Nia Archives is stepping into a bold, transformative chapter of her career with the announcement of her sophomore studio album, Emotional Junglist. The project is slated for release on July 24 via HIJINXX/Island Records.
Following her unapologetic return to the spotlight earlier this year with the provocative single “Danger,” the Bradford-born producer and pioneering “alt-jungle” voice has unveiled the details of her new record. The announcement arrives alongside her latest single, “Boys In Blue,” which debuted this Wednesday (April 29).
Described by the artist as a “defiant victory song,” the track was born from the aftermath of a personal relationship that ended in 2025. The accompanying music video, helmed by director Iris Luz, captures a moody, nocturnal London, drawing aesthetic inspiration from the raw, emotive legacies of Fiona Apple and PJ Harvey.
For Emotional Junglist, Archives has enlisted an impressive lineup of collaborators. Beyond her partnership with acclaimed producer James Ford—whose resume includes work with Arctic Monkeys and Blur—the album features contributions from Ethan P. Flynn, songwriting powerhouse Julia Michaels, and guest appearances from the likes of Jorja Smith and Sampha.
The record itself serves as a testament to the artist’s evolution, capturing themes of resilience, personal growth, and self-discovery under pressure. This release builds on the momentum of her 2024 debut, Silence Is Loud, a critical darling that secured her a coveted spot on the Mercury Prize shortlist.
Fans eager to experience the new material live have already snapped up tickets for her upcoming string of intimate, sold-out performances in London, Leeds, and New York City this May. Throughout the summer, she is set to grace the stages of major festivals, including Movement Detroit, California’s Lightning in a Bottle, and the Boardmasters festival in Newquay this August.
A decorated talent with multiple BRIT and MOBO nominations, Archives cemented her place in music history at the 2025 BRIT Awards, becoming the first jungle artist to receive three nominations, including nods for Artist of the Year and Best Dance Act. Her rapid ascent has also seen her opening for Beyoncé and delivering high-profile remixes for icons like Jamie xx and Fred again..
Reflecting on her journey in a 2024 interview with Billboard U.K., Archives spoke about the emotional weight of her debut. “If I have done anything, I’ve made this album to show the world exactly who I am, where I come from, and what drives me,” she shared. “It had to be real; I felt like I only had one chance to tell my story properly.”
Watch the official video for “Boys in Blue” below:
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