Chicago-based songwriter Delaney Bailey has officially released her long-awaited debut album Concave, out now on AWAL, marking a bold and emotionally expansive new chapter for the rising artist. Known for her ethereal vocals and introspective lyricism, Bailey transforms vulnerability into sweeping, cinematic soundscapes across the album’s eleven tracks.
Blending intimacy with grandeur, Concave explores themes of loss, desire, anger, self-reflection and personal growth, positioning Bailey as one of the most compelling storytellers in contemporary alternative pop. With layered production and a heightened sense of atmosphere, the album captures an artist confidently expanding her sonic palette while inviting listeners deep into her inner world.
You can listen to Concave now on streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music.
“How To”: Memory, Fear and Letting Go
The album opens with “How To,” accompanied by a hazy, animated music video that premiered alongside the album’s release. The track reflects Bailey’s fear of memory loss later in life, inspired by generational experiences within her own family.
Speaking on the song, Bailey explains that “How To” is about learning to live fully in the present — embracing growth now rather than living in fear of what may come. The result is a deeply personal yet universal meditation on time, responsibility and self-preservation.
A Body of Work Rooted in Emotion and Evolution
Several singles paved the way for Concave, each revealing a different emotional layer of the album. December’s “Nightshade” delicately examined self-worth and disordered eating, pairing tender guitar lines with haunting vocals as Bailey confronts perfectionism and perception head-on.
Elsewhere, “Far Away” explores youthful invincibility through propulsive drums and melodic hooks, while “Wake Up” leans into electronic textures to capture the moment of realising change must come from within. Crawling with tension and atmospheric production, the track showcases Bailey’s growth as both a performer and a storyteller.
This summer’s “Lion” arrived with a striking official music video, fully embracing the cinematic world Bailey has built. Empowering and sonically bold, the track represents independence, anger and self-definition — themes that echo throughout Concave.
Tracklist: Concave
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How To
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Nightshade
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Wake Up
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Far Away
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Wound
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Wither
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Know
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Retainer
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Baby Dream
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Concave
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Lion
From Viral Breakout to Full-Length Vision
Bailey’s journey to Concave has been years in the making. Growing up in Indiana with seven siblings, she developed a heightened emotional awareness that now underpins her songwriting. Influenced by artists ranging from Norah Jones and Adele to My Chemical Romance, Lorde and Grizzly Bear, Bailey honed her voice through choir and theatre before turning to songwriting as an emotional outlet during university.
Her breakout moment arrived with “j’s lullaby (darlin’ i’d wait for you)”, which has since amassed over 128 million Spotify streams and earned a place on The New York Times’ Best Songs of 2022 list. Subsequent releases, including what we leave behind and Chiaroscuro, cemented her reputation as a deeply emotive and visually minded artist, with Ones To Watch dubbing her “a natural-born storyteller.”
Romanticism, Art History and Emotional Scale
Conceptually, Concave draws inspiration from Romanticism, art history and cinematic fantasy. Bailey likens her songwriting to painting — layering emotion the way an artist layers brushstrokes — creating vast sonic landscapes where human vulnerability sits at the centre.
Tracks like “Retainer” confront moments of self-realisation and healing, while “Lion” tackles societal expectations placed on women, particularly around motherhood. Across the album, Bailey balances softness with intensity, allowing space for anger, grief and relief to coexist.
Ultimately, Concave is about moving forward.
“If you listen to this,” Bailey shares, “I’d just love for you to feel seen.”
Live Shows and What’s Next
Last year, Delaney Bailey completed her first headlining Midwest tour, bringing Concave tracks to the stage in cities including Chicago and Minneapolis. With more dates expected in 2025, fans can stay updated by following her online.
