Alela Diane

More than a decade into one of contemporary folk’s most quietly extraordinary careers, Alela Diane returns with her seventh album, Who’s Keeping Time? (out May 22 via Fluff & Gravy Records / Loose Music), a record born from grief, community, and creative renewal. Written in the attic of her 1892 Portland home and recorded live there in just five days with a close-knit circle of collaborators, the album finds Alela embracing a fuller, more communal sound after years of solo work. The 11 songs range from lulling to raw to cinematic, carried by her mellifluous voice and clear-eyed songwriting—an artistry praised by outlets like Pitchfork and NPR Music, and described by UNCUT as “insanely beautiful, with the strength and delicacy of spider silk.” With Who’s Keeping Time?, Alela transforms loss into connection, reaffirming her place as a vital, enduring voice in contemporary folk.