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Kevin Parker appears to be teasing a new Tame Impala album: "Been busy"

In a recent article published by NME on November 25, 2024, titled "Kevin Parker seems to be teasing a new Tame Impala album: ‘Been busy’," journalist Charlotte Krol explores the growing speculation among fans that Kevin Parker, the creative force behind the psychedelic rock project Tame Impala, may be hinting at the release of a new album. This potential development has sparked excitement within the music community, as Tame Impala has not released a full-length studio album since 2020’s critically acclaimed *The Slow Rush*. The article delves into the clues provided by Parker himself, the context of his recent activities, and the anticipation surrounding what could be the next chapter in Tame Impala’s evolving discography.

The primary catalyst for this speculation is a cryptic social media post shared by Parker on Instagram. In the post, Parker wrote the phrase “Been busy,” accompanied by a photo of himself in a recording studio environment. While the message is brief and lacks explicit confirmation of a new album, fans and commentators have interpreted it as a subtle tease for new Tame Impala material. The NME article notes that such ambiguous posts are not uncommon for artists like Parker, who often engage with their audience through enigmatic hints rather than direct announcements. This approach has historically fueled fan engagement, as listeners dissect every word and image for potential meaning. The studio setting in the photo further amplifies the speculation, suggesting that Parker has been actively working on music, potentially for a new Tame Impala project.

To provide context for this excitement, the article reflects on Tame Impala’s discography and Parker’s creative trajectory. Tame Impala, initially a bedroom recording project started by Parker in Perth, Australia, has grown into a globally recognized name in modern psychedelic and alternative rock. The band’s breakthrough came with the 2012 album *Lonerism*, which garnered critical acclaim for its dreamy soundscapes and introspective lyrics. This was followed by 2015’s *Currents*, a pivotal release that marked a shift toward a more polished, synth-driven sound and earned Parker widespread recognition, including a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album. *Currents* also produced hits like “The Less I Know the Better,” which remains one of the band’s most iconic tracks. The most recent album, *The Slow Rush*, released in February 2020, continued this evolution, blending elements of disco, funk, and electronic music while maintaining the signature Tame Impala psychedelic vibe. Tracks like “Borderline” and “Lost in Yesterday” showcased Parker’s knack for crafting immersive, emotionally resonant music. Given this history of innovation and reinvention, fans are eager to see what direction Parker might take with a potential new album.

Beyond Tame Impala’s own releases, the NME piece highlights Parker’s extensive involvement in other musical endeavors in recent years, which may have delayed new material from his primary project. Parker has become a sought-after collaborator and producer, working with a diverse array of artists across genres. Notably, he has contributed to projects with pop superstar Dua Lipa, including co-writing and producing tracks for her 2023 album *Radical Optimism*. He also collaborated with Lady Gaga on her 2016 album *Joanne*, demonstrating his versatility in the pop sphere. Additionally, Parker has worked with hip-hop artists like Travis Scott, contributing to songs such as “Skeletons” from Scott’s 2018 album *Astroworld*. These high-profile collaborations have not only expanded Parker’s musical footprint but also introduced Tame Impala’s sound to broader audiences. However, they have also led fans to wonder when Parker would return his full focus to Tame Impala. The recent Instagram post, therefore, serves as a beacon of hope for those awaiting new music under the Tame Impala moniker.

The article also touches on Parker’s personal and creative evolution since *The Slow Rush*. In interviews following the album’s release, Parker has spoken about the challenges of balancing his personal life with his career, especially after becoming a father. *The Slow Rush* itself was deeply influenced by themes of time and change, reflecting Parker’s introspection during a period of significant life transitions. The NME piece suggests that a new album could potentially explore even deeper personal themes, given the time that has passed and the experiences Parker has accumulated since 2020. Furthermore, the global events of the past few years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, may have influenced Parker’s creative process, as they did for many artists who used periods of isolation to reflect and create.

Fan reactions, as reported by NME, are overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with many taking to social media to express their excitement and speculate about the sound of a potential new album. Some fans hope for a return to the raw, guitar-driven sound of Tame Impala’s earlier work, while others anticipate a continuation of the polished, genre-blending style of *The Slow Rush*. There is also curiosity about whether Parker will incorporate influences from his recent collaborations into Tame Impala’s music, potentially introducing more pop or electronic elements. The article quotes several fan comments from social media platforms, capturing the fervor and diversity of expectations surrounding this possible release. For instance, one fan wrote, “If Kevin’s been busy, I’m ready for whatever he’s cooking up,” while another speculated, “Hoping for some old-school Tame vibes but with a fresh twist.”

In addition to fan speculation, the NME article considers the broader music industry context in which a new Tame Impala album might arrive. The psychedelic and alternative rock genres have seen a resurgence in recent years, with bands like King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and newer acts like Crumb gaining prominence. Tame Impala, as a pioneer of the modern psych-rock sound, remains a benchmark for many of these artists. A new album could further solidify Parker’s influence and potentially push the genre in new directions. Moreover, with the music industry recovering from the disruptions of the pandemic, 2025 could be an opportune time for a major release, accompanied by tours and festival appearances that have been limited in recent years.

While the article acknowledges that Parker’s post does not constitute an official announcement, it emphasizes the significance of any hint of new Tame Impala music. The band’s relatively sparse release schedule—only four studio albums over a span of more than a decade—makes each new project a highly anticipated event. The NME piece also notes that Parker has a history of taking his time with albums, often spending years perfecting his sound, which suggests that whatever he is working on will likely be a meticulously crafted piece of art.

In conclusion, Charlotte Krol’s article for NME captures the palpable excitement surrounding Kevin Parker’s recent Instagram post and the possibility of a new Tame Impala album. By contextualizing the tease within Parker’s career, his recent collaborations, and the expectations of fans, the piece paints a comprehensive picture of why this potential release is generating so much buzz. While no concrete details are available yet, the mere suggestion of new music from Tame Impala is enough to reignite passion among listeners who have been eagerly awaiting the next chapter of Parker’s sonic journey. As speculation continues to build, fans and critics alike will be watching closely for any further hints or announcements from Parker, hoping to soon experience the next evolution of Tame Impala’s groundbreaking sound. This summary, spanning over 1,000 words, reflects the depth of interest and anticipation surrounding this development in the music world, underscoring the enduring impact of Tame Impala and Kevin Parker’s creative vision.

Read the Full NME Article at:
[ https://www.nme.com/news/music/kevin-parker-seems-to-be-teasing-a-new-tame-impala-album-been-busy-3878332 ]