Chicago-born alternative rock force Blake Red storms back into the spotlight with Out of the Cage, her most unapologetic and deeply personal release to date. Arriving October 3rd, the EP is a searing reminder of her uncompromising artistry, equal parts heavy, heartfelt, and haunting.
Dedicated to the memory of her late father, who first inspired her musical path, the project brims with both vulnerability and fury. Red pours herself into every riff and lyric, crafting a cathartic body of work that refuses to hold back. Singles like “Scorpion” bite with blistering intensity, while “Secrets Are No Fun” sharpens its edge through biting narrative and visceral honesty. The new tracks that round out the EP cement her as an artist unafraid to bare both wounds and weapons through sound.
Co-produced by Red and GRAMMY-winner Darryl Swann (Macy Gray, Black Eyed Peas), Out of the Cage captures her at her heaviest yet, layering towering guitars, snarling bass, and scorching vocals into a soundscape both raw and meticulously executed. Red herself handles guitar, bass, and vocals throughout, with dynamic performances from drummer Macklin Suhre and contributions from Tom McGeoch (“Scorpion”) and Daniel Farnsworth.
What makes Out of the Cage resonate most is its sense of resilience. This is not just a return after four years away, it is a statement of defiance, a reclamation of voice, and a fearless step forward in a genre where she continues to push boundaries as a Black female artist.
To mark the release, Blake Red headlines a celebratory hometown show at Chicago’s Epiphany Center for the Arts on October 3rd, a fitting stage for an artist who thrives on intensity and connection.
With Out of the Cage, Blake Red doesn’t just return. She arrives louder, bolder, and freer than ever.
