James Blake is set to return to Los Angeles with a James Blake performance at The Greek Theatre on June 12, 2026, according to SoCalNomad’s calendar listings. The show comes amid a wave of attention for his new collaboration with rising British artist Lola Young on her single “From Down Here,” which JamBase reported is the follow-up to her Grammy-winning “Messy.”
The track, which Blake co-produced, arrives at a pivotal moment for both artists. Young recently described Blake as “heavily inspired” her in an NME interview, and the pair have already road-tested their chemistry on stage. During BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Herrington Country Park, she gave the song its live debut and later joined Blake’s set to perform “Make Something Up,” as Stereogum and NME both covered.
From Studio to Stage
According to JamBase, “From Down Here” marks Young’s first new music since she won Best Pop Solo Performance at the Grammys for “Messy.” The single leans into the atmospheric, electronics-tinted R&B that has defined Blake’s recent production work, while preserving the confessional vocal edge that has become Young’s signature.
NME reports that the collaboration grew from mutual admiration; Young had previously spoken of Blake’s influence on her approach to songwriting and production. That respect appears reciprocal, with Blake inviting her onstage at Radio 1’s Big Weekend just days after the song’s release, signaling that the partnership extends well beyond the studio.
Stereogum captured the moment when Young performed the track for the first time in front of a large festival crowd before stepping into Blake’s set to join him on “Make Something Up.” The quick succession from release to live debut suggests the collaboration is intended as more than a one-off, and may hint at additional shared material or future joint appearances.
Why Los Angeles Matters
For Southern California fans, the timing is especially welcome. The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles has become a favorite stop for Blake’s intimate but sonically expansive shows, and the 2026 date places him squarely back on the local circuit after a period largely focused on international festivals and one-off events.
Los Angeles has been a recurring hub for both Blake’s headlining tours and his production work with artists across the R&B and electronic spectrum, making the city a logical backdrop for any new material he previews from behind the boards or on stage. The region’s audiences have been quick to embrace cross-genre collaborations like this one, particularly when they involve Grammy-winning performers and producers with strong ties to the LA scene.
While no specific details have been confirmed about whether Young will join Blake for his Los Angeles show, the pattern of their recent festival appearances suggests that surprises are likely. The Greek Theatre date provides a concrete window for fans to catch the latest evolution of Blake’s live sound, possibly alongside the artist who has been central to his recent creative output.
Last updated May 27, 2026.
ref: 6977