Indie rock quartet Ratboys has announced their newest album, *Singin’ to an Empty Chair*, set for release on February 6, 2026, via their new label home at New West Records. The announcement arrives alongside the release of lead single “Anywhere” and its accompanying music video, marking the band’s first major project since their previous album, *The Window*.
The creation of *Singin’ to an Empty Chair* began with writing and demo sessions in a cabin nestled in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, where the band later returned with co-producer Chris Walla to begin tracking. Recording then shifted to Steve Albini‘s Electrical Audio studio in Chicago before wrapping up at Rosebud Studio in Evanston, Illinois.
The Wisconsin cabin retreat birthed the songs before a journey through the sonic landscapes of Albini’s Chicago studio and beyond.
This intentionally varied recording approach was designed to create what the band describes as a “quilt-like” collection of story-driven soundscapes.
The album’s eleven tracks, including “Open Up,” “Know You Then,” “Penny in the Lake,” “Strange Love,” and “Burn It Down,” showcase the band’s signature blend of folk ambiance and indie rock energy. Julia Steiner (vocals/guitar), Dave Sagan (guitar), Marcus Nuccio (drums), and Sean Neumann (bass) collaborated closely with Walla, who also co-produced their previous album, to craft songs that explore themes of isolation, memory, and emotional landscapes.
Lead single “Anywhere” exemplifies the album’s expansive yet controlled songwriting approach, balancing tension and release while featuring lyrics described as surreal and elemental. The track draws inspiration from anxious attachment styles and the singer’s observations of her family dog’s behavior during separation. The music video for “Anywhere” was directed by Bobby Butterscotch, known for his distinctive visual storytelling style. The band has expressed interest in potentially pursuing sync deals for tracks from the new album, which could introduce their music to wider audiences through film and television placements. Critics have already noted the band’s lyrical and sonic development compared to their prior work, with the album being regarded as “hotly anticipated” following the critical acclaim of *The Window*.
The move to New West Records represents a significant career step for Ratboys, who have cultivated a devoted following through their emotive storytelling and distinctive sound.
With influences ranging from folk traditions to bands like The Dodos, *Singin’ to an Empty Chair* promises to deliver a cohesive narrative that blends haunting, pastoral elements with the band’s characteristic “joyfully bittersweet” tone when it arrives early next year. The band plans to leverage editorial playlists across streaming platforms to maximize the album’s reach ahead of their upcoming tour.
