It’s been roughly ten years since independent artist Rachael Yamagata put out a new studio album(!). Trust us, Starlit Alchemy (due October 3 via Julian Records) is worth the wait. Yamagata calls the forthcoming LP a “deep dive record,” with each song flowing into the next; a map made after the journey that nonetheless tells a cohesive story. “Birds” is a message song in disguise.

P.S. If you think you aren’t familiar with Yamagata’s sonic stylings, think again. She’s worked extensively behind the scenes with a wide variety of our favorite artists including Liz Phair, Toots and the Maytals, and Bright Eyes.