Following the breakout success of their 2023 critically acclaimed LP The Window, Chicago indie-rock staples Ratboys have officially pulled back the curtain on their sixth studio album, "Singin' to an Empty Chair," slated for release on February 6, 2026. This marks the band's debut release with New West Records.

A Patchwork Masterpiece

Produced alongside longtime collaborator Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie, Tegan and Sara), the album was born from a unique, "quilt-like" recording process. The band began by demoing tracks at a secluded cabin in Wisconsin's Driftless Area before moving to the legendary Electrical Audio in Chicago and Rosebud Studio in Evanston.

"We wanted to approach this record like it was a quilt," says bassist Sean Neumann. "We recorded the songs in all these different places... switching back and forth between them to help tell the story of each song."

The "Empty Chair" Concept

The album’s title and lyrical core were inspired by frontwoman Julia Steiner’s experience with the "empty chair" therapy technique—a method used to facilitate difficult or impossible conversations with those who aren't physically present. The 11-track collection serves as an emotional bridge, exploring themes of estrangement, anxious attachment, and personal connection.

Lead Singles & Tour

Fans have already received a taste of the new era through three standout singles:

• "Anywhere" – An upbeat, "caffeinated anxiety anthem" inspired by a family dog’s devotion.

• "Light Night Mountains All That" – A sprawling, atmospheric journey.

• "What's Right?" – A studio experiment featuring three different drum performances stitched together.

Ratboys will hit the road in support of the album starting in February 2026, with a massive North American tour featuring support from Florry, villagerrr, and Free Range.