Louis O'Hara announces new album, How Could I Hate You?

Welsh singer-songwriter Louis O’Hara is set to release his second full-length album, How Could I Hate You?, marking a significant evolution from his 2025 debut, A Peaceful Kind of Fun. The follow-up project, scheduled for release on 11 December 2026 through Toe Mucker Records, showcases O’Hara’s expanding artistic range as he navigates a diverse sonic landscape.

The album was conceived in an unconventional setting during a discreet tour across the US West Coast in January 2026. This period of exploration and creative incubation allowed O’Hara to craft a collection of tracks that weave together baroque, country, classic folk, and rock elements. Recording took place two months later at Real World Studios in Wiltshire, where O’Hara collaborated with engineer James Trevascus, known for his work with artists such as Billy Nomates, Nick Cave & Warren Ellis, and Young Fathers.

How Could I Hate You? benefits from the contributions of O’Hara’s live ensemble, His Burley Chassis, whose presence brings a dynamic and cohesive energy to the project. Additionally, the album features guest vocals from contemporary folk artist Naima Bock, adding further texture and dimension to the sound.

The lead single, “Never About Money,” provides an early glimpse into the album’s character. It stands out as a spirited and witty critique targeting figures within the music industry, delivered with a playful, tongue-in-cheek tone. Musically, the track draws inspiration from mid-1960s Bob Dylan, especially echoing the style of “Positively 4th Street,” blending sharp lyricism with an energetic arrangement that includes a signature “yeehaw” opening.

This single encapsulates the balance of humor and emotional depth that pervades the album. The lyrical content, while sharp and critical, is not designed to be taken overly seriously, reflecting O’Hara’s nuanced approach to songwriting where satire and sincerity coexist.

The full tracklist reveals a broad thematic range, with titles such as “Bywyd Braf,” “Pass The Blame,” “I Knew You,” “Oherwydd Y Glaw,” and the title track “How Could I Hate You?” suggesting a blend of personal reflection and broader social commentary. The inclusion of Welsh language elements underscores O’Hara’s cultural roots and artistic identity.

In support of the album release, Louis O’Hara and His Burley Chassis are slated to perform at the Sŵn Festival, a key event in the Welsh music calendar. Following the festival, they will embark on a UK-wide tour, with scheduled stops in major cities including Cardiff, Sheffield, Newcastle, Glasgow, Manchester, London, Birmingham, Brighton, Southampton, Bristol, and Llanarthney. These live dates aim to bring the album’s rich soundscape directly to audiences, offering an immersive experience of the new material.

How Could I Hate You? represents a deliberate step forward for O’Hara, both in terms of musical ambition and thematic complexity. By melding diverse genres and injecting a dose of playful irreverence into his songwriting, he continues to carve out a distinctive niche within the contemporary folk and indie scenes. While details around the album’s full narrative arc and production nuances remain limited, early indicators suggest a project that is poised to resonate with both long-time fans and new listeners alike.

As the release date approaches, anticipation is building for How Could I Hate You? to reaffirm Louis O’Hara’s place as a compelling voice in modern songwriting, capable of blending humor, tenderness, and incisive social observation into a cohesive artistic statement.