Nonesuch Records is set to release Natalie Merchant’s new self-titled album on May 6, 2014. In support of the new album, the multi-platinum singer will embark on a 16-date summer tour across the United States in July. See below for all of the newly announced tour dates. A fan pre-sale for the July dates begins via nataliemerchant.com starting on Wednesday, using the password LADYBIRD, followed by general on sale later this week.

The new recording marks Merchant’s sixth solo collection and her first of entirely original songs in 13 years. The Dan Winters–directed video for the track "Giving Up Everything" premiered on NPR Music and can be seen here. Pre-order Natalie Merchant in the Nonesuch Store, natalimerchant.com, or iTunes to download the opening track, "Ladybird," now.

This self-produced album is the work of a mature artist with a clear and distinctive voice. Long appreciated for the depth and substance of her writing, Merchant has never shied away from weighty themes or subjects for her lyrics. She describes the new release as informed “by experience and keen observation,” dealing with issues of “love gained and lost, regret, denial, surrender, greed, destructiveness, defeat, and occasional triumph.”

Combining three decades of experience in song writing and album making, Merchant's production style is nuanced and pure. Her voice is framed by a balanced blend of electric and acoustic sound throughout with musicianship of exceptional quality. String, brass, and woodwind arrangements mingle with Hammond organ and electric guitar improvisations. Players include John Medeski, Shawn Pelton, Clark Gayton, Uri Sharlin, Jesse Murphy, Erik Della Penna, Gabriel Gordon, and guest vocalists Simi Stone, Elizabeth Mitchell and gospel singer Corliss Stafford.

NATALIE MERCHANT U.S. SUMMER TOUR