Natalie Merchant begins a three-week US tour in support of her new, self-titled album at the Ulster Performing Arts Center in Kingston, NY, this Thursday, followed by stops along the East Coast and in the Midwest. "The collective feel of the music on the album still leaves room for Merchant’s trademark intimacy and honesty: no small feat," writes Hudson Valley Almanac Weekly in advance of Thursday's show. "Expect similar wire-walking brilliance when Merchant takes the show on the road." Merchant kicks off the tour as a guest on public radio's The Diane Rehm Show Wednesday and CBC's Q with Jian Ghomeshi Thursday.

Natalie Merchant was featured on two radio sessions over the weekend: NPR’s World Cafe Friday, performing four songs from her new, self-titled album, “Lulu,” “Texas,” “Giving Up Everything,” and “Ladybird,” and on BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris program Sunday, performing “It’s A-Coming” and “Texas” from the album, plus “Kind & Generous,” from 1998's Ophelia. Merchant, says Harris, has “one of the most beautiful and distinctive voices in the whole of rock and pop music.” Hear the Harris session here.

Natalie Merchant joined The School of Life founder and philosopher Alain de Botton for a public conversation about her new, self-titled album, last night in London. During the event, she unveiled a new video for the album track "Lulu." The video features film excerpts from Pandora's Box, the 1929 silent film directed by G.W. Pabst and starring Louise Brooks, the subject of the song. Watch it here. Merchant returns to Later ... with Jools Holland tonight on BBC Two.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Nonesuch Records, the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) presents a wide-ranging series of concerts, September 9–28. Part of the 2014 Next Wave Festival, these diverse engagements—featuring 23 evenings of music—underscore the longstanding relationship between Nonesuch artists and BAM. Performs include Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Timo Andres, Brad Mehldau, Chris Thile, Dawn Upshaw, Alarm Will Sound performing works by John Adams, Youssou N'Dour, Rhiannon Giddens, Devendra Banhart, Stephin Merritt, Iron and Wine, Kronos Quartet, Natalie Merchant, Sam Amidon, Olivia Chaney, Laurie Anderson, Rokia Traoré, Toumani & Sidiki Diabaté, Caetano Veloso, and Robert Plant.

Natalie Merchant performed two sold-out shows at Milton Court Concert Hall in London over the weekend and stopped by BBC Radio 2's Weekend Wogan for a live session. She performs on BBC Two's Later ... with Jools Holland Tuesday and again on Friday. She joins philosopher Alain de Botton in East London on Thursday to discuss her new album and returns to Milton Court on Sunday for another sold-out concert, this time with several label mates, for a celebration of roots music for the Barbican’s Explorations: The Sound of Nonesuch Records.

Natalie Merchant's new, self-titled album was released earlier this week to great critical acclaim. The New York Times describes the album as "a set of dark, brave, thoughtful and serenely startling songs." NPR's All Things Considered says: "This record gives full rein to Natalie Merchant's voice, which is stronger than ever, especially in her magnificent lower register." A USA Today feature finds Merchant "driven by the same sense of empathy that has always motivated her." Refinery29 says the new album marks "the return of one of music’s most illustrious voices." 

Natalie Merchant’s new self-titled album, her first of entirely original songs in 13 years, is out now on Nonesuch Records. "Merchant creates a rich musical tapestry that transcends the typical vagary of pop music," raves the Associated Press. The Daily Telegraph gives the album a perfect five stars, naming it Album of the Week: "There is something quietly magnificent about her vocal presence." The Sunday Express says the album is "brimming with wit, insight and compassion." Merchant "is in terrific form," says the Times of London. "It is Merchant’s mature, versatile voice that steals the show."

Natalie Merchant's new, self-titled album is due out next Tuesday, May 6, but you don't need to wait till then to hear it: her sixth solo collection is streaming in full all this week in the New York Times's Press Play feature. Merchant will perform at the Beacon Theatre in NYC on September 13. Watch an in-depth video conversation with Merchant, in which she discusses the new album and the "intimate portraits" she creates in its songs, here. 

The video for Natalie Merchant's song "Ladybird," the opening track from her forthcoming self-titled album, has premiered via Rolling Stone. "A lilting lullaby for happier times, the song is vintage Merchant," writes Rolling Stone's Gavin Edwards. Merchant spoke with Edwards about the song; the new album, her first of entirely original songs in 13 years; life in upstate New York; and more. Watch the video here.

Nonesuch Records is set to release Natalie Merchant’s new self-titled album on May 6. In support of the new album, the multi-platinum singer will embark on a 16-date US summer tour, making stops along the East Coast and into the Midwest. A fan pre-sale begins on Wednesday, followed by general on sale. Nonesuch Store pre-orders of the new album, Merchant's first recording of entirely original songs in 13 years, include an instant download of the track "Ladybird."

Natalie Merchant's new self-titled album is due May 6. The video for the song "Giving Up Everything," directed by Dan Winters and featuring the first music to be heard from the album, has premiered on NPR's First Watch. "Rarely is an artist as honest and revealing as Natalie Merchant in her new video and song, 'Giving Up Everything,'" says NPR Music's Bob Boilen. "Watch the video, let it settle in your bones, and watch again." You can do so here.

Natalie Merchant will be joined by The School of Life Founder and philosopher Alain de Botton for an evening of conversation and music at Shoreditch Town Hall in London on Thursday, May 15. The two will discuss the inspirations for the songs on her new, self-titled album, due May 5 on Nonesuch Records, and Merchant will offer a selection of live musical illustrations. Merchant will perform two sold-out concerts in London in May and join fellow Nonesuch artists for a sold-out concert there later that month.