Canadian producer Ryan Hemsworth has signed to Topshelf Records for Numbskull, his first album since 2018's Elsewhere. The record arrives October 21 and cycles through trip-hop, electroclash, hyperpop, and rave.
The lead single, "One Step," blends Southern rap, UK hardcore, and punk. Hemsworth said he drew inspiration from Three 6 Mafia and 1990s UK rave music when making the track. Though he initially imagined the song would require a rapper, he said he connected with Sarah Tudzin of Illuminati Hotties and gave her production ideas, leading to her appearance on the single.
"I'm not sure why exactly because generally I would've sent her something more like her own project," Hemsworth said in a statement. "But she jumped at it, and it made me realize this might be my approach with collaboration for Numbskull—only give people wild cards."
Beyond Tudzin, Numbskull features Tegan and Sara, Nana Lourdes, Allie, and MSpaint. Hemsworth has not announced a headlining tour for the album but will support George Clanton in November.
