Alicia Waller to Release Debut Album “Louder, Then” on May 29th, 2026 | LISTEN!
Alicia Waller Announces Debut Album
Louder, Then Out May 29
Shares Soul-Infused Anthem
“My Day, Pt. II (If for the first time)”
March 27, 2026: Today, emerging soul and jazz vocalist Alicia Waller announced the upcoming release of her debut album Louder, Then, out on May 29. A classically trained singer with a masters in international relations and music diplomacy, the release finds Waller using her cross-cultural expertise to explore the vast tapestries of Black music in America. From her renowned plush, dreamlike sound, to contemporary soul bangers, the album was conceived in dialogue with a variety of musical idioms.
Alongside the announcement, Waller shared “My Day, Pt. II (If for the first time)”, a soul-infused anthem in which she embraces all of the ambition and moxie that has fueled her extraordinary sojourn. From studying the musical vernaculars of Latin America and the Middle East, to traveling to Portugal and beyond, her return to her own culture’s music begins with a groove that propels her voice to the stratosphere.
When asked about her return to jazz and soul, Waller said “I’d been looking at music from across the African diaspora as part of my study of ‘vernacular music.’ After a period examining the incredible diversity of Black sound globally, I became curious about what it would mean to contribute my own cultural experience to the practice. This eventually led to writing in my mother tongue, which resulted in the creation of this project and its predecessor. Through both, my aim has been to explore African-American vernacular musics alongside other forms, influences, and themes that have informed my journey along the way.”
Co-produced by bassist/arranger Marcos Varela (Mingus Big Band, Billy Hart and Tyshawn Sory), Alicia Waller’s debut album is an unapologetically ambitious introduction to her musical world. Steeped in her love of contemporary R&B and jazz, and filtered through a global array of influences, the release represents the culmination of years of creative evolution and collaboration. Following her 2020 EP, Some Hidden Treasure, the duo’s partnership deepened, aiming to replace traditional songwriting with “world building”. The result is filled with rich, diverse textures that emphasize the density and conversation between parts.
Beyond her influences, Waller’s music aims to defy the false stereotypes of a female artist, opting for a sound that is heavy, driven and rebellious. Written from the perspective of a woman making no apologies for following her muse, Louder, Then is a declaration to herself and the world that her voice will be heard. Forged from a world’s worth of development and introspection, she will no longer be silent.
Photo Credit: Kendra Irene
Tracklist:
Tempo 120
Rhythm Play
My Day, Part I
My Day, Part II (If for the first time)
Someday We’ll All Be Free
Dream Song (For You)
The Climb/Job Blues
Love Story
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