Khalid returned to Los Angeles this week to celebrate the release of his new album After the Sun Goes Down with an Amazon Music–hosted listening experience in downtown LA. The event brought together hundreds of fans, media, and industry guests for a first listen to the singer’s new project, which officially dropped October 10 via Right Hand Music Group/RCA Records.

The venue featured two connected hangars — one built out as a live stage and DJ space branded by Amazon Music, and the other designed as a lounge area with food, custom merch, and detailed décor. Outside, guests were greeted by a full lineup of classic cars arranged on the lawn, setting the tone for the night’s nostalgic-meets-modern aesthetic.

Before the playback began, Khalid joined the crowd for a short Q&A, describing After the Sun Goes Down as one of his most personal and freeing bodies of work yet. He explained that the album draws a parallel to his 2017 debut American Teen but reflects where he is now in life.

“I feel like I had my whole entire life to write that album,” Khalid said. “And I feel like this one — I’ve had my whole life to write this album as well. It speaks about my queer experience on earth… it’s me completely vulnerable, honest, healing, and unafraid.”

He encouraged the audience to approach the album the way it was made — through movement and energy. “By track one, everybody in this room will get it,” he said. “Just let loose. This album was made to dance.”

Once the lights dimmed, the full project played from start to finish while fans filled both rooms, creating a lively, social atmosphere that mirrored the record’s upbeat sound. Compared to Khalid’s earlier, moodier R&B releases, After the Sun Goes Down leans into a more rhythmic, pop-forward style without losing his signature vocals.

The 17-track album features previously released singles “Out of Body” and “In Plain Sight,” which have already drawn praise from outlets like Rolling Stone and Billboard. Executive-produced by ILYA (Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith), the album also includes contributions from Julia Michaels, Ryan Tedder, Rodney Jerkins, Oscar Gorres, and Michael Pollack.

In a press statement, Khalid described the project as a reflection of creative freedom and self-acceptance: “This is what freedom sounds like. It’s me completely vulnerable, honest, healing, and unafraid. I’m proud of who I am, and the love I have to give, and I think there’s power in that.”

At the listening event, he expanded on that message, crediting his supporters for giving him the confidence to reach this stage in his career. “The only reason that I’m able to express myself to this capacity is because every single person in this room,” he told the crowd. “Honesty and living your truth — that’s what it’s all about.”

After the Sun Goes Down includes a mix of high-energy and emotional moments, exploring love, identity, and rediscovery through danceable production and clean pop melodies. Tracks like “Medicine,” “Momentary Lovers,” and “Please Don’t Call (333)” highlight Khalid’s smooth delivery against uptempo beats, while songs such as “Hurt People” and “Angel Boy” bring back the introspection that longtime fans will recognize.

The event also doubled as an opportunity to test audience reaction in real time ahead of the wider release. With nearly a thousand people dancing, singing, and filming throughout the night, the atmosphere suggested that Khalid’s shift toward a more open, expressive era is already connecting.

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