Elliott Skinner Shares “THAT KID” Ahead of Debut Solo EP

Elliott Skinner is stepping firmly into his own spotlight.

The acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist has unveiled “THAT KID”, featuring Jensen McRae, the latest preview of his debut solo EP How Far We’ve Come, out September 18 via Ninja Tune.

Following lead single “DON’T BE A RUNNER”, which Rolling Stone named a “Song You Need to Know”, “THAT KID” finds Skinner reflecting on ageing, memory and the freedom of childhood. Written alongside McRae in a hotel room while the pair were on tour, the track was created with striking simplicity — their vocals were recorded in the same room, with the song allowed to unfold naturally.

The accompanying video, directed by Simon Morrison, features movement from artist and scholar Dr. Jehbreal Muhammad Jackson, adding another layer to Skinner’s deeply physical and expressive approach to music.

For Skinner, the song is part of a bigger mission: moving beyond the familiar territory of romantic love songs to explore friendship, grief, fear, joy, change and the experience of growing older.

That ambition runs throughout How Far We’ve Come. The six-track EP is Skinner’s first body of work released under his own name and arrives after years spent developing his craft, including a decade in New York and work alongside artists including Chaka Khan, Jon Batiste, Zayn Malik, Chance the Rapper, Leon Bridges, Sam Smith and Saya Gray.

The project features collaborations with Jensen McRae, Victoria Canal and Radamiz, and follows Skinner’s 2025 singles “RECALLING” and “I Linger On”.

https://youtu.be/WUUMqP1Kv8A?si=-rAD5bQZGCRcYtyo

Across the EP, Skinner explores self-doubt, reflection, ageing, childhood wonder and the power of music as a means of connection. Rooted in what he describes as the Black Radical Music Tradition, his sound blends folk, soul and experimental textures with an intimate, storytelling-led approach.

Now, after two decades since writing his first song, Skinner is finally introducing the world to the artist he has spent years becoming.

And he’s doing it on his own terms.

Skinner will also support GENA (Liv.e + Karriem Riggins) at London’s OSLO on August 26, adding a live date to an already significant moment in the run-up to How Far We’ve Come.

“THAT KID” is out now. How Far We’ve Come lands September 18 via Ninja Tune.