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

Bruce Watson and Luis Maldonado of Foreigner in concert during the Farewell Tour at The I Think Financial Amphitheater Foreigner in concert, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA - 08 Jul 2023

Foreigner is No Longer Retiring it Seems

Foreigner, the iconic rock band known for hits like “I Want to Know What Love Is” and “Juke Box Hero,”…

LEFT PHOTO: Ozzy Osbourne Kicks Off 2022 NFL Season with Los Angeles Rams Halftime Show Performance RIGHT PHOTO: Paul McCartney at Stella McCartney show, Arrivals, Autumn Winter 2024, Paris Fashion Week, France - 04 Mar 2024

Ozzy Osbourne Would Love To Collab With Sir Paul McCartney

Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, recently expressed a heartfelt wish to collaborate with Paul McCartney, a music…

Bob Dylan made a surprise appearance at the annual Farm Aid concert in Noblesville, Indiana. Dylan performed a 3 song set backed up by the late Tom Petty's band, the Heartbreakers. Farm Aid Festival, Noblesville, Indiana, USA - 23 Sep 2023

Dylan Plays ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’ for First Time in 15 Years

In a stirring moment that captured the hearts of both long-time fans and new listeners, Bob Dylan recently performed his…

ZZ Top, Billy Gibbons, Elwood Francis performs at the Zenith in Paris, France on July 9, 2024. ZZ Top Performs - Paris, France - 09 Jul 2024

ZZ Top Extends Their 2025 ‘Elevation’ Tour

ZZ Top, the classic rock band from Texas, has announced an exciting extension to their 2025 ‘Elevation’ Tour across North…

Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan performs at a sold out show at Budweiser Stage in Toronto. Sarah McLachlan Performs at Budweiser Stage, Toronto, Canada - 11 Jul 2022

Sarah McLachlan Announces New Album & Shares New Video

Sarah McLachlan, an influential figure in the music industry, is making a significant return with her latest album, Better Broken.…

Takeshi of Boris Boris in concert at the el Rey, Los Angeles, California, USA - 12 Nov 2011

Boris Announces Tour for Pink’s 20th Anniversary

Japanese noise-rock trio Boris has announced an exciting North American tour commemorating the 20th anniversary of their acclaimed 2005 album,…

ROD STEWART GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL, BRITAIN - 30 JUN 2002

Rod Stewart Co-Designs Glastonbury Festival’s Boombox Shaped Toilet

In an extraordinary blend of style, functionality, and awareness, rock legend Rod Stewart has co-designed a unique installation at the…

LeAnn Rimes performs live on stage LeAnn Rimes in concert during Joy: The Holiday Tour at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Knight Concert Hall, Miami, Florida, USA - 21 Dec 2023

LeAnn Rimes Lost Her Teeth Mid-Performance

Country music star LeAnn Rimes recently experienced a highly memorable incident at a concert, which she humorously deemed “the most…

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA - APRIL 18: American-Australian actress Nicole Kidman and Husband/Australian-American musician Keith Urban arrive at the Los Angeles Premiere of Focus Features 'The Northman' held at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on April 18, 2022 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency) 'The Northman' film premiere, Los Angeles, California, USA - 18 Apr 2022

Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman Celebrate 19 Years of Marriage

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have long been one of Hollywood’s most cherished couples, and they recently celebrated a significant…