Channel Orange is the debut studio album by American R&B singer-songwriter Frank Ocean. It was released on July 10, 2012, by Def Jam Recordings. After releasing his mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra the previous year, Ocean began writing new songs with Malay, a producer and songwriter who then assisted him with recording Channel Orange at EastWest Studios in Hollywood. Rather than rely on samples as he had with his mixtape, Ocean wanted to approach sound and song structure differently on the album. Other producers who worked on the album included Om'Mas Keith and Pharrell Williams. Its recording also featured guest appearances from Odd Future rappers Earl Sweatshirt and Tyler, the Creator, vocalist/songwriter André 3000, and guitarist John Mayer.
Channel Orange
Ocean (photographed in 2011) mused over past experiences and pure fantasy when writing the album.
The exterior of EastWest Studios in Hollywood, where the album was mainly recorded
Pharrell Williams (2014) contributed as a producer, programmer, and keyboardist on the album.
Frank Ocean is an American singer, songwriter, and rapper. His early works are credited by some music critics for pioneering the alternative R&B genre. Ocean has won two Grammy Awards and a Brit Award for International Male Solo Artist among other accolades, and his two studio albums have been listed on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" (2020).
Ocean in 2021
Ocean in 2011
Ocean (right) with Tyler, the Creator at Coachella in April 2012
Ocean performing at Coachella 2012