Elliott Skinner Announces Debut EP How Far We've Come and Shares Soul-Stirring New Single "DON'T BE A RUNNER"

Acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Elliott Skinner has announced his debut solo EP, How Far We've Come, arriving 18 September via Ninja Tune, alongside the release of its powerful lead single, "DON'T BE A RUNNER."

Marking a defining new chapter for the Texas-raised artist, the six-track EP sees Skinner step into the spotlight after years collaborating with an extraordinary roster of artists including Chaka Khan, Jon Batiste, Chance the Rapper, Leon Bridges, Sam Smith and ZAYN.

Leading the announcement is "DON'T BE A RUNNER," a warm yet quietly confrontational blend of folk, soul and socially conscious songwriting. Inspired by the lineage of artists such as Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye and Bob Marley, the track pairs comforting melodies with a message of courage, accountability and emotional growth.

"My hope is to continue this lineage of making music that not only moves you, but moves you towards something," Skinner says. Calling the release "the beginning of a new era," he describes it as "a conscious stepping" rather than running towards or away from anything.

How Far We've Come explores themes of identity, reflection, purpose and the passage of time, offering Skinner's most personal work to date. The EP also features collaborations with acclaimed singer-songwriters Jensen McRae and Victoria Canal, alongside New York rapper Radamiz, further expanding the project's rich emotional and musical palette.

Although this marks his first official body of work under his own name, Skinner is no newcomer. Having spent a decade immersed in New York's creative community, he has quietly become one of contemporary music's most respected collaborators, while developing a sound rooted in the traditions of Black folk, soul and radical musical expression.

The EP follows the warmly received 2025 singles "RECALLING" and "I Linger On" and arrives almost two decades after Skinner wrote his first song. Reflecting on the journey, he describes the record as "an introduction to the world that I've been building."

Alongside the release, Skinner is set to make two highly anticipated UK appearances this summer, performing at the sold-out We Out Here Festival before supporting GENA (Liv.e + Karriem Riggins) at London's OSLO.

With How Far We've Come, Elliott Skinner emerges as a singular new voice—one blending timeless soul, intimate storytelling and thoughtful experimentation into a debut that feels both deeply personal and quietly transformative.