New Prince Single ‘With This Tear’ Released on 10th Anniversary of His Death Ahead of Vault Project Release

April 21st has become a date etched deep into the cultural calendar for music fans worldwide, and this year, the tenth anniversary of Prince’s passing carried a particular resonance with the release of ‘With This Tear’ from the Paisley Park vaults. Even as the news originated from London’s NME, the ripple effects of this vault drop are felt acutely in communities where Prince’s legacy isn’t just remembered—it’s lived. For residents of Minneapolis, Minnesota, the city where he built his creative sanctuary and where his absence is most profoundly felt, this release isn’t merely a new track; it’s a tangible connection to an artist whose spirit remains woven into the urban fabric, especially as the iconic Paisley Park studios in nearby Chanhassen prepare to host their annual tribute event.

The significance of ‘With This Tear’ extends beyond its status as a previously unreleased recording. Originally crafted in 1991 during the prolific sessions that would eventually yield the Diamonds and Pearls album, the song represents a specific moment in Prince’s artistic evolution—a period where he was seamlessly blending funk, rock, and sophisticated pop sensibilities. Its journey is particularly notable: after Prince recorded it, he gifted the composition to Céline Dion, whose powerful rendition became a standout track on her 1992 self-titled English-language breakthrough album. For over three decades, fans only knew Dion’s version, making the arrival of Prince’s original piano-driven ballad, newly mixed by longtime collaborator Chris James, a genuine event for devotees. James, a Grammy-nominated engineer whose credits include perform with Frank Ocean and Janelle Monáe, brought his expertise to ensure the track met modern sonic standards while preserving the raw intimacy of the 1991 session at Paisley Park.

This release is strategically positioned as the opening salvo in what Prince’s estate has described as “the beginning of a number of unreleased Prince recordings scheduled for release this year,” tied to a never-before-heard album project from the vault. The timing is deliberate, coinciding not only with the anniversary of his passing on April 21, 2016—attributed to an accidental fentanyl overdose—but also with a series of commemorative events designed to celebrate his enduring influence. Chief among these is the tribute happening today at Paisley Park itself, branded ‘A Day 2 Reflect. A Night 2 Remember.’ The estate’s invitation emphasizes gathering to honor Prince’s spirit, music, and the love that continues to unite fans, a sentiment that will undoubtedly echo through the halls of the studio complex located just off Highway 5 in Chanhassen, a short drive from the Minneapolis skyline.

Looking ahead, the estate has announced another major celebration slated for June, promising a special live show featuring former band members and collaborating acts. Confirmed participants include legends like Chaka Khan, Morris Day, Tevin Campbell, Sounds Of Blackness, Cassandra O’Neal, and Bobby Z—artists who shared stages and studios with Prince during his peak years. This upcoming event, details for which can be found through Leap Events, aims to recreate the energy of his legendary live performances, potentially drawing significant crowds to the Twin Cities area and providing an economic boost to local hospitality venues, restaurants, and transit services along corridors like Hennepin Avenue or downtown St. Paul. Such events underscore how Prince’s legacy continues to function as a cultural and economic catalyst for Minnesota, long after his final note faded.

Given my background in chronicling the intersection of global cultural moments and their local manifestations, if this wave of renewed interest in Prince’s unreleased work impacts you in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area, here are the three types of local professionals you need to consider connecting with. First, seek out Vinyl Record Preservation Specialists—look for experts with proven climate-controlled storage facilities, expertise in cleaning and grading vintage pressings (especially those from Paisley Park or NPG Records eras), and affiliations with organizations like the Minnesota Historical Society’s media preservation initiatives; they can help safeguard any physical vault releases you acquire. Second, consult Live Sound Engineering Archivists—prioritize professionals who have documented Prince’s actual live mixes from venues like First Avenue or Target Center, understand the nuances of his concert soundscapes, and can offer context on how vault recordings might translate to a live setting, potentially collaborating with local audio schools or the MacPhail Center for Music. Third, engage with Cultural Heritage Tour Guides Specializing in Music History—discover guides licensed by the City of Minneapolis who offer curated tours highlighting Prince-related landmarks (such as First Avenue, his former residences, or Paisley Park access points), possess deep knowledge of his Minneapolis-era collaborations verified through reputable sources like the University of Minnesota’s Archives, and can contextualize his impact within the broader narrative of the city’s Black music scene.

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