By Skye Anderson, Lifestyles editor

On March 30, singer Frank Ocean shook the music world by announcing his highly anticipated third album 10 years after the release of his latest album “Blonde.” 

“After many delays, I’m proud to say it’s finally ready. No lies,” the singer wrote in an Instagram post shared Monday morning. 

Fans of Ocean have made a running gag out of his tendency in recent years to tease new music without properly releasing anything.  

His being announced as a headliner for Coachella 2023 stirred excitement for a new era, but this quickly turned into disappointment sparking rage among fans when he began his set nearly an hour late and ended it early due to local curfew restrictions. 

Now, he is assuring fans and critics that this is the real thing. With the album announcement, he also shared official tour dates with the opening show taking place at the University of Montevallo in Palmer Hall—to the surprise of pretty much everyone. 

Many have pointed out the absurdity of Ocean’s choice to perform at a small liberal arts college in Alabama. Ocean has had no public ties to the university until now, leading to speculation as to what made him choose the venue. 

The new album “channel GOLD” appears to be a sequel to his 2012 debut “channel ORANGE.” Some fans have criticized the choice, wishing he would explore a new concept rather than revisit an old one. 

Given the album title, members of Gold Side are certain Ocean is one of them, many welcoming him with open arms. 

“I mean, I wasn’t expecting it, but I’m here for it,” said Gold Side leader Madison Smith. 

Aroush Maroof, a sophomore in Gold Side, said she thinks Ocean’s antics are distracting for both sides. “I love his music too, but c’mon guys. We gotta lock in.” 

Many Purples are upset about Ocean’s alleged connection to Gold Side, saying they find it out of character for him. 

“This is an outrage,” said Purple Side sophomore Jude Copeland. “A spirit once visited my dream to tell me Frank Ocean would be a Purple, and now I’m questioning everything. I’m even thinking of getting a new psychic.” 

“Girl, I can’t with that mess,” said freshman Claire Temple, a Purple who has been outspoken about the conspiracy Ocean was replaced by a lookalike. “End the madness! Free Frank!” 

Purple Side is organizing an official protest for the concert, urging Ocean to change the album name from “channel GOLD” to “channel PURPLE.” Given this paired with the overwhelming number of Ocean’s fans traveling to UM just for the concert, Ocean’s team and UMPD are expected to be implementing strong security measures for the event. 

Students have been analyzing the track listing of the new album for more Easter eggs relating to the university. The eighth track “More” is rumored to reference UM’s new “Montevallo Means More” campaign. 

Still, neither Ocean nor his team have made any official statements regarding affiliations to UM or College Night besides the upcoming concert in Palmer. 

The lead single “I’m Back Guys This Album Is Actually Real I’m Not Kidding I Wouldn’t Joke About This I’m Not Kidding This Time” is now available on streaming and the album will release April 31, the same night as his performance in Palmer Hall.