Chrome Sparks Announces New Album Ball of Light With Khalid and Jónsi Single Sleeper
Electronic artist and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Malvin, known professionally as Chrome Sparks, has announced his upcoming full-length studio album titled Ball of Light. Set for release on September 11, through Chrome Sounds and AWAL, the project is preceded by its lead single, “Sleeper,” which features vocal contributions from R&B artist Khalid and Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi. The release marks Malvin’s first solo long-form project since his 2018 self-titled debut.
A Creative Reset After Years Behind the Scenes
For much of the half-decade preceding the album announcement, Malvin focused heavily on production and collaborative work for other major recording artists. According to Malvin, the seven-year gap between solo records was spent refining his craft away from the artist spotlight. Speaking on the new direction, Malvin stated that Ball of Light represents him finding himself again after years of collaborative writing.
The lead single “Sleeper” layers Khalid’s soulful vocal delivery against the distinct falsetto of Jónsi, anchored by Chrome Sparks’ trademark shimmering electronic production and cinematic textures. This blend of ambient composition and emotionally direct songwriting mirrors the aesthetic that first brought Malvin critical attention with his breakthrough track, “Marijuana.”
Extensive Production Credits Leading Up to the Album
While operating outside the primary artist spotlight, Malvin built an extensive catalog of production and songwriting credits across pop and electronic music sectors. His behind-the-scenes work includes contributions to Slayyyter’s WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA with the track “Unknown Loverz,” alongside multiple tracks for Lily Allen’s West End Girl, including “Dallas Major,” “Lost Girl,” and “Madeline.” Additional high-profile production work features Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s “Sunset Blvd” from I Said I Love You First, as well as Mallrat’s ARIA Platinum-certified single “My Darling, My Angel.”
The trajectory of Malvin’s career traces back to his formative years at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where his living situation uniquely intertwined with the local music ecosystem. During his college years, Malvin resided directly above Wazoo Records, a shop known for its bargain bins and new releases. Reflecting on those years in a 2013 interview with SPIN, Malvin recalled splitting his budget between records and a neighboring bar, citing Don Armando’s Second Avenue Rhumba Band disco track “I’m An Indian, Too” as a lasting favorite rare discovery.