Michael Kiwanuka has shared details of his new album Small Changes and shared new songs “Lowdown (part i)” and “Lowdown (part ii)”, marking a very welcome return for one of Britain’s most talented of songwriters, most recognizable of vocalists, and most virtuosic of guitarists.

Set for release November 15 via Geffen Records, Small Changes is the eagerly anticipated follow-up to Michael’s eponymous third LP, the Mercury Prize winning and Grammy Award nominated KIWANUKA. Small Changes was produced alongside Danger Mouse and Inflo, the same studio team behind the globally beloved KIWANUKA and its equally acclaimed predecessor Love & Hate, between London and Los Angeles. The announcement follows the July release of album opener “Floating Parade“. 

To coincide with its announcement Michael has shared a double video directed by Blackwall for “Lowdown (part i)” and “Lowdown (part ii)”.

The new songs expand the core trio of Kiwanuka and his trusty co-producers to a wish-list ensemble that features legendary bassist Pino Palladino (D’Angelo, John Mayer, Beyoncé) and Jimmy Jam of the iconic Jam and Lewis songwriting and production duo (Janet Jackson, Prince, SOS Band). While “Lowdown (part i)“ is a low-slung, bass-heavy, guitar-soul number, “Lowdown (part ii)“ reverberates on that atmospheric, string-soaked psychedelia and extended guitar soloing that’s become synonymous with Michael across his past two records.

Michael heads to the US later this month on a joint headline tour with Brittany Howard, pulling up in Philadelphia on September 29 and continuing through to October 19 in Paso Robles, California. A full list of dates is listed below. Michael’s UK and European touring will be announced imminently, following his return to festival stages throughout the Summer including a sublime sunset slot on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage and as headliner at the Wilderness Festival.

Small Changes Tracklisting

1. Floating Parade

2. Small Changes

3. One And Only

4. Rebel Soul

5. Lowdown (part i)

6. Lowdown (part ii)

7. Follow your Dreams

8. Live For Your Love

9. Stay By My Side

10. The Rest Of Me

11. Four Long Years

Michael Kiwanuka Tour Dates 

September 25 – Queen Elizabeth Hall – Toronto, ON 

September 26 – Mtelus – Montreal, QC

September 28 – All Things Go Festival – Columbia, MD

September 29 – The Met – Philadelphia, PA 

September 30 – Roadrunner – Boston, MA *

October 2 – The Capitol Theatre – Port Chester, NY *

October 3– Summerstage In Central Park – New York, NY *

October 6 – Palace Theatre – Saint Paul, MN *

October 8 – The Mission Ballroom – Denver, CO *

October 10 – Idaho Botanical Garden: Outlaw Field – Boise, ID *

October 11 – Edgefield Concerts – Troutdale, OR *

October 12 – Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Vancouver, BC *

October 14 – Britt Festival Pavilion – Jacksonville, OR *

October 15 – Paramount Theatre – Seattle, WA *

October 17 – The Greek Theatre – Berkeley, CA *

October 18 – Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA *

October 19 – Vina Robles Amphitheatre – Paso Robles, CA *

*(w/ Brittany Howard)

Photo Credit: Marco Grey

TheWaster.com | Small Changes
9.12.2024