Blood Orange Returns: Dev Hynes Drops New Single “Essex_Honey.mp3” Ahead of Global Tour
Dev Hynes, the visionary artist behind the Blood Orange project, has returned with a new single, “Essex_Honey.mp3.” The track arrives as a follow-up to his acclaimed 2025 album, Essex Honey, which marked his first full-length studio release in seven years. Staying true to the atmospheric, genre-bending sound that has defined his career, the new single leans into a woozy, meditative aesthetic layered over an old-school, driving rave beat.
In a nod to the history of the Blood Orange project, the track prominently samples “Everything Is Embarrassing,” the breakout 2013 single by Sky Ferreira. Hynes, who co-wrote the original track, uses the sample to bridge his past successes with his current creative evolution.
A Continued Creative Streak
Since the release of Essex Honey last summer, Hynes has maintained a relentless pace. His recent output has seen him collaborating with major artists, including Lorde and Turnstile, while his live performances have garnered attention for eclectic covers of songs by The Smiths and Coldplay. This new single serves as a continuation of the themes explored on his latest album, reinforcing his reputation for crafting soundscapes that feel both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
2026 World Tour Dates
In celebration of his recent work, Blood Orange has announced an extensive run of live dates spanning Europe and North America throughout the remainder of 2026. Fans can catch the project at several major festivals and headline venues:
- 05/30: Warsaw, Poland @ Orange Warsaw
- 06/02: Barcelona, Spain @ Primavera A La Ciutat 2026
- 06/04: Barcelona, Spain @ Primavera Sound Festival
- 06/06: Queens, NY @ Governors Ball Music Festival
- 06/12: Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
- 07/29: Chicago, IL @ House of Blues Chicago
- 07/30: Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
- 08/13: Oslo, Norway @ Øya Festival
- 08/14: Gothenburg, Sweden @ Way Out West
- 08/15: København Sv, Denmark @ Syd For Solen
- 08/18: Hamburg, Germany @ OFF Days
- 08/19: Berlin, Germany @ OFF Days
- 08/21: Biddinghuizen, Netherlands @ Lowlands Festival
- 08/23: Hasselt, Belgium @ Pukkelpop Festival
- 08/25: Zürich, Switzerland @ Komplex AG
- 08/26: Wien, Austria @ Arena Vienna
- 08/29: London, UK @ Rally
- 09/03: Vancouver, BC @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre
- 09/04: Troutdale, OR @ McMenamins Edgefield
- 09/05: Seattle, WA @ Bumbershoot
- 09/09: San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
- 09/19: Atlanta, GA @ Shaky Knees
- 10/04: Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Music Festival
- 10/09: Mayer, AZ @ Arcosanti
- 10/11: Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Music Festival
Key Takeaways
- New Music: Blood Orange released “Essex_Honey.mp3,” a new single that samples the 2013 hit “Everything Is Embarrassing.”
- Album Context: The track follows the 2025 release of the album Essex Honey.
- Global Reach: Hynes is embarking on a comprehensive 2026 tour, including stops at Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and Primavera Sound.
As Dev Hynes continues to refine the Blood Orange sound, “Essex_Honey.mp3” stands as a testament to his ability to weave disparate musical threads into a cohesive, immersive experience. With a busy touring schedule ahead, fans have ample opportunity to experience these new tracks in a live setting throughout the year.