Grammy-nominated pop singer Bebe Rexha has entered what she describes as one of the most liberating phases of her career, unveiling the energetic dance single “New Religion” on 6 March. The track forms part of her forthcoming visual album Dirty Blonde, a project that marks her first release as an independent artist in partnership with EMPIRE Distribution.
The single represents a notable collaboration with the celebrated English electronic dance group Faithless. It draws inspiration from — and partially incorporates — the iconic Faithless track “Insomnia,” widely regarded as one of the most influential dance anthems of the 1990s. Members of the group, including Rollo, Sister Bliss and the late Maxi Jazz, authorised Rexha to use elements of the original recording, a process that reportedly took several years to complete.
According to Rexha, securing permission was far from straightforward. The original sounds from “Insomnia” were recorded decades ago on analogue tape, meaning the process of accessing and integrating the material required considerable technical effort and careful collaboration with Faithless’s team. Nevertheless, Rexha believes the effort was worthwhile, as the analogue elements added an authenticity that modern digital production often struggles to replicate.
The release of “New Religion” is the third instalment from Dirty Blonde, following the earlier singles “I Like You Better Than Me” and “Çike Çike.” Rather than unveiling the album in a conventional format, Rexha has adopted an unconventional strategy: each track will be released individually, with fans invited to vote online on which song should appear next.
Key Details of the New Project
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Artist | Bebe Rexha |
| New Single | “New Religion” |
| Release Date | 6 March |
| Album | Dirty Blonde |
| Distribution Partner | EMPIRE Distribution |
| Featured Artists | Faithless |
| Sampled Track | “Insomnia” |
| Album Format | Sequential single releases with fan voting |
Rexha has credited her fan base with influencing not only the release schedule but also aspects of the songwriting itself. During the development of “New Religion,” fans repeatedly requested that her songs include a bridge — a structural element that had been absent from some of her recent recordings. Initially written without one, the song was later revised after Rexha returned to the studio to compose an additional bridge section. Ironically, an early preview of the track revealed that the bridge quickly became one of the most widely shared excerpts online.
The singer has expressed admiration for the musical insight of her audience, noting that fans often recognise structural features that contribute to the success of pop songs. Their enthusiasm for “New Religion,” she said, ultimately encouraged her to prioritise the track’s release.
Another notable aspect of the Dirty Blonde project is Rexha’s growing embrace of her cultural identity. On the track “Çike Çike,” she performs partly in Albanian, a tribute to her heritage. The inclusion represents a personal milestone for the artist, who has previously spoken about feeling pressure within the pop industry to minimise aspects of her background.
The album’s title itself carries symbolic meaning. For Rexha, the phrase Dirty Blonde does not merely refer to hair colour but to a broader philosophy of authenticity and creative independence. After years of navigating the expectations of major label structures, she says the project reflects a commitment to artistic freedom and a determination to express her identity without compromise.
With Dirty Blonde unfolding track by track and fans actively shaping its release, Rexha appears to be embracing a more collaborative relationship with her audience than ever before. As anticipation builds for the remaining songs, “New Religion” stands as a powerful statement of both musical reinvention and artistic self-confidence.