Bilal unveils new single “Tell Me,” the latest from his forthcoming album Adjust Brightness, out September 27. Following the success of his June Black Music Month release, Live at Glasshaus featuring Questlove, Common, and Robert Glasper, Bilal is back with his first album of new music in eight years. The new work features 11 brand new tracks that will take listeners on his most daring musical journey yet, marking a bold step forward in Bilal’s already innovative sound. 

“Tell Me” is a standout piece from Adjust Brightness, offering a glimpse into the forward-thinking sonic journey Bilal has crafted. The mesmerizing layered vocals are both intimate and raw, creating an abstract yet captivating listening experience. The track deconstructs traditional love ballads, weaving in unconventional structures while retaining a haunting emotional pull. Though it carries the bare and natural essence of a demo, “Tell Me” is masterfully produced, with every sonic detail honed to perfection.

“I realized a long time ago that, with the specter of AI and streaming, we risk losing our humanity,” says Bilal. “With Adjust Brightness, it was like: let’s make some shit that is going to confuse the damn computer. We’re bringing a love frequency — emphasizing the warmth, the love. It’s an intimate record.”

Eight years following 2015’s In Another Life, a collaboration with Adrian Younge that drew from the psychedelic verve of vintage funk, Adjust Brightness marks a bold new chapter for Bilal. This album is a giant step forward, as Bilal merges his organic, soulful roots with experimental electronic influences inspired by artists like Aphex Twin, Stereolab, and Jai Paul. The creation of Adjust Brightness was deeply inspired by a period of musical and visual experimentation. Bilal began to approach his music much like a painter approaches a canvas — focusing on moods, textures, and atmospheres rather than traditional song forms. His experiences with experimental jazz and live performances fed into this avant-garde direction, and tracks like “Sunshine” and “Humility” highlight his innovative use of atmospheric grooves, intricate beats, and sonic manipulation. Though he’s venturing into new territory, the album retains the warmth, intimacy, and emotional core that have always defined Bilal’s artistry.

Earlier this year, during Black Music Month, Bilal released the critically acclaimed Live at Glasshaus (via Glasshaus Presents), a mid-career retrospective featuring Questlove, Common, Robert Glasper, and Burniss Travis. The live record presented Bilal within an ensemble of luminaries to reimagine standouts from his classic repertoire, shining a spotlight on his ever-evolving artistry that asserts, in 2024, he is at the height of his powers, eternally honing his craft and finding new edges in his voice.

In celebration of Adjust Brightness, Bilal will embark on a national tour with stops in New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston, Atlanta, and more. Fans can look forward to experiencing Bilal’s electrifying live performances, with a setlist featuring both new material from Adjust Brightness and classic hits from his storied career. This tour will offer fans across the country the opportunity to witness the next chapter in Bilal’s evolution as an artist. For full tour dates and ticket information, visit officialbilal.

Adjust Brightness Tour

Oct 07 – The Egg – Albany, NY

Oct 08 – Crystal Ballroom – Somerville, MA

Oct 09 – World Cafe Live – Philadelphia, PA   w/ Melanie Charles

Oct 10 – Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY w/ Madison McFerrin

Oct 11 – Birchmere – Alexandria, VA

Oct 13 – City Winery Atlanta – Atlanta, GA w/ Halima

Oct 14 – City Winery Nashville – Nashville, TN  w/ Aliah Sheffield

Oct 16 – City Winery St. Louis – St. Louis, MO  w/ Aliah Sheffield

Oct 17 – Ramova Theater – Chicago, IL  w/ Madison McFerrin

Oct 19 – Englert Theatre – Iowa City, IA  w/ Aliah Sheffield

Oct 20 – The Dakota – Minneapolis, MN

Oct 22 – The Lodge Room – Los Angeles, CA (Jazz Is Dead)

Oct 23 – Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music – Berkeley, CA (Jazz Is Dead)

Oct 24 – Mississippi Studios – Portland, OR (Jazz Is Dead)

Oct 25 – Tractor Tavern – Seattle, WA (Jazz Is Dead)

Oct 26 – Biltmore Cabaret – Vancouver, BC