With a bold artistic vision, an all-star cast of collaborators and themes that stare directly into the uncertainty of modern life, Roxanne de Bastion is entering a striking new chapter. The London-based singer-songwriter has announced her third studio album, Here Lies Human, alongside the release of its powerful new single, Apocalypse Queen, produced by legendary David Bowie and T. Rex collaborator Tony Visconti.
Set for release on 12 February 2027, Here Lies Human finds de Bastion embracing her most ambitious work to date. Written against a backdrop of environmental anxiety, rapid technological change and growing political division, the ten-track record serves as both a critique and celebration of humanity. It is a collection that examines our contradictions, our resilience and our remarkable capacity for self-destruction, whilst never losing sight of the beauty that makes us worth saving.
The first taste of the album comes in the form of Apocalypse Queen, a dramatic and empowering anthem that showcases de Bastion's evolving creative confidence. Described by the songwriter as a track about “embracing your strength, realising your power and unleashing our potential... possibly just in time for the end of days”, it builds upon the themes explored in previous single Simple Pleasures, whilst pushing further into a world of cinematic scale and sonic ambition.
Few artists can call upon the calibre of musicians assembled for the recording. Produced by Tony Visconti, the track features contributions from acclaimed saxophonist Donny McCaslin, whose work on Bowie's Blackstar remains iconic, alongside guitarist Gerry Leonard, Grammy-winning engineer Kevin Killen and drummer Gunnar Olsen. The result is a record that feels expansive, immediate and unafraid to reach for grand ideas.
For de Bastion, recording in New York became an essential part of bringing the project to life. Sessions took place across Brooklyn and Manhattan, with work completed at Human Studios, the same facility where Bowie recorded Blackstar. The energy of the city, combined with the industrial surroundings of Brooklyn's warehouse districts, provided the ideal setting for an album grappling with apocalyptic themes and questions about humanity's future.
The wider album was completed in London alongside acclaimed producer Steph Marziano, whose work with artists including Hayley Williams and Nell Mescal has earned widespread recognition. Together they have crafted a record that aims to capture the intensity and dynamism of de Bastion's increasingly celebrated live performances, favouring bold arrangements and emotional immediacy over restraint.
The announcement also marks the artist's return to extensive headline touring. Having spent recent years balancing music with the success of her acclaimed 2025 book The Piano Player of Budapest, de Bastion will embark on an eight-date UK tour in support of the new album. Fans can catch her live in Brighton, Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Newcastle, London and Cambridge during March and April 2027.
De Bastion's reputation has steadily grown through two critically acclaimed albums, support from influential broadcasters including Iggy Pop and Steve Lamacq, and praise from publications such as The Observer, NME, Record Collector and Rolling Stone. Alongside her artistic work, she has become an increasingly vocal advocate for artists' rights in the age of artificial intelligence, reinforcing a career built as much on substance as creativity.
If Apocalypse Queen is any indication, Here Lies Human promises to be Roxanne de Bastion's most fearless statement yet. Equal parts warning, celebration and rallying cry, it arrives as a reminder that even in uncertain times, great art can still challenge, inspire and bring people together.
Here Lies Human UK Tour 2027
15 March – Brighton, Folklore
17 March – Bristol, Exchange
18 March – Manchester, YES Basement
19 March – Liverpool, Kazimier Stockroom
23 March – Glasgow, Hug & Pint
24 March – Newcastle, The Cumberland
21 April – London, The Lower Third
22 April – Cambridge, Portland Arms
Album: Here Lies Human
Release Date: 12 February 2027
Single: Apocalypse Queen (Out Now)
Tickets: On sale from 10am, 15 October 2026 via www.roxannedebastion.com
For further release and event information connect with Roxanne de Bastion online at:
www.roxannedebastion.com
www.instagram.com/roxannemusic
www.facebook.com/roxannedebastion
