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Khalid Welcomes His New Era With First Taste of Upcoming Album ‘After The Sun Goes Down’

“This chapter is about taking my power back, living in my truth, and being able to express myself freely,” the singer shared of the album, first teased in a Billboard cover story and interview with Billboard Canada.

Khalid photographed by Joelle Grace Taylor on April 28, 2025 at Hype Studios in Los Angeles. Styling by Aaron Cristmon and Marquise Miller. Grooming by Jenn Hanching. Manicure by Jessica Dresser. Tailoring by Karina Cardona. Blue Marble hoodie and shirt, Yordy rings, Bonnie & Clyde glasses.
Khalid photographed by Joelle Grace Taylor on April 28, 2025 at Hype Studios in Los Angeles. Styling by Aaron Cristmon and Marquise Miller. Grooming by Jenn Hanching. Manicure by Jessica Dresser. Tailoring by Karina Cardona. Blue Marble hoodie and shirt, Yordy rings, Bonnie & Clyde glasses.

Khalid is back.

The American R&B-pop singer — and Billboard cover star – announced the release of his new album, After The Sun Goes Down, on October 10.


Set to explore themes of love, self-discovery, openness and a refreshed sense of freedom, the album ushers in a bold new chapter for Khalid. It’s the follow-up to 2024’s Sincere.

“This chapter is about taking my power back, living in my truth, and being able to express myself freely,” Khalid said in a press release. “I’m excited for my fans to experience this new era with me, not just musically, but personally.”

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Along with the album announcement was the release of lead single “In Plain Sight.” The upbeat, infectious track is a departure from the more downtempo sounds of Sincere.

The single is accompanied by a music video from director 91 Rules (Camila Cabello, Jon Bellion) — it’s a total party as the video celebrates the current phase of the Billboard-charting artist's career.

Khalid teased his new sound during a conversation with Billboard Canada in June. It's his first album since coming out as gay, and he's ready to embrace a new side of himself: “Not just my moody side, but the fun side,” he said. “The flirty side.”

“My new era of music feels like I’m finally ready to be the artist I’ve always dreamt of being,” he continued. “It goes back to the regressions of when I was a child — imagining myself and thinking, ‘I want to be this artist one day.’ Now I feel like I have the confidence to finally be that artist.”

Earlier this year, Khalid performed to a jam-packed crowd at Toronto’s Sankofa Square at Billboard Canada's The Stage at NXNE 2025.

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Sheila Jordan
Bill King Photography

Sheila Jordan

FYI

Obituaries: Musicians Pay Tribute to Influential Jazz Vocalist Sheila Jordan

This week we also acknowledge the passing of Kick Axe guitarist Larry Gillstrom, Canadian country-gospel singer David Holcroft, , Derek and The Dominos co-founder Bobby Whitlock, Matchbox vocalist Graham Fenton and Australasian jazz pianist/composer Judy Bailey.

Larry Gillstrom, lead guitarist and founding member of popular Regina heavy metal band Kick Axe, died on Aug. 4, after a battle with cancer. He was aged 70.

Under the name, Hobbit, the band formed in 1974, comprising Gillstrom (guitar), Victor Langen (bass guitar) and his brother Gary Langen (drums, lead vocals). In 1976 they changed the name to Kick Axe. After several line-up changes (including the addition of Gillstrom's brother Brian), they relocated to Vancouver and started recording, but didn't release their debut album, Vices, until 1984.

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