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Chief Cleopatra Returns With New Single Waves

The Austin-based group drops their first new track in two years featuring vocalist Jalesa Jessie.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Reggae

Graphic illustration of vibrant teal and mustard geometric sound waves flowing across a coral background, evoking independent music production.
Austin-based musical group Chief Cleopatra has released their new single, Waves, featuring vocalist Jalesa Jessie, their first track since 2024. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Austin group Chief Cleopatra has returned to the airwaves with a new single, Waves, marking their first musical drop in two years. The track, which features vocalist Jalesa Jessie, blends a downtempo groove with the band's signature layered production style.

Why it matters

The release signals a fresh chapter for the local outfit, ending a two-year hiatus since their 2024 single, Cold Dancer. For fans of the Austin music scene, the arrival of new material offers a glimpse into how the group's sound has evolved since they were last active.

This release marks the first new music from the group in two years, breaking a silence that began after the 2024 launch of Cold Dancer. It remains unknown if this single will be followed by a tour or a larger collection of songs.

The players

Chief Cleopatra

An Austin-based musical group known for their layered production and downtempo sound.

Jalesa Jessie

A vocalist who is featured on the new single Waves.

The details

The new track, Waves, centers on a downtempo groove that highlights Chief Cleopatra's approach to layered musical production. It features guest vocals from Jalesa Jessie, adding a new dimension to the band's sound. The release is currently available for listeners to stream as the band resumes active production.

Timeline

  1. The band released their previous single, Cold Dancer, in 2024.

  2. The new single Waves was released on October 20, 2026.

The Texas Context

The return of the group follows the established local trend of bands using Austin station platform premieres to signal a return to active status. This release follows a pattern of local development where acts emerge from multi-year gaps to update their sound.

Local listeners can now find the new track on major streaming platforms. Fans looking to see if the group adds hometown concert dates can keep an eye on local venue calendars for potential late-year announcements.

The takeaway

The return of this Austin-based group provides a new downtempo addition to your fall playlist. Keep an eye on the band's social channels to see if this single leads to a return to local stages.

Further reading

Explore the latest tracks and artist updates in our Reggae section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by KUTX.