Olly Alexander Kicks Off Solo Career with New Album ‘Polari’
Olly Alexander’s new album Polari is set to release on February 7, 2025. Stream the lead single ‘Cupid’s Bow,’ available now on Polydor Records.
Olly Alexander has officially announced his new solo album, Polari, which will be released on February 7, 2025, marking his transition from frontman of Years & Years to a solo artist. As a preview of the project, Olly has also released ‘Cupid’s Bow,’ the album’s first single, available now on Polydor Records.
The new single ‘Cupid’s Bow’ offers a bold introduction to Olly’s new musical direction. Collaborating with Danny L Harle, Olly has crafted a track that blends pounding club beats with introspective lyrics. The song explores themes of desire, intimacy, and queer identity, embodying a celebration of both personal expression and the vibrant subcultures that have influenced electronic pop music.
After a decade with Years & Years, Polari represents Olly’s first solo endeavor, allowing him complete artistic freedom. Inspired by 80s avant-garde pop, the album blends experimental elements with contemporary sounds, creating a project that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
The album Polari draws its name from a coded language once used by LGBTQ+ communities as a means of secret communication. For Olly, the discovery of this language during his coming-out journey had a profound impact. These themes resurfaced during his portrayal of Richie in It’s A Sin, prompting Olly to further explore ideas of identity, belonging, and self-expression.
In addition to the music, Olly has designed a visual aesthetic for the album inspired by filmmaker Derek Jarman. To accompany the release, he has also written a short play, adding another dimension to the album’s narrative. Through its fusion of music, storytelling, and visual art, Polari offers a unique exploration of what it means to belong and connect in an ever-changing world.