Raw and Titane, and is intended to be part of a larger cinematic project connected to the album.
Tour Dates and Album Tracklist
Lu will be supporting the release of So Help Me God with a series of intimate performances at Blue Note Jazz Clubs in New York and Los Angeles. The tour dates are as follows:
- April 16 – New York, NY @ Blue Note Jazz Club
- April 17 – New York, NY @ Blue Note Jazz Club
- April 25 – Los Angeles, CA @ Blue Note
- April 26 – Los Angeles, CA @ Blue Note
The complete tracklist for So Help Me God is:
- “Reaper”
- “Portrait Of A Lady On Fire”
- “What Can I Do”
- “Running To Pain”
- “Comfort”
- “American Sonnet”
- “8 52”
- “Only The Lonely”
- “Better Than That”
- “Cutting Off The Head Of A Ghost”
A Rising Star with a Diverse Background
Prior to the announcement of So Help Me God, Kelsey Lu established herself as a versatile artist through her work as a composer and collaborator. She scored the critically acclaimed film Earth Mama, and has collaborated with a diverse range of artists including Yves Tumor, Mykki Blanco, and Jamie xx. Her ability to seamlessly blend classical training with experimental electronic elements has garnered her a dedicated following and critical acclaim. Her work has also been noted by publications discussing experimental R&B artists, placing her alongside names like serpentwithfeet and FKA Twigs.
With the release of So Help Me God on June 12, Kelsey Lu is poised to further solidify her position as a leading voice in contemporary music. The album’s themes of transformation and rebirth, combined with its innovative production and collaborative spirit, promise a compelling and deeply personal listening experience. Fans can expect further updates and details regarding the album and accompanying cinematic project in the coming months.
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