AceShowbiz - Dev Hynes, also known by his stage name Blood Orange, recently shared insights with NME about his latest album, his working relationship with Lorde, the upcoming Rally Festival, and the possibility of a Test Icicles reunion.

Speaking to NME on the red carpet at the 2026 BRIT Awards, where he was nominated for the Alternative/Rock category, Hynes reflected on the reception of his newest album, Essex Honey. This was his first album release in seven years following 2018’s Negro Swan. The album earned critical acclaim, with NME describing it as filled with “stunning reflections on the meaning of home.”

The album features collaborations with a diverse group of artists including Lorde, Caroline Polachek, Daniel Caesar, Mustafa, Turnstile's Brendan Yates, and Tariq Al-Sabir. When asked if he anticipated such a positive response or the BRITs nomination, Hynes explained that his approach was simple: he focused on creating what felt right to him and released the work when he felt it was ready to be shared.

Discussing his partnership with Lorde, Hynes described her as a “dear friend.” The two lived near each other in New York while working on their respective albums simultaneously, which made collaboration easy and natural. He noted that they contributed to each other’s projects, with him working a bit on her album Virgin and her contributing vocals to his. Despite her infrequent appearances on other artists’ records, Lorde lent her voice to Essex Honey, a gesture Hynes said he felt honoured by.

Hynes elaborated on their creative chemistry, highlighting that while their songwriting methods differ, their shared introspective nature fosters smooth collaboration. “We’re both people that occupy the space of thinking a lot,” he said. “We like taking in the world and thinking about it, but then when we actually decide it’s time to make music, it’s quite loose and very open.”

Reflecting on his earlier career, Hynes addressed questions about a potential reunion for the early-2000s dance-punk band Test Icicles. The group, which disbanded in 2006 after just two years and one album, has yet to reunite, but Hynes expressed openness to the idea, calling it something he would “love to” consider in the future as he continues to explore his past musical projects.

He also touched on his previous work under the Lightspeed Champion moniker. Despite celebrating two successful albums released in 2008 and 2010, Hynes does not foresee a 20th-anniversary tour, viewing Blood Orange as a continuation or extension of that era. However, he did acknowledge that revisiting Lightspeed Champion songs live for fans might be something he should do eventually.

In addition to his personal music ventures, Hynes confirmed his role as headliner and curator for the main stage at the 2026 Rally Festival, scheduled for August 29 in London's Southwark Park. This community-driven music and arts event will feature performances by Daniel Avery, Smerz, James K, and Jump Source, the live electronic project of Montréal-based DJs Priori and Patrick Holland.

Talking about the festival, Hynes expressed excitement about the lineup and his involvement in selecting artists. He described the event as “gonna be so good,” adding that the festival will mark the final stop on his current tour, which he anticipates will be “very fun.”

The 2026 BRIT Awards ceremony, hosted in Manchester for the first time, was led by comedian and actor Jack Whitehall in his sixth appearance as host. The event featured performances from Harry Styles, who made his first public appearance in three years, as well as Bjork, Rosalía, Olivia Dean, Sombr, HUNTR/X's EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI, Wolf Alice, Mark Ronson, Robbie Williams, Alex Warren, and RAYE.

Among the night’s award winners, Jacob Alon was named Critic’s Choice, Noel Gallagher received the Songwriter of the Year honor, PinkPantheress won Producer of the Year, Ozzy Osbourne was given the BRITs Lifetime Achievement Award, and Mark Ronson took home the trophy for Outstanding Contribution.

Dev Hynes’s journey from his early days in Test Icicles through Lightspeed Champion to his acclaimed work as Blood Orange shows a continuous evolution in his artistry. His collaborations, particularly with Lorde, and his curatorial role at Rally Festival underline his ongoing influence and presence in the contemporary music scene.