Last updated: January 21, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Delaney Bailey’s debut album Concave releases today, January 21, 2026, via AWAL, with 11 tracks including “How To,” “Nightshade,” and “Far Away.”
- The album explores self-discovery, grief, and emotional vulnerability through cinematic soundscapes inspired by Romanticism.
- Bailey builds songs from 40+ voice memos in her notes app and designs all her own artwork and merchandise as a visual artist.
- She recently wrapped her first headlining Midwest tour across five cities, blending fan favorites with new Concave material in intimate venues.
- Positioned for breakout success similar to Chappell Roan, Delaney Bailey joins a growing roster of rising artists featured on OnesToWatch.
From Notes App Diary to Concave’s Cinematic Sound
Bailey builds her creative process around her daily notes app, which she calls “basically a diary… one long page” filled with voice memos and lyrical fragments. This organic style of writing grew out of her earlier EP Chiaroscuro, which paired Baroque-inspired visuals with songs like “Lion.” On Concave, she turns inward, focusing more on self-love, acceptance, and emotional healing.
“I really didn’t like myself… now I have grown to love myself more,” Bailey shared in her OnesToWatch interview. That shift shows up across the album’s themes, which trace her experiences with therapy, grief over her grandmother’s passing, relationships, and sexuality. As both musician and visual artist, Bailey designs all her album artwork, merchandise, and promotional materials, often using uncomfortable poses and bat wing motifs that echo her raw, vulnerable lyrics.
Her artistic philosophy centers on authenticity and care, summed up in her approach to “pour love into my art.” Fans who crave genuine connection in an increasingly algorithm-driven music world have responded strongly to that honesty. Discover your next favorite artist and the stories behind their rise when you explore OnesToWatch for exclusive, in-depth looks at the future of music.
Midwest Headline Run: Delaney Bailey’s First Tour Milestone
Bailey recently completed her first headlining Midwest tour, a major step in her live career. The run focused on intimate rooms across five cities: November 14, 2025 at Icehouse in Minneapolis, MN, November 18 at Raccoon Motel in Davenport, IA, December 2 at The Bishop in Bloomington, IN, December 4 at Lager House in Detroit, MI, and December 5 at Beat Kitchen in Chicago, IL, as detailed by Noise11.
Chicago act This House Is Creaking joined as support, underscoring Bailey’s move from opener to headliner. Her recent New York performance, captured on Instagram, shows a noticeable boost in her confidence onstage. Producers Carrie K and Grayson Proctor have helped her rework intimate bedroom recordings into full-band arrangements that fill a room without losing their emotional core.
Each show typically features a 21-song set that mixes fan favorites like “j’s lullaby” with previews from Concave. Bailey usually includes two or three new songs from the album and has said she feels excited to finally share them live. Moving from support slots to her own headline shows gives her more control over pacing, visuals, and setlist flow, which marks a key step in her artistic growth.
Inside a Delaney Bailey Show: Sound, Story, and Atmosphere
Bailey’s live shows highlight how she turns quiet, bedroom-recorded songs into rich, full-band performances. Working closely with her production team, she has pushed past early performance anxiety and now delivers sets that feel emotionally direct and unguarded. Songs like “Retainer” land with full vulnerability, supported by arrangements that stay close to the heart of her writing.
Recent tours in smaller venues have created space for real back-and-forth with the audience. Her visual art background shapes her stage presence, lighting choices, and overall aesthetic, so the room feels like an extension of her album world. Fans can expect cinematic vulnerability, clear storytelling, and a set that traces her evolution from early releases to the new material on Concave.
For more artists building similarly immersive worlds, visit OnesToWatch’s 2026 Top 30 Artists To Watch and explore the next wave of emerging talent.
Where to Buy Concave Vinyl, Merch, and Future Tickets
Fans can find official Concave merchandise and vinyl through Bailey’s official shop. The store offers a Sea Blue vinyl variant that ships on or by January 21, 2026, along with curated merch that reflects her visual art style. These items give listeners a tangible piece of the album’s world, from color choices to design details.
Future tour announcements will appear on her official channels, along with platforms like Ticketmaster and Songkick, where fans can watch for presale windows. Because Bailey favors intimate venues and her audience continues to grow, tickets for upcoming shows may sell out quickly. Fans should stick to verified ticket sources and avoid scalper sites to ensure valid entry and fair pricing.
The strong response to her first Midwest headline run points toward broader touring plans after Concave reaches more listeners. Expanded routing could include coastal dates, festival slots, or international shows as demand builds.
Career Momentum After Concave’s Release
With Concave now out in the world, Bailey stands at a key inflection point in her career. Her openness about personal growth, therapy, and family relationships signals a level of artistic maturity that can connect with a wide audience. OnesToWatch has highlighted more than 850 artists over the past decade, with about 1% moving from small rooms to arenas, including breakout acts like Chappell Roan.
Bailey’s mix of visual artistry, candid songwriting, and increasing live confidence sets her up for steady, long-term development. As Concave circulates through streaming platforms and earns more critical attention, she could see expanded touring, key support slots, and potential awards recognition. Each new project will likely deepen the world she has started building with this debut.
Frequently Asked Questions About Concave and Delaney Bailey
When is Delaney Bailey’s Concave release date?
Concave was released on January 21, 2026 via AWAL. The album is now available on all major streaming platforms and as a physical release.
What is the complete Concave tracklist?
The 11-track album includes: 1. How To, 2. Nightshade, 3. Wake Up, 4. Far Away, 5. Wound, 6. Wither, 7. Know, 8. Retainer, 9. Baby Dream, 10. Concave, 11. Lion.
What were Delaney Bailey’s recent tour dates?
Her first headlining Midwest tour included November 14 in Minneapolis, November 18 in Davenport, December 2 in Bloomington, December 4 in Detroit, and December 5 in Chicago, all in 2025.
Does Delaney Bailey create her own visual art?
Yes, Bailey designs all her album artwork, merchandise, promotional materials, and stage visuals. She draws on her visual art background to create a cohesive aesthetic that ties her music and imagery together.
How did she develop the songs for Concave?
Bailey curated the album from roughly 40 voice memos stored in her daily notes app. She treats this archive like a diary, capturing spontaneous musical and lyrical ideas that later become fully formed songs.
Why Concave Marks a Breakthrough Moment
Concave marks a pivotal chapter in Delaney Bailey’s story, blending her visual art roots with increasingly detailed songwriting and production. The album’s honest look at self-discovery, grief, and healing, paired with a clear view into her creative process, positions her as a standout artist to watch in 2026.
Stream Concave on Spotify to hear the journey from raw voice memos to a fully realized debut album. Then explore OnesToWatch to discover more rising artists and the stories shaping tomorrow’s music landscape.