Max Richter announces new album 'While The Flood Rages' with meditative single 'Now We Can Sing'

Max Richter, the British‑German composer who makes sound feel like a second skin, just dropped the news that his next album, While The Flood Rages, will hit shelves on October 16. The announcement came with a brand‑new single, “Now We Can Sing,” a quiet, meditative track that feels like the album’s closing prayer. It’s a moment that feels like a breath after the pandemic‑driven pause that delayed the project.

The album isn’t just a collection of melodies; it’s a dialogue with Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam trilogy. Those who’ve read the books know it’s a speculative look at humanity’s rebirth after a global pandemic. Richter says the music is “a trajectory that makes sense just through listening,” and that the pieces are meant to stand alone, not merely as a score. The collaboration with choreographer Wayne McGregortheir third partnershipadds a physical layer to the sonic narrative, while the co‑commission from the National Ballet of Canada and the Royal Opera House gives it a theatrical weight.

The record is split into 15 tracks across three acts, each act a chapter in the story of survival and renewal. “Now We Can Sing” sits at the end, a quiet climax that invites listeners to reflect. It’s a notable step for a composer who’s scored more than 50 films, including Chloé Zhao’s Oscar‑nominated Hamnet. The fact that he’s turning a pandemic‑themed narrative into a standalone listening experience shows how music can be a vessel for collective healing.

In the same breath, Richter was honoured with a CBE in the 2026 New Year Honours list for his contributions to British culture. He described the award as “an immense privilege” and praised the power of albums to create space for ideas to unfold. The accolade came alongside other entertainment icons like Idris Elba and Ellie Goulding. On National Album Day, he celebrated the album format with artists like PinkPantheress and the Spice Girls’ Melanie C, reinforcing his belief that albums are a deeper connection between artist and listener.

Look, the world is still finding its footing after COVID. A composer who can translate that collective anxiety into something that feels both personal and universal is rare. Richter’s partnership with McGregor and the ballet houses turns the music into a multi‑sensory experience, pushing the boundaries of what an album can be. It’s not just a soundtrack; it’s a meditation on resilience.

The next time you fire up your playlist, give “Now We Can Sing” a spin. Let the gentle swell remind you that even when the flood rages, there’s still room to sing.