Nia Archives is entering a fearless new era as she announces her forthcoming album, Emotional Junglist, arriving July 24 via HIJINXX/Island Records.
Following a bold return with the flirtatious, X-rated single “Danger” earlier this year, the producer — who was raised in Bradford, England — and “alt-jungle” artist has confirmed details of her second LP alongside the Wednesday (April 29) release of new single “Boys In Blue.”
According to the press release, the latter is positioned as a “defiant victory song,” written after the breakdown of Archives’ relationship in 2025. The single is accompanied by a video directed by Iris Luz, shot across London after dark, which nods to the stark, emotionally charged visuals of PJ Harvey and Fiona Apple.
Alongside acclaimed producer James Ford (Arctic Monkeys, Blur) other collaborators across Emotional Junglist include Ethan P. Flynn and renowned pop songwriter Julia Michaels (Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter), while also featuring appearances from Jorja Smith and Sampha.
Emotional Junglist is described in the press release as being “formed through pressure, growth and resilience, reflecting themes of maturation and self-discovery.” The album follows Archives’ 2024 debut, Silence Is Loud, which landed the 26-year-old a spot on that year’s Mercury Prize shortlist.
Archives is scheduled to preview the new record with a run of intimate shows in England in Leeds and London, as well as New York City in May, all of which have sold out. She is also confirmed for several major festivals in the summer, including Movement Detroit and California’s Lightning in a Bottle, before she heads to Boardmasters in Newquay, England, in August. Further touring information can be found on Archives’ official website.
A multiple MOBO and BRIT Award nominee, Archives made history as the first jungle artist to receive three BRIT Award nominations, including artist of the year and best dance act at the 2025 ceremony, following her 2023 Rising Star nod. Her rise has also included opening for Beyoncé in London and delivering remixes for Fred again.. and Jamie xx.
In a late 2024 interview with Billboard U.K., Archives opened up about the critical success of Silence Is Loud. “If I have done anything in my life, I have made this album and it’s told the world about who I am, what my story is, and what I am interested in,” she said. “Album one had to be really real to me: It had to represent who I am and where I come from, and I felt like I only had one chance to do that.”
Listen to Archives’ new song “Boys in Blue” below:
