By Colin 
Elles Bailey has confirmed details of her brand new album Can’t Take My Story Away, which arrives on January 16th through Cooking Vinyl and Outlaw Music. Alongside the announcement she has unveiled the record’s first single ‘Growing Roots’ and confirmed an extensive run of UK and EU shows for 2026. The tour will include a headline performance at London’s Islington Assembly Hall on March 19th.
The British singer-songwriter has built a reputation for fierce independence and unshakable determination. Over the past decade she has honed her craft with patience and care, developing a voice that is instantly recognisable. Full of grit and soul, her delivery is capable of moving from quiet reflection to soaring intensity, while her songs often explore resilience, survival, hope, and human connection.
A powerful new chapter
Produced by Luke Potashnick, Can’t Take My Story Away features eleven tracks recorded with a fresh lineup of musicians separate from Elles’ touring band. Written over a three-year period and drawing on material that stretches back almost a decade, the record presents a kaleidoscopic story built from deeply personal experiences. It is her most vulnerable and honest work yet, capturing moments of hardship alongside flashes of joy.
“There’s definitely an empowerment to this record,” Elles explains. “I feel like that has actually evolved since I first started making it-as though I was a different person.” She adds, “there is a quiet strength running through this album and a deep-rooted honesty. Whilst there are some moments that reflect on some of the hardest chapters of my story, there’s a feeling of joy threaded through every note. It’s like a kind of light has found its way in, even in some of the darkest moments.”
Fans will be able to pre-order Can’t Take My Story Away on multiple formats including CD, CD Zine, coloured vinyl, and cassette. Signed copies will also be available, and pre-orders via Elles’ official store will grant access to tour pre-sale tickets. The pre-sale opens at 10am on Wednesday 24th September before general sale at 10am on Friday 26th September.
‘Growing Roots’ leads the way
The first single from the record, ‘Growing Roots’, showcases Elles’ raw, soulful vocals against a groove-filled backdrop. Its shimmering instrumentation provides a foundation for lyrics that reflect love, connection, and commitment. “The track is a love song about finding your person-the one who makes you want to set aside your gypsy heart and finally settle down,” Elles explains.
She continues, “It’s about choosing to put down roots and to grow together but it is also about what that person teaches you, who you are when you’re with them, and the beauty of truly living in the moment.” With its heartfelt message and captivating delivery, ‘Growing Roots’ sets the tone for an album that blends personal storytelling with universal resonance.
Tour dates announced
Although recorded with a different lineup of musicians, Elles’ trusted touring band will join her on the road in support of Can’t Take My Story Away. The 2026 dates begin in Stuttgart on February 20th, before moving through Germany and into the UK. Highlights include London’s Islington Assembly Hall on March 19th, Warwick Arts Centre on March 20th, and a hometown show at Bristol’s Electric on March 21st.
The run also includes shows in Manchester, Glasgow, Gateshead, and Holmfirth before closing out the month. Following the UK and EU leg, Elles will travel to the United States for a special appearance at the Sun, Sand and Soul Festival in Miramar Beach, Florida, on April 24th. She will share the stage with Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit and Drive-By Truckers for what promises to be a memorable event.
Elles Bailey plays the following UK and EU dates:
February
Fri 20th – Stuttgart, Im Wizemann
Sat 21st – Munich, Ampere
Sun 22nd – Nuremberg, Hirsch
Mon 23rd – Aschaffenburg, Colas-Saal
March
Thu 19th – London, Islington Assembly Hall
Fri 20th – Warwick, Arts Centre
Sat 21st – Bristol, Electric
Tue 24th – Manchester, Band on the Wall
Wed 25th – Glasgow, St Luke’s
Thu 26th – Gateshead, Glasshouse 2
Fri 27th – Holmfirth, Picturedrome
Cementing her reputation
With Can’t Take My Story Away, Elles continues to build on a career already marked by major recognition. Last year she claimed the Live Act of the Year award at the UK Americana Awards. In 2025 she went on to sweep the UK Blues Awards, winning Album of the Year, Vocalist of the Year, and Broadcaster of the Year.
These accolades underline her growing reputation as one of the UK’s most dynamic performers. As she prepares to release her most personal record yet and head out on a major tour, it is clear that this chapter is only the beginning of a much larger story.