Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Flight Of The Conchords’ Bret McKenzie Announces New Solo Album

Bret McKenzie Bret McKenzie in concert at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, London, UK - 20 Nov 2022
Photo by John Williams/Shutterstock (13631912al)

Bret McKenzie, renowned as part of the comedy duo Flight of the Conchords, is making waves in the music industry with his upcoming solo album titled “Freak Out City.” Scheduled for release on August 15, 2025, through Sub Pop, this album marks his third solo studio endeavor following the 2022 release of “Songs Without Jokes.” Known for his unique blend of humor and music, McKenzie steps into a more intimate territory with the lead single “All I Need,” a romantic piece dedicated to his wife, Hannah, reflecting his personal life and the ebb and flow of long-term romantic relationships.

“All I Need,” described as a “love song” by McKenzie, illustrates a facet of his life with Hannah, whom he married in 2009. Emphasizing the enduring nature of their relationship, McKenzie noted that the song emerged from a particularly affectionate day. The tune showcases his ability to transcend the comedic style he is widely recognized for, drawing inspiration from The Beatles’ creative process. The track humorously earned the nickname “The Pomegranate Song” during its early stages, when McKenzie filled lyric gaps with the word “pomegranate,” following a whimsical suggestion by John Lennon, highlighted in Peter Jackson's “Get Back” documentary.

Beyond the single, the album “Freak Out City” resonates with influences from McKenzie's iconic musical heroes Harry Nilsson and Randy Newman, reflecting his admiration for these artists through its construction and lyrical narrative. The album was co-produced by McKenzie alongside Mickey Petralia, with recording efforts split between Los Angeles and New Zealand. An impressive array of musicians contributed to this project, including both American and New Zealand talents like Leland Sklar, Dean Parks, and Moana Leota, ensuring a diverse and rich auditory palette.

The recording sessions were engineered at The Surgery Studio in Wellington by Lee Prebble, capturing the essence of live performance energy. McKenzie shares an anecdote from the recording process, explaining how the backing vocals' spontaneity brought a lively essence to ‘All I Need'. With the help of vocalists Iris Little and Moana Leota, a spontaneous vocal sing-along transformed the track, infusing it with palpable energy.

In addition to his studio work, McKenzie plans to bring “Freak Out City” to life on stage. Accompanied by his band, The State Highway Wonders, he aims to promote this album through an autumn tour, the dates of which are soon to be announced. Highlighting his live performances, McKenzie's new work continues to showcase his transition from comedic to more serious musical compositions, a journey he began undertaking with his prior works and during his tenure supervising music for films like “The Muppets.”

“Freak Out City” features a varied lineup of tracks, ranging from introspective ballads to more upbeat tunes that maintain McKenzie's witty albeit touching lyrical style. The album's tracklisting includes titles such as “Bethnal Green Blues,” “Eyes on the Sun,” and “Too Young,” blending narrative depth with engaging melodies. This extensive stylistic range testifies to McKenzie’s evolution as a musician who acknowledges his comedic roots yet treads confidently into pure musical storytelling, aiming to engage audiences on a different emotional spectrum.

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Neil Peart and Geddy Lee of Rush Rush in concert, Austin, Texas - 16 May 2015

Rush’s ‘The Albums: 2002-2012’ 7-LP Box Set Out Now

Rush, a band celebrated worldwide for its innovation and impact on progressive rock, has left a lasting legacy that continues…

Axl Rose, left, and Slash, of Guns N' Roses, perform on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Guns N' Roses in concert at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, USA - 24 Aug 2023

Guns N’ Roses Announce 2nd Leg of 2025 Tour

Guns N’ Roses has announced the second leg of their 2025 world tour, captivating fans across Latin America with a…

Billy Joel in London Various

Billy Joel Opens Up About Suicide Attempts & More in New Documentary

In the recently premiered documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, iconic musician Billy Joel opens up about a particularly…

Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath OZZY OSBOURNE - 1983

Global Livestream of Ozzy & Black Sabbath’s Farewell Show

On July 5, 2025, a landmark moment in heavy metal history will take place as Black Sabbath, one of the…

JAMES HETFIELD - METALLICA THE READING FESTIVAL, BRITAIN - AUG 2003

Enter To Win A Metallica ‘Load’ Deluxe Box Set

Metallica fans are in for a treat as the iconic band has announced the release of the Load (Remastered) Limited…

The Dirty Knobs, Mike Campbell Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs perform at Park West, Chicago, Illinois, USA - 02 Apr 2022

Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs Unveil New Song

Mike Campbell, known for his legendary role with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, has yet again captured the essence of…

Gavin Rossdale of the band Bush performs Loaded: "The Greatest Hits Tour" at Hard Rock Live, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Aug. 30, 2024 in Hollywood, Florida Bush in concert, Hard Rock Live, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida, USA - 30 Aug 2024

Bush Unleashes Music Video For ‘The Land Of Milk And Honey’

British rock band Bush has unveiled their latest single “The Land of Milk and Honey,” leading up to the release…

Jessie J Meo Mares Vivas music festival, Day 3, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal - 17 Jul 2022

Jessie J Plays Concert After 5 Biopsies

British singer Jessie J has recently become the focus of public attention not for her musical endeavors but for her…

Sabrina Carpenter The BRIT Awards 2025, Show, The O2, London, UK - 01 Mar 2025

Sabrina Carpenter Releases ‘Manchild’ Music Video

Sabrina Carpenter’s newest release, “Manchild,” presents a comedic yet scathing commentary on modern relationships, enhancing Carpenter’s reputation for using her…