Louis Tomlinson releases new single 'Palaces' ahead of 2026 album

Louis Tomlinson has unveiled his highly anticipated new single ‘Palaces’, a guitar-driven, hometown-based anthem that marks the latest preview of his upcoming third studio album How did I get here?, Jan 23, 2026 The song arrived today alongside a new live performance from Amazon Music Presents, giving fans a closer look at the sonic direction Tomlinson has been shaping over the past year.

Written and recorded in the UK, ‘Palaces’ leans towards the reflective storytelling that Tomlinson has gravitated towards – both sonically bold and lyrically introspective. “I’m lost in time, I don’t care about the world outside,” he sings before the chorus lands with the suggestive line, “You can stay all night in the palace of my mind.” Built on powerful guitars and an anthemic lift, the song taps into nostalgia and belonging, themes that will weave heavily through the upcoming record.

The release follows the strong momentum of Tomlinson’s first single ‘Lemonade’, which has already surpassed 14 million streams and gained spots on major UK radio playlists, including Radio 1, Radio 2 and Capital. He recently stopped by Radio 1’s Live Lounge for performances of ‘Lemonade’ and a cover of Hozier’s ‘Too Sweet’, and is set to headline Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball in December. October also saw him on the cover of Rolling Stone UK, signaling a notable moment in his current chapter.

How did I get here? finds Tomlinson tapping deeper into his introspective instincts. The album began to take shape in the English countryside before moving to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica for a three-week writing and recording retreat in early 2025 with primary collaborator and co-producer Nico Rebscher (Aurora, Alice Merton). The change in landscape seeped into the music, shaping a record that Tomlinson considers his most personal and unguarded to date.

Alongside today’s new single, Tomlinson is gearing up for a massive year of touring. His “How did we get here?” The World Arena Tour 2026 will span Europe and North America beginning in March 2026, with the North American leg kicking off June 3 in Vancouver and running through July 24 in Miami. Tour stops include marquees like Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, New York’s Madison Square Garden and Boston’s TD Garden.

Before the tour begins, Louis Tomlinson will make an appearance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 22nd for an exclusive F1 Grid Gigs headline performance straight after the Drivers’ Parade.