Frank Ocean Teases New Album at Coachella
Frank Ocean made his long-awaited return to the stage at Coachella and mentioned a new album that is supposedly in the works during his performance.
Last Sunday, the critically acclaimed musician gave a memorable concert filled with plenty of surprises as he brought the first weekend of Coachella to a close. Ocean was announced as one of the festival’s headliners in January, marking his first live show in six years.
Following the release of the festival line-up, fans expressed overwhelming excitement, anxious to see what the elusive artist had planned for his set. Additionally, many people speculated that Ocean would use the opportunity to drop another album. Although he didn’t release any new music this weekend, Ocean did mention a new album during his performance.
In between songs, the artist took a break to explain why he chose to make his return to the stage. Ocean spoke to the Coachella crowd and shared, “I want to talk about why I’m here because it’s not because of the new album,” to which he quickly added, “not that there’s not a new album, but there’s not right now.”
Frank Ocean’s speech during his Coachella set.pic.twitter.com/GN8Ly4GaHN
— Odd Future (@OddFuturePage) April 17, 2023
At the mention of new music, the crowd erupted in cheer, and Ocean continued to pay tribute to his younger brother, Ryan Breaux, who passed away in a car accident in 2020. On stage, the singer disclosed that he and his brother frequented the festival over the years, adding, “I know he would’ve been so excited to be here with all of us. I wanted to say thank you for the support and the ears and the love for all this time.”
Along with his touching remarks about his brother, the singer played reworked versions of some of his hit songs, such as “Novacane” and “Chanel.” Ocean’s set also included a brief rave mix from DJ Crystalmess before he continued to play more of his own music.
Frank Ocean’s highly anticipated return is receiving mixed reviews, especially after he arrived at the show late and had to cut his performance short. While his set was scheduled to begin at 10:05 P.M., Ocean didn’t appear on stage until it was nearly 11:00 P.M.. Due to Coachella’s midnight curfew, the short show ended abruptly with the musician walking backstage and then announcing to the crowd, “Guys, I’m being told it’s curfew, so that’s the end of the show. Thank you so much.”
Many fans were disappointed not only with the short set but also with the musician’s perceived lack of enthusiasm on stage. Ocean’s concert was also missing from the Coachella live stream to the dismay of those who were hoping to watch from home.
the fans are gonna come for me but this frank ocean tiny desk concert as a headliner at coachella is not it 🙃 the amount of people leaving because he looks like he doesn’t even wanna be here and he’s sitting on a stool as far from the audience… it’s just disappointing 😕
— Eren Yeager Apologist (@YouWorshipAngel) April 17, 2023
While some fans are criticizing the performance, which they believe to be a major letdown, many others are praising him, commending his artistry and vocal ability.
FRANK OCEAN VOCALS GO HARD pic.twitter.com/HA0KnoXWBt
— len (@vuomet) April 17, 2023
frank ocean performing godspeed. i’m so moved
— SK⚡️ (@raptalksk) April 17, 2023
pic.twitter.com/Vz06GnL4Y5
Regardless of the press Sunday’s show is currently receiving, Frank Ocean is still slated to return for the second weekend of Coachella. Festival attendees are already curious about what his performance next week will hold.
