Fontaines D.C.’s Grian Chatten planning another solo album: “It’d be a lot more lively and a bit more kind of festival-ready”

As Fontaines D.C. prepares to unveil their fifth studio album, “Dopamine Chamber,” frontman Grian Chatten is already setting his sights on another solo project that promises a distinct shift in tone from his previous work. Following the subdued and introspective nature of his 2023 solo debut, “Chaos For The Fly,” Chatten envisions his next solo effort to be more vibrant and suited for festival stages.

Fontaines D.C. emerged strongly on the indie rock scene with their 2019 debut “Dogrel,” which earned a Mercury Prize nomination, quickly followed by their Grammy-recognized sophomore album “A Hero’s Death” in 2020. Their third album, “Skinty Fia” (2022), also received critical acclaim, solidifying the band’s presence in contemporary rock. However, amid the extensive touring cycle for “Skinty Fia,” Chatten found himself exploring a more introspective approach in his solo work, favoring acoustic instrumentation, strings, and piano over the band’s characteristic post-punk energy.

“Chaos For The Fly” was conceived as a personal exploration distinct from Fontaines D.C., providing Chatten a space to delve into themes of isolation and mental health. The album’s intimate sound and poetic lyricism revealed a different facet of the artist, earning positive critical reception and highlighting his versatility beyond the band’s dynamic sound.

With Fontaines D.C. gearing up for the release of “Dopamine Chamber” on October 16, 2025, Chatten has indicated the band plans to take a hiatus after a substantial 2027 tour schedule. This pause is intended to allow both the group and their audience a breather before moving forward. Despite this, Chatten remains creatively active, accumulating new material that he feels compelled to develop further.

In conversations with nme.com, Chatten expressed that the ongoing songwriting process might culminate in a new solo album. Unlike the contemplative mood of his debut, this forthcoming record is expected to carry a livelier energy, crafted with festival audiences in mind. This direction suggests a deliberate contrast and evolution in his solo artistry, complementing rather than competing with Fontaines D.C.’s collective output.

Chatten has reflected on how his solo work acted as a therapeutic outlet, helping him navigate challenging emotional landscapes. This process not only impacted his personal growth but also influenced the band’s trajectory, notably feeding into the creative essence of Fontaines D.C.’s fourth album, “Romance,” which itself garnered Mercury Prize recognition and critical praise for its thematic depth.

Alongside music, Chatten has expressed ambitions beyond recording, including plans to publish a book of poetry, further showcasing his multifaceted artistic interests. His dedication to mental health was evident as the band prepared for an intimate gig at London’s Roundhouse in October 2025, an event connected to the release of “Dopamine Chamber” and supporting the CALM mental health charity.

“Dopamine Chamber” has already been met with acclaim, with nme.com awarding it a five-star review and noting its intense, dark reflections paired with exhilarating sonic layers. Collaboration highlights on the album include work with notable artists such as Rosalía, which Chatten described as a career milestone.

As Fontaines D.C. balances their rising profile with individual creative pursuits, Chatten’s trajectory underscores a commitment to evolving his artistic expression both within and outside the band framework. While details about the new solo album remain limited, the anticipation builds for a project that promises to bring a fresh, energetic dimension to his solo catalog.