Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith Announces New Album ‘Ruin: It’s Not Just Music’
Composer and synthesist Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith is set to return with a new studio album titled Ruin: It’s Not Just Music. The project is scheduled for release on October 2, arriving via Someone Special, a record label Smith co-founded earlier this year alongside James Daniel.
A New Direction in Sound
The upcoming record marks a shift in Smith’s sonic landscape. According to the artist, the album features heavier drums and breakbeats, a stylistic departure that she describes as “sonic combat.” Smith noted that the title track, “Ruin,” captures the intensity of moments where systems break down, characterizing the music as being designed for “endurance rather than comfort.”
The album announcement is accompanied by a music video for the title track, “Ruin,” which features a performance by Pedro Esteveaqui.
Building on a Prolific Period
Ruin: It’s Not Just Music follows a busy 2025 for the electronic musician, who released the full-length electronic album Gush and the orchestral-focused mini-album Thoughts on the Future earlier this year. Smith’s commitment to exploring diverse musical textures continues to define her recent work.
In addition to the new album cycle, Smith is currently preparing for a significant live performance at London’s Barbican Centre. The concert, scheduled for next week, will feature the London Contemporary Orchestra and serves as a celebration of the 10th anniversary of her acclaimed album Ears.
Key Takeaways
- New Album: Ruin: It’s Not Just Music arrives October 2.
- Label Launch: The album will be the latest release on Someone Special, the label Smith co-founded with James Daniel.
- Artistic Evolution: The record emphasizes heavier percussive elements and breakbeats compared to her previous electronic and orchestral works.
- Upcoming Performance: Smith will celebrate the 10th anniversary of her landmark album Ears with a special show at the London Barbican featuring the London Contemporary Orchestra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith?
Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith is a composer and synthesist recognized for her work in electronic music, often utilizing modular synthesis to create complex, organic soundscapes.
What inspired the sound of the new album?
Smith has described the album’s production as a response to a need for “confrontational” sound, focusing on the tension of “shock, and aftershock.”
Where can I see Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith perform?
She is currently scheduled to perform at the London Barbican next week, accompanied by the London Contemporary Orchestra, to mark the 10th anniversary of her album Ears.