Japanese Breakfast, the indie pop band led by Michelle Zauner, has announced the release of their forthcoming album titled For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women), scheduled to debut on March 21, 2025, via Dead Oceans. Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Blake Mills, this album marks the group’s first proper studio project, and it promises a moody, introspective exploration of complex themes.
The lead single from the album, Orlando in Love, is available now and draws inspiration from the Renaissance epic Orlando Innammorato by Matteo Maria Boiardo. Zauner describes the track as one with “a sweet-sounding love song” but with “a grim undercurrent,” highlighting the duality often present within love.
This new musical offering follows the commercial success of their previous album, Jubilee, which earned the band their first Grammy nominations and garnered widespread acclaim. Zauner reflected on her evolution as both an artist and individual, stating, “I felt seduced by getting what I always wanted. I was flying too close to the sun, and I realized if I kept going I was going to die.” These reflections contribute to the overarching themes of desire and downfall within the tracks of the new album.
Zauner's artistic voice has developed enormously, particularly after the success of her memoir, Crying in H Mart, which details her experiences with grief and her Korean American identity. This memoir has not only shaped her personal narrative but has also intertwined with her musical endeavors, elevationally shaping Japanese Breakfast's public image and artistic ambitions.
The album’s tracklist includes ten songs: Here is Someone, Orlando in Love, Honey Water, Mega Circuit, Little Girl, Leda, Picture Window, Men in Bars (featuring actor Jeff Bridges), Winter in LA, and Magic Mountain. Each song promises to deliver the emotional depth and captivating storytelling for which Zauner is known.
To support the release of For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women), Japanese Breakfast will kick off their tour with performances at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival on April 12 and 19, 2025. This marks their first tour since 2022 and promises to be exhilarating as they perform across major North American cities such as Austin, Atlanta, Detroit, Toronto, and Brooklyn, concluding on September 9 at The Armory in Minneapolis.
The group’s anticipated concert at The Met Philadelphia on May 16 will serve as the culmination of their North American leg. This venue is noteworthy for being one of their largest stages to date, promising fans an exceptional live experience. Indie synth-pop band Ginger Root will open for them at select shows.
Tickets for the tour will go on sale, with artist pre-sales starting January 8 and general sales commencing on January 10 at 10 AM local time. Fans are encouraged to visit Japanese Breakfast’s official website for details on pre-ordering the album and securing concert tickets.
The move to record at the iconic Sound City studios, known for its rich history of hosting legendary artists, adds another layer of excitement to the album's production. Zauner’s continued evolution as both musician and storyteller, transitioning from indie music spaces to prominent studio settings, signifies her rise within the music industry.
With themes of love, desire, and the inevitable pitfalls of personal ambition, For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) appears set to resonate deeply with listeners. This much-anticipated album and upcoming tour will undoubtedly reaffirm Japanese Breakfast’s place as one of the most unique and self-reflective acts of this era.