Anjimile — You’re Free to Go: The Music of Transition and the Permission to Exist

Indie-folk artist Anjimile has officially confirmed the upcoming release of his third studio album, titled You’re Free to Go, which is set to arrive on March 13, 2026. The record will be released under the banner of the prestigious British label 4AD, a home to legendary acts such as The National, Pixies, and Bon Iver.

This new project serves as a direct successor to the artistic path established in his 2023 album, The King. In that previous work, Anjimile began to significantly push the boundaries of the indie-folk genre, moving toward a more expansive and multi-layered sonic architecture.

You’re Free to Go is described not as a loud manifesto or a rigid declaration, but rather as a form of permission. It is an invitation to move forward, to embrace change, and to experience love outside of conventional structures.

According to the artist, the material reflects a deeply transitional period spanning the last two years—a time defined by internal transformation, a re-evaluation of personal relationships, and the lived experience of non-monogamy. These personal themes are not exploited for spectacle but are instead articulated with a gentle, whispered care.

The lead single, “Like You Really Mean It,” establishes the atmosphere for the entire album. The track was written with a disarmingly simple, almost innocent objective: to make a loved one want to share a kiss.

From a musical standpoint, the song is built upon a foundation of crisp guitar work and a robust drum groove that injects an unexpected danceable energy into the composition. This direct, physical rhythm stands in contrast to the more intricate and dramatic arrangements found on The King, suggesting a conscious choice to avoid over-complication in the present moment.

The album was produced by Brad Cook, a figure well-regarded for his work with various folk-centric projects. The recording sessions featured a notable lineup of contributors who helped shape the final sound.

• Nathan Stocker of Hippo Campus
• Matt McCaughan of Bon Iver
• Sam Beam, who has long been a musical hero for Anjimile

Rather than cluttering the sound, the presence of these musicians creates a sense of a supportive community. This environment allows the music to breathe naturally, existing without any forced pressure or weight.

Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Anjimile has always approached his craft with radical honesty. His body of work is inextricably linked to his personal journey, including his path to sobriety that began in 2016 and his experience navigating his own transgender identity.

His debut album, Giver Taker (2020), released via Father/Daughter Records, focused heavily on themes of spirituality and rebirth. His subsequent signing with 4AD in 2021 and the release of the Reunion EP, which featured orchestral reinterpretations of earlier songs, signaled a move toward a broader musical landscape.

You’re Free to Go represents the logical progression of this artistic trajectory. However, it arrives at a point where the artist no longer feels the need to prove his worth or justify his existence through his art.

While certain tracks, such as “Exquisite Skeleton” and “Ready or Not,” delve into difficult subject matter like family estrangement and transphobia, the overall mood of the album remains remarkably luminous.

Anjimile’s voice now carries a deeper, more relaxed quality. Hormone replacement therapy has not only shifted his vocal timbre but has also changed his very presence within a song. The vocals are less strained and more grounded in the body, allowing emotions to flow without defensive barriers.

You’re Free to Go does not merely shout about the concept of freedom; it actively practices it. It is music where transformation is not treated as a dramatic event, but as a natural, fluid state of being.

The central paradox of the album lies in its ability to discuss heavy, complex topics without adding weight to the world. It serves as a reminder that freedom can be quiet, love can be open-ended, and a journey can be taken without the need for guarantees.

Ultimately, this may be how authentic music sounds in the modern era: not as a definitive answer, but as a sanctuary where one is permitted to keep moving forward.