Chet Faker is back: The new single “This Time for Real” heralds his fourth studio album A LOVE FOR STRANGERS.
Chet Faker is back: After HOTEL SURRENDER (2021), he is now announcing his fourth studio album. On February 13, 2026, he will return to his “musical journey of discovery” with A LOVE FOR STRANGERS, as the press release for the new work says. The music producer and songwriter behind the project, Nick Murphy, provided a preview of the new LP back in July. His previous single releases provide insights into Chet Faker’s musical journey between soul, electronica and emotional relatability.
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New single: “This Time For Real”
The third single release from the upcoming album will be released on October 23rd. “This Time For Real” addresses in an anthemic, self-referential manner Murphy’s handling of the expectations within the music industry, from which he, as an established artist, does not seem to be immune. The song follows “Far Side of the Moon” and “Inefficient Love“ – two introspective tracks in which Murphy thematically moves between self-discovery, love and isolation and consolidates his characteristic sound combination of melancholic harmony and electronic-soul warmth.
The new single “This Time for Real” creates a slightly different mood, but remains clearly anchored in Chet Faker’s typical sound world. Listen here:
This is Chet Faker
Nick Murphy started his career as a musician in 2011. With his cover version of Blackstreet’s “No Diggity”, the Australian gained an international fan base that brought him into the spotlight that same year. This was followed by an EP that was appreciated by critics, which he released under the pseudonym Chet Faker together with the music producer Flume. Two years later, the platinum-certified debut album BUILT ON GLASS (2014) was released.
Since then, Murphy has continuously expanded his discography: As Chet Faker, he released the album HOTEL SURRENDER in 2021, and previously the albums RUN FAST SLEEP NAKED (2019) and MUSIC FOR SILENCE (2020) under his birth name.
Whether under a pseudonym or as Nick Murphy – the 37-year-old has firmly established himself in the international music scene. Chet Faker says he is constantly reinventing himself between modern soul, R&B and house. The new singles “Far Side of the Moon”, “Inefficient Love” and “This Time for Real” are “sparkling proof” that this development is far from over, according to the press release.

