Ryan Hemsworth Signs to Topshelf Records, Announces First Album in Eight Years, 'Numbskull'

Canadian producer Ryan Hemsworth has signed to Topshelf Records and will release his first album in eight years, titled Numbskull, on October 21, 2026. The announcement, made by Topshelf Records on August 12, confirms a return to the full-length format for an artist whose last album, Elsewhere, arrived in 2018. (Pitchfork)

The album's first single, 'One Step', is out now. Hemsworth described its starting point in a statement, saying he began thinking about old Three 6 Mafia tapes and 90s UK rave music — a pairing of Southern rap and British hardcore that the track folds together with elements of punk. (Pitchfork)

'One Step' also features Sarah Tudzin of Illuminati Hotties, a collaboration Hemsworth credits with shaping the album's wider approach. Working with Tudzin, he said, led him to adopt what he called a "wild-card" method for choosing collaborators across the record. (Pitchfork)

That approach is reflected in the guest list. Numbskull includes contributions from Tegan and Sara, the Canadian indie-pop duo; Nana Lourdes; Allie; and MSpaint. The range spans singer-songwriter, pop and punk-adjacent territory, with no single genre anchoring the roster. (Pitchfork)

For Hemsworth, the move to Topshelf Records places him on a label known for independent releases across indie rock, emo and adjacent scenes — a different home from the major-affiliated outlets that have handled his previous work. Numbskull marks his first release for the label. (Pitchfork)

An eight-year gap between albums is a long stretch in a streaming-driven market where release cycles have generally accelerated. Hemsworth has stayed active in the interim through singles, collaborations and production work, but Numbskull is his first full-length statement since Elsewhere.

The album arrives October 21.