Thom Yorke & Mark Pritchard Share New Song Prior to Album Release

Thom Yorke, the renowned Radiohead frontman, and Mark Pritchard, an eminent figure in the electronic music scene, have once again captured the music world’s attention with their latest collaborative endeavor, Tall Tales. The album is set to drop on May 9, 2025, creating a buzz in the industry as fans eagerly anticipate its release. The duo has just released “The Spirit,” an uplifting track from the album, which marks a departure from their typical melancholic sound. This single serves as the final teaser before the album’s debut and is accompanied by a visually captivating music video created by artist Jonathan Zawada, who is considered an informal third member of their collaboration due to his significant contributions to the project's visuals.

The creation process of Tall Tales has been notably unique, primarily taking place over email as Yorke and Pritchard exchanged ideas and honed their tracks from afar. This unconventional method presented its own set of challenges, particularly with “The Spirit,” described by Pritchard as one of the album's most difficult tracks to complete. Initially, the song was set to a faster tempo and incorporated old-school drums, but Yorke advocated for their removal to create space for his lyrical delivery. As a result, Yorke sang to a basic guide drum track, which prompted Pritchard to explore new rhythmic elements that emphasized the bass and subtle percussion, crafting an uplifting sonic experience that leaves ample room for Yorke’s compelling vocal performance.

Despite the hurdles in production, “The Spirit” stands out for its major key composition, which is a rarity for both artists. As Mark Pritchard noted, writing in a major key was an unexpected and refreshing challenge, diverging from their customary use of minor chords. The decision to embrace this change has yielded a track that is poised to be a distinctive highlight of the album, offering listeners a refreshing departure from Yorke’s and Pritchard’s darker, more introspective styles.

Ahead of debuting the full album, Yorke and Pritchard have released several singles including “Back in the Game,” “This Conversation Is Missing Your Voice,” and “Gangsters,” each accompanied by visually evocative music videos directed by Zawada. As anticipation builds, Tall Tales is scheduled for a global listening event, allowing fans the opportunity to experience the album alongside Zawada’s accompanying feature-length film. This film will be screened in select theaters ahead of the album’s official release, providing an immersive multimedia experience that highlights the creative synergy between the music and visual art.

The release of “The Spirit” and its associated video continues to set the stage for the album’s launch, with Tall Tales promising to be a groundbreaking addition to both artists’ repertoires. As fans and critics prepare for its unveiling, there is growing anticipation around how Tall Tales will redefine expectations and push creative boundaries in the music industry. This collaboration not only highlights the innovative talents of Yorke and Pritchard but also underscores the potential for cross-disciplinary partnerships to enrich and expand the artistic landscape.