Kiwanuka shares optimism and freedom on new album FUDGE
Michael Kiwanuka is back with a fresh record, FUDGE, an album that channels a powerful sense of optimism, playfulness, and freedom. This new project marks a significant chapter in his career, sharing not only new musical territory but also a deeply personal story of resilience.
The announcement came amid personal challenges; Kiwanuka recently shared that he is undergoing rehabilitation following a serious stroke suffered earlier this year, a complication brought on by high blood pressure. Despite this difficult journey, he channeled his creative energy into making FUDGE, an album he completed before his health issues, which has now been waiting for nearly a year to be released.
This record is particularly meaningful as it represents Kiwanuka’s first self-produced album in thirteen years. He described the process as a necessary shift, stating he had to approach the music differently to ensure authenticity. “I had to do it differently from the last few records, otherwise there was no reason for this record,” he explained. He found that the songs allowed for an outpouring of feeling that wasn’t overthought, feeling almost like someone else was creating the music.
The sound of FUDGE is heart-centered, featuring tracks that explore complex emotions. The centerpiece is the seven-minute song Love In My Heart, which Kiwanuka called the “eureka moment” in making the record. The album is also anchored by tracks that grapple with anxiety and change, such as Summer Clothes, which Kiwanuka noted felt like a song about finding one’s own path and ending creative relationships.
Other standout tracks delve into these themes, including Swings And Roundabouts, which further explores the uncertainty of creative partnerships. The tracklist also includes other resonant pieces like California, Just Another Moment, and Stars, offering listeners a beautifully balanced experience of vulnerability and joy.
The album is set to arrive on October 23, following his previous release, Small Changes, which saw him team up with collaborators Danger Mouse and Inflo. Kiwanuka described the newer work as a deliberate, understated response to the expansive sound of its predecessor, emphasizing a homely and life-affirming listening experience.
The personal battle Kiwanuka is currently facing has understandably impacted his touring schedule. The decision to focus on recovery meant putting all live commitments on hold indefinitely, allowing him the necessary space to prioritize his health and creative healing.
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