Poppy Ajudha drops euphoric new single ‘Lean On Me’ and announces sophomore album ‘POPPY’
Today, multi-talented artist Poppy Ajudha has officially announced her highly anticipated upcoming album titled ‘Poppy’ which will be released 22nd November 2024. Pre-save the album HERE. Alongside the announcement, Poppy shares brand new single ‘Lean On Me’ and announces her UK headline tour for March 2025. The exciting news follows Poppy’s triumphant return to releasing music this year with the release of 'My Future', following a two year hiatus. ‘Poppy’ was created alongside Mike Malchicoff (Kanye West/King Princess) with contributions from the likes of Maestro (Rihanna), Fred Ball (Alicia Keys/Raye/Mariah Carey), Wesley Singerman (Kendrick Lamar/Anderson .Paak), and Travis Sayles (Ariana Grande).
Speaking on today’s announcement, Poppy says: “I can’t believe I’m writing this, but my sophomore album is finally coming out! After numerous trips back and forth from London to LA, millions of revisions to perfect each song and a lot of moving the track listing around, I’ve made an album I’m so in love with, with people who I felt truly seen by, who I respected and found a natural synergy with. I really put everything into this album, it is a reflection of my growth over the last 2 years, an outward pouring of my raw vulnerability, the inner workings of my chaotic brain and the deep desire I have to challenge myself with everything I do. I’m really proud of what we made, and I hope that when you hear it, it means something to you too.
Thank so much to all the special people who contributed to the making of this project, the producers, engineers, musicians, visual creatives, the friends who listened to me while I processed my life in order to write it down, I wouldn’t have been able to manifest this dream without you.”
Poppy has also released brand new single ‘Lean On Me’ (listen here), a bold banger about the importance of community and showing support for each other even during challenging moments. ‘Lean On Me’ was written by Poppy with production from Grades (Kali Uchis, Dua Lipa, Britney Spears). The brand new track arrives alongside its official video, which sees Poppy and dancers complete a stunning performance (watch here).
Speaking on ‘Lean On Me’, Poppy says: “We realise true friendship in the moments we are most vulnerable with each other. When I wrote ‘Lean On Me’ I was going through a breakup and struggling to make sense of my world. My friend who was experiencing their own kind of grieving found the time to give me the advice I needed, and the next day I wrote this song about the power of friendship, community, unconditional love and showing up for each other through our hardest times.”
As well as ‘Lean On Me’, ‘Poppy’ will include previously released single 'Girl Next Door' as well as hopeful track 'Ready' and unapologetic anthem 'My Future'. Both Poppy’s recent and upcoming releases sit comfortably among her existing discography while also opening the door to a new era. As an independent artist with major ambitions, Poppy is known for using her creative output as a vessel to explore important themes and societal topics. Whilst this is still the case, Poppy’s new music offers an insight into her personal life and relationships, whilst also broadening her sound and direction.
Today’s announcement and release is joined by the news of a UK headline tour for March 2025, including a show at London’s Neon 194.
Tickets will be on sale from Monday 23rd September, more information can be found here.
The singer songwriter’s music has garnered support and high praise from the likes of NME, Clash Magazine, MTV, The Face, The Fader, with support from Charli XCX and BBC Radio 1’s Greg James, Sian Eleri, Jack Saunders, Mollie King, and Nels Hylton. In May, ‘My Future’ was named Track of the Week on BBC Radio 1’s Future Alternative and Future Pop shows. With several headline tours under her belt and special performances including headlining the Trafalgar Square Stage at London Pride, Glastonbury, SXSW, New York Jazz and beyond, there’s much more to come from Poppy.
Aside from her incredible musical ability, Poppy’s creative talents thrive in the fashion and arts world. Poppy was invited by Naomi Campbell to perform at her ‘Fashion for Relief’ event, opened Virgil Abloh’s ‘Figures of Speech’ exhibition, and has worked alongside brands such as Dior, Delvaux, and Nike. In 2022, Poppy performed at the Venice Biennale as part of an exhibition by award-winning artist Sonia Boyce - the first black woman to represent Britain at the event. Poppy Ajudha’s new music continues to solidify her position as an essential voice within British music.