British singer-songwriter Liam Bailey has announced the release of his new studio album Shadow Town, due on 24 April 2026, alongside a seven-date UK tour.
The album marks a new chapter for Bailey, reconnecting him with producer and songwriter Jimmy Hogarth, with whom he previously worked on his 2014 debut Definitely Now. Recorded in Hogarth’s Hampstead studio, Shadow Town takes a more stripped-back and intimate approach, focusing on voice, lyric and atmosphere.
Best known for his distinctive sound spanning soul, reggae and electronic music, Bailey has built a career that defies easy categorisation. In recent years, he has been closely associated with the soundclash scene, working with El Michels Affair and contributing to Nightmares On Wax’s 2025 project Echo45 Sound System.
With Shadow Town, however, Bailey steps away from that framework to return to a more personal, songwriter-led sound. The album blends pastoral soul and British folk influences, while still retaining subtle elements of reggae in its phrasing and rhythm.
Lead single “Gold”, released today, offers an early insight into the album’s tone — understated, reflective and rooted in melody. Other tracks, including “Northern Lights” and “Concrete and Stars”, showcase Bailey’s ability to move fluidly between genres while maintaining a strong sense of identity.
Born in Nottingham to Jamaican and English parents, Bailey has long navigated the intersections of Black British musical expression. Early in his career, he received support from Amy Winehouse, releasing EPs on her Lioness Records label, and gained wider recognition through collaborations such as “Blind Faith” with Chase & Status.
Despite commercial opportunities, Bailey has often prioritised creative independence, shaping a body of work defined by experimentation and authenticity.
Speaking about the new album, Bailey describes a desire to move freely between styles and expectations, reflecting a broader vision of identity and expression within British music.
Shadow Town brings together years of experience into a cohesive and introspective record — one that highlights Bailey’s songwriting while reaffirming his place as one of the UK’s most distinctive contemporary voices.
The album will be supported by a UK tour in May 2026, with dates across major cities including Manchester, Glasgow and London.
UK Tour Dates
12 May – Newcastle, The Cluny
13 May – Manchester, Academy 3
15 May – Glasgow, King Tut’s
16 May – Bristol, Exchange
18 May – Birmingham, O2 Institute2
19 May – Nottingham, Rescue Rooms
26 May – London, Bush Hall