New Arcade Fire album confirmed in handwritten letter

Arcade Fire is indeed working on a new album. Frontman Win Butler has confirmed the news Monday, on his 40th birthday, with a handwritten letter on Instagram.

Butler said that he and wife/fellow band member Régine Chassagne “have been writing for the last couple of years.” In fact, Arcade Fire were already a few months into recording new material when the covid-19 outbreak hit.

“We had been exploring a lot of lyrical and musical themes that feel almost eerily related to what is happening now (we actually have a song called ‘Age of Anxiety’ written a year ago for Christ’s sake – ha ha ),” Butler explained. “Needless to say, the writing has intensified, and the work is flowing out… It is challenging as ever, and with just as much purpose.”

For the last few weeks, Win Butler has been teasing new music on his personal Instagram, leading fans to speculate a new Arcade Fire album might be in the works.

Today, Butler has confirmed those suspicions in a series of social media posts.

 

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Post 1/3 April 13,2020 To the wonderful fans of @arcadefire ,

First of all, I’m sorry if at any time, I have taken for granted the incredible privilege it has been to perform for you and have you engage and listen to our music.

On the eve of my 40th birthday, I find myself reflecting on my last big birthday; turning 30 (both excellent times to reflect). We were in Austin completing vocals and finishing touches on “The Suburbs”. Will, Spike and I had been intensely working on the script that would become “Scenes from the Suburbs.” Trying to finish a record that was so intensely personal was overwhelming. I didn’t even have the energy to celebrate, but we still went to a little Tex Mex place (definitely my death row cuisine of choice😊) I remember sitting in the fake leather booth, barely able to speak because of mental exhaustion, my true friends scattered all over the world and no where in sight, and thinking “It feels pretty great to be here at 30.” I was doing challenging work, with amazing band mates, making music I felt inspired by and driven to complete.

I’m happy to report that at 40, I’m still pretty much in the same zone!!

Een bericht gedeeld door Win Butler (@djwindows98) op 13 Apr 2020 om 6:56 (PDT)

 

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Post 2/3 @arcadefire Regine and I have been writing for the last couple of years, and the band was a few months into recording new material when COVID-19 hit…We had been exploring a lot of lyrical and musical themes that feel almost eerily related to what is happening now (we actually have a song called Age of Anxiety written a year ago for Christ’s sake - ha ha ). Needless to say, the writing has intensified, and the work is flowing out... It is challenging as ever, and with just as much purpose. Though this crisis may ultimately change or destroy aspects of the music industry, I believe it will only strengthen music as an art form. It has never felt more essential, spiritual and irreplaceable...a church that lives in the air between the source and your ears... I just want you to know, dear reader, that you aren’t forgotten. The world is experiencing incredible suffering and uncertainty. I already know people who have been sick and died, and hope that you and those you love have been spared.

Een bericht gedeeld door Win Butler (@djwindows98) op 13 Apr 2020 om 6:57 (PDT)

 

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Post 3/3 @arcadefire For my part, I’m pouring my heart, soul and all of my precious time into the music and recording. (Not closing the door on doing some online performances, but it feels like many artists have that covered;) But talk to me in August when we are all climbing the walls...consider that a song request Radiohead 😊 ) 
When you listen to the music that’s coming (...eventually...not soon…if you don’t have patience by now, you definitely aren’t reading this), you will know what we were working on under quarantine.

Sending love and light! Take care of yourselves, friends, family and neighborhood. 
With unending love and respect,

Your pal, Win P.S. my fucking hands hurt, don’t remember how I used to do this

Een bericht gedeeld door Win Butler (@djwindows98) op 13 Apr 2020 om 7:00 (PDT)

Butler added that he is “pouring my heart, soul and all of my precious time into the music and recording,” and that it’s possible Arcade Fire may perform some of the material via a livestream one day.

However, he warned that the new music is coming eventually. “When you listen to the music that’s coming (…eventually…not soon…if you don’t have patience by now, you definitely aren’t reading this), you will know what we were working on under quarantine.”

Arcade Fire’s last studio album, Everything Now, dropped back in 2017.

Read our interview with Win Butler back in 2018 here. Where he talks about the controversial marketing campaign for Everything Now, the legendary ‘05 Electric Picnic appearance and why the band aren’t as dark as Radiohead.