Kristin Hersh, the iconic frontwoman of Throwing Muses and acclaimed solo artist, is preparing to release her latest solo album Sugar on Blackstone on 18 September. She will join us to answer your questions about her five-decade career, spanning from the early 1980s formation of Throwing Muses to her current projects.
A Defining Voice in US Alt-Rock
Formed in Rhode Island in the early 1980s with stepsister Tanya Donelly and others, Throwing Muses joined the UK's 4AD label. By 1989's Hunkpapa, they were charting in the UK, part of a vibrant wave of college rock and dreampop alongside peers like Pixies and Cocteau Twins. Hersh's voice—sweet one moment, serrated the next—anchored their melodic yet edgy sound.
In 1994, her debut solo album Hips and Makers (featuring Michael Stipe) broke the UK Top 10, followed by Throwing Muses' University in 1995. After Donelly's departure, the band went on hiatus in 1998, and Hersh developed a sparser solo sound. She also formed 50 Foot Wave, launched the direct-to-fan funding scheme Cash Music, and reformed Throwing Muses in 2003, releasing four more albums.
New Album and Tour
Sugar on Blackstone is described as being about “life and death, enrichment and poverty, and the small but defining moments of childhood that continue to echo through adult life.” Hersh will tour the UK and Ireland from 26 September, followed by Europe and Australia dates.
Post your questions below by 2pm BST on 21 July. Her answers will appear in the 7 August edition of the Film & Music section and online.
