Kristin Hersh, the trailblazing frontwoman of Throwing Muses and a maverick solo artist, is set to unleash her raw emotion ahead of the release of her new album, 'Sugar on Blackstone' – a deeply personal exploration that promises to take fans on a sonic rollercoaster ride. With five decades of music-making under her belt, this alt-rock icon is primed to share the stories behind her art, and we're giving you the chance to be part of it!
Hersh first electrified audiences in the early 1980s with Throwing Muses, a band she co-founded in Rhode Island with her stepsister Tanya Donelly. Like a force of nature, they tore through the UK music scene on the esteemed 4AD label, rubbing shoulders with fellow trailblazers Pixies and Cocteau Twins. The band's unique sound – think Kristin's wailing vocals soaring from sweet serenades to raw, edgy screams – sent shockwaves through British airwaves, with their 1989 album 'Hunkpapa' hitting the charts and 1995's 'University' storming into the UK Top 10.
As a solo artist, Hersh has also left an indelible mark on the music landscape. Her debut album 'Hips and Makers', released in 1994, shot to the UK Top 10, courtesy of a guest appearance from Michael Stipe – think the ultimate indie credibility badge! After Throwing Muses took a hiatus in 1998, Hersh continued to push boundaries with her solo material, embracing a more expansive sound and collaborating with other talented artists. Oh, and she also co-founded 50 Foot Wave – another groundbreaking rock band that's left an indelible mark on the music scene.
The eagerly anticipated album 'Sugar on Blackstone' is scheduled for release on 18 September 2026. Described as a deeply personal exploration of life, death, enrichment, poverty, and those tiny but unforgettable moments from childhood that continue to resonate through adulthood – it's an album that promises to leave you breathless! Following its release, Hersh will embark on a blockbuster UK and Ireland tour, kicking off on 26 September 2026 before heading to Europe and Australia.
But here's the best part: we're giving fans the chance to submit their questions to Kristin Hersh herself! The deadline for submissions is 2pm BST on 21 July 2026. Her responses will be published in our Film & Music section on 7 August 2026, and made available online – so get ready to dig into the psyche of one of music's most fascinating figures!