Griff reveals Chris Martin collaboration “Astronaut” at intimate London headline show

Set to be released in volumes, beginning with vert1go vol. 1, she explains to the crowd that writing her first full-length project in fragments was not what she envisioned. Taking shape in the moments between her hectic touring schedule, these first three tracks represent “her most fragile side,” “it’s really insular” she adds. It’s still uncertain whether these releases will form her debut album, or become a mixtape compilation.

Before running through the new material, fans are treated to a hit parade featuring Griff’s biggest singles including opener “Black Hole” and Sigrid collaboration “Heart On Fire”. The first half of the set is completed by “Shade Of Yellow” and other highlights from her 2021 mixtape One Foot In Front Of The Other.

As she prepares to usher in a new era, she takes to a step ladder at the back of the stage spray painting her spiral motif, name, location and date of the evening’s show before donning her guitar to play the first of a handful of new tracks. Reminiscent of Noah Cyrus’ “July” it sees Griff stray away from her synth-based pop sound for a more stripped-back, country-inspired moment on this untitled new song.

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For “Astronaut”, a track which won’t be out until early next year, she reveals it’s been through various iterations before this final version. The studio recording sees Chris Martin playing keys. She reveals he encouraged her to keep things simple for this after she showed him a demo version during the Coldplay tour.

Then there’s “19th Hour”, which drops tomorrow, and is already familiar to some eager fans who have been watching live clips of it. More akin to the mid-tempo pop Griff has been delivering consistently, it wouldn’t sound out of place on Taylor Swift’s Midnights with its stacked, breathy vocal chops.

It’s a joyful return for Griff who closes the set with her latest single “Vertigo” which leads her forthcoming three-track collection. “Into The Walls” will also feature on the EP, “it’s a hint of what to come,” she says “when you strip back my songs, they’re just a few tiny loops."