The long-awaited return of Frank Ocean could be a step closer. After suggesting that new material would arrive in July 2016, and subsequently missing this deadline, the R&B artist appears to be preparing for some kind of launch by hosting an ongoing live stream.
Currently streaming from boysdontcry.co, which appears to only work on Safari browsers or mobiles, the footage shows a warehouse with desks and equipment lining the back wall, before a new set up appears. The stream goes onto show a man - probably Ocean - carrying out a spot of wood cutting. According to one blog, the speakers featured in the second scene are from an art installation by Tom Sachs named Toyan’s 2002, which is currently exhibited in New York’s Brooklyn Museum.
While it is not yet known where its background music comes from, it’s likely Ocean is using this art installation as a method of previewing snippets of each track, with the images on screen alluding to the construction of the album. The moments of music have ranged from glitchy electronics, a continuing loop of psychedelic swirls, a sweeping classical composition and a brief flutter of delicate acoustic guitar. The Apple Music logo appears in the right-hand corner, and the footage began streaming at about 8.30am BST.
The anticipation surrounding the follow-up to Channel Orange has gripped fans since 2013: in February that year the notoriously private musician confirmed he had started work on Boys Don’t Cry, another concept album, and said he was working with the likes of Tyler the Creator, Pharrell Williams and Danger Mouse. He has also stated that he was influenced by the Beatles and the Beach Boys, and has praised Tame Impala and King Krule in previous interviews. In 2015, he suggested the album would be released in July, but it did not materialise. A post on his Tumblr suggested a July 2016 release date using a library due date card, but other than a Calvin Klein campaign appearance, there was no sign of new material.
In March, reports suggested the singer had hosted a secret listening party in New York. Soundcloud and Instagram clips allegedly from the party were immediately removed from the internet, adding fuel to the speculation that they contained new Ocean tracks.
Particularly fervent fans uncovered a “hidden” press release on CalvinKlein.com’s JavaScript code which implied that Ocean is also working on a novel and a magazine to go with Boys Don’t Cry. The full release reads:
Frank Ocean is one of the most artistic and enigmatic musicians working today. Though it has been more than four years since he released his debut studio album, Channel Orange, interest in Ocean hasn’t waned. Instead, it’s increased.
He is known for being a perfectionist, and a pursuant of creativity in all forms. He resists pressure and follows his own vision. He has published a magazine and worked on a novel while continuing to perfect his highly anticipated second album.
