Natalie Merchant's new self-titled album, the multi-platinum singer's sixth solo collection, is due May 6 on Nonesuch Records. The video for the song "Ladybird," directed by Dan Winters and featuring the opening track from the 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. You can read the interview and watch the video at rollingstone.com; you can also watch the video below. "Ladybird" is available to download now when you pre-order Natalie Merchant in the Nonesuch Store and at iTunes.

In support of the new album, Merchant will embark on a summer tour across the United States in July. For details and tickets, visit nonesuch.com/on-tour.

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.