"An epiphany to realise how much I missed my community" Alela Diane previews new record inspired by 'godfather of freak folk' Michael Hurley

The Portland singer-songwriter's seventh album arrives 22 May and marks her first full-length release since 2018's Cusp. The album emerged from a period of personal loss; after the death of legendary folk musician Michael Hurley, a key figure in the Greenwich Village folk music scene of the 1960s and 1970s, Diane found herself processing grief through performance. "I was absolutely gutted,” she says of Hurley's passing. The experience of taking part in a tribute show for the 'godfather of freak folk' prompted a reassessment of her relationship with music and those around her. “It was an epiphany to realise how much I missed my community. I felt very clear about what I wanted in that moment: I want to be alive. I want to see live music. I want to play it.”

Recording sessions took place in the attic of Diane's 1892 Victorian home, where she wrote the material. Working with co-producer Sam Weber, who has previously worked with Madison Cunningham and Anna Tivel, alongside drummer Danny Austin-Manning and bassist Sebastian Owens, the band cut fifteen tracks live across five days. Additional contributions arrived from Anna Tivel on backing vocals and violin, Peter Lalish of Lucius on guitar, and members of Blind Pilot.

Lead single “California” finds Diane reflecting on a return to her childhood hometown. “No matter how much time passes, part of my heart will always live among those golden hills,” she says of the track. “On this particular visit, I found myself talking to a woman who I clearly must have known in a former chapter of life, but I couldn't place her. Time sure can move through like a wildfire. All that's left are muted memories, elusive as ghosts.”

Diane has announced a run of European and US tour dates supporting the release, including a London show at Rough Trade on Denmark Street in Soho, London on 28 May and an appearance at this year's Pickathon Music Festival in Oregon.

Who's Keeping Time? artwork

Who's Keeping Time? tracklist

“California”
“Galloping”
“In My Own Time”
“Dusty Roses”
“Could Be”
“Spring Is A Fine Time To Die”
“Wide Open Spaces”
“Piss, Coffee, Blood or Wine”
“To Be Kind”
“Fragile As A Flame”
“Endless Waltz”