Elliot James - ALWAYS LATELY (2019) Hi Res

He's now channeling his emotions on new single "Smooth," exclusively premiering on Billboard today (June 12). "Your nail was in my coffin, now I'm smashing in/ Everything I held on to is finally free again," James intones on the buzzy track, which is dotted with zipping electronic synths and a punchy bassline.

James' new album Always Lately will be released on August 2 via Blossöm Records, with his second single "Filters" to precede on July 10. "'Smooth' is the first song I wrote for Always Lately. It’s about betrayal (in a deeply affectionate way) and getting your frustrations in order, but letting them drive qualities of yourself you love the most," James explains. "The choir at the beginning of the song is an iPhone voice memo of my parents' choir at Christmas it gives me chills every time."