Lucy Woodward Drops “Always” ft. Chris Pierce Pre-‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ Residency & New Album

Award-Winning Vocalist Previews Upcoming Ninth Studio Album ‘I Need To Roam’ Due August 7 via GroundUP Music

(PRUnderground) May 8th, 2026

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Lucy Woodward marks a major milestone in her career today with the release of “Always,” the lead single from her upcoming ninth studio album, I Need To Roam. The release serves as the opening chapter for a high-profile summer rollout, which includes an upcoming four-night residency on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in June 2026 and the full album drop on August 7 via GroundUP Music.

“Always” features a guest vocal appearance by acclaimed troubadour Chris Pierce, whom Nic Harcourt describes as “one of the most important American songwriters working today”. The track sets the tone for I Need To Roam, an all-original project that explores the creative and emotional pull of a life lived with curiosity. Recorded between Rotterdam, Netherlands and rural Virginia, the album blends art-pop color, soulful grit, and a global pulse.

At the core of the new record is Woodward’s longtime band, The Rocketeers. Their intuitive swagger—honed on premier stages like London’s Ronnie Scott’s and the Istanbul Jazz Festival—flows seamlessly into the studio. The album also carries the profound imprint of Woodward’s volunteer work in Rwanda, where she provided vocal and songwriting classes to Afghan girls who had escaped Taliban rule. “You can hear that spirit [of liberation] throughout this music,” Woodward notes.

A “genre-unbound storyteller,” Woodward’s career is defined by fearless reinvention, leading Sir Rod Stewart CBE to hail her artistry as “pure creative magic”. Her evolution has seen her fronting as lead singer for Pink Martini, collaborating extensively with Snarky Puppy, and opening for the latter at London’s Royal Albert Hall alongside guitar virtuoso Charlie Hunter. She has also maintained a creative partnership with renowned pianist Larry Goldings, recently highlighted in the “from the vault” live performance video, “Old To You”.

With a history of sharing stages and/or studios with icons like Rod Stewart, Chaka Khan, Céline Dion, Barbra Streisand and Joe Cocker, Lucy Woodward continues to push boundaries. I Need To Roam represents her most vibrant chapter yet—a collection built for big feelings and wide-open horizons.

Upcoming Album Details:

Single Release: “Always” (feat. Chris Pierce) – May 8, 2026
Album Release: I Need To Roam – August 7, 2026 (GroundUP Music)
Pre-Order Album Link: http://found.ee/ineedtoroam
“Always” Music Video: WATCH

Select Press Quotes:

“…Lucy Woodward is pure creative magic!” — Sir Rod Stewart CBE
“…combines beauty and complexity… the combination of grit and finesse… is quite rare.” — All About Jazz
“Lucy is a deep, soulful vocalist who is as versatile and virtuosic as she is passionate.” — Michael League (Snarky Puppy)

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