New Orleans-based singer, songwriter, producer and multidisciplinary artist Dawn Richard presents “chuuuuurch” (feat. jelly joseph), the third single from her new album, creole culture. Following the “lush and euphoric R&B reverie,” (Stereogum) “enough,” “chuuuuurch”  finds Richard reflecting on self worth and her time in the entertainment industry. Watch the video for “chuuuuurch” below and listen to it wherever you stream music. creole culture is available for pre-order ahead of its October 9 release on CD, LP, and “Champagne Wave” Peak Vinyl from the Merge store in the US and UK. The first 300 Peak Vinyl orders in the US come with a free flexi disc featuring Dawn's 2025 single “A Flex”

Richard comments: “‘chuuuuurch’ is really a conversation with myself—addressing my journey through this industry and the many times I’ve had to remind myself of who I am. Culturally, saying ‘church’ is its own kind of affirmation. It’s ‘amen.’ It’s ‘you right.’ And sometimes, when no one else is there to affirm you, you have to amen yourself. The song mirrors that journey musically. It moves through gospel, bounce and dance music, with nods to the energy of Crystal Waters and La Bouche. It keeps building, almost like a service, until all of those influences exist in the same space. It’s playful, honest and deeply musical, a reminder that sometimes you have to be your own congregation.”

Accompanying the track is a video directed by Zebretta Johnson with animation by Richard. The video leans into a Robert Rodriguez-inspired cinematic world, with Dawn testifying before a congregation about her personal journey—the highs, the setbacks, the judgment, and the constant process of having to build herself back up.

At the center of the visual is a younger version of Dawn, representing her younger self. Throughout the piece, Dawn is essentially trying to reach her, support her, and lift her up—becoming the voice and reassurance she may not have always had during those earlier chapters of her life.

She comments, “The congregation becomes both witness and reflection. The idea of ‘chuuurch' is bigger than the physical church—it’s about testimony, affirmation, and learning to say amen to yourself when you’ve had to keep going without everyone understanding or supporting your journey.

“Visually, we wanted it to feel bold, theatrical, slightly surreal, and cinematic while still carrying the humor, grit, and spirit of the record.”

creole culture is triumphant and tragic, sexy and mournful, braggadocious and contemplative. The album presents Richard’s New Orleans as a utopian soundscape — an intoxicating blend of R&B, soul, hip-hop, pop, and jazz — that’s survived and thrived despite the dystopian circumstances visited upon it. Fans in Chicago, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC will have an opportunity to experience creole culture live later this year — follow Dawn for more information!

Dawn Richard on tour: 
Oct 02 New Orleans, LA – Orpheum Theater *
Nov 04 New York, NY – Le Poisson Rouge
Nov 05 Philadelphia, PA – Music Hall @ World Cafe Live
Nov 07 Washington, DC – Transmission

* w/ Tank and the Bangas & the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra