YungBlud drops album news and talks ahead of BludFest at MK Bowl

On a rainy Tuesday lunchtime today, something special was brewing inside one of the town’s most beloved music venues, when The Craufurd Arms played host to award-winning singer-songwriter, YungBlud.

The artist, known for his boundless energy and fiercely devoted fanbase, arrived for an intimate and exclusive Q&A session ahead of BludFest, his massive one-day festival, which returns to MK Bowl on 21 June.

In front of a small crowd of invited fans and local media, YungBlud (real name Dom Harrison) brought to the stage his charisma and also some news, when he revealed his fourth studio album, Idols, will drop just 24 hours before BludFest, making the festival the very first place fans will hear the songs live. Grinning as he made the announcement, he joked, “Fans will need to cram the album in before the next day!”

He described Idols as the most cinematic project he’s created so far. “This album is really big sonically.” he said. “I wanted to create almost like… a movie in a record.” But fans expecting more of the same may be surprised. Dom was quick to point out that this album breaks some of the moulds he’s become known for. “Is it an album you’d expect from me? No. But it’s an album that I hope you’ll love.”

When asked about what fan can expect from the album, he leaned into the idea of it being more than just a collection of songs. “It’s not an album or singles; it’s more of a journey through the songs.” And there’s no mistaking who he wants on that journey first… “The first people I want to share the new album with is the fans at BludFest.”, he smiled.

BludFest itself is shaping up to be a standout on the UK music calendar, not least because it’s YungBlud’s only headline show in the UK this year, outside of festival slots. It’s also a return to Milton Keynes after the success of the inaugural event last year. So why bring it back?

“I wanted to do it again for the fans,” he explained. “And for the up-and-coming artists that get the platform to perform.” At the heart of BludFest is his faith and love in community, particularly the alternative one that YungBlud has helped galvanise over the past few years. “As an alternative community, we have it in our power to create change and have a positive impact in the music industry,” he said, adding that one of his biggest passions is making live music more accessible, including fair ticket pricing.

The atmosphere at the Q&A was one of excitement, connection, and for many, dreams coming true. Joe, aged 12, was one of the youngest fans in attendance. He first discovered YungBlud after catching the Lowlife video on a YouTube Short.

Since then, he’s seen Dom live at the Scala in London, but this was his first time meeting him in person. The smile on his face said everything.

Also buzzing were Izzy (27) and Tea (28), who were among the fans invited to attend. They received email invites this morning, after submitting questions for the Q&A.

Their invite to The Craufurd Arms felt surreal. Tea attended BludFest last year and said she’s already counting the days until this year’s event.

For Izzy, today was the long-awaited first meeting with Dom.

As the session wrapped up and fans grabbed selfies with their idol, one thing was clear, YungBlud isn’t just putting out another record or hosting just another gig, he’s living true to his much-publicised values, putting 100% into his work and does so while remaining grounded and appreciative.

With Idols’ release on Friday 20 June and BludFest set to light up MK Bowl the very next day, the countdown is well and truly on. 

Some tickets are still available, so head to bludfest.com to grab yours and be part of what promises to be one of the most electric live events of the year.