Saint Etienne’s Sarah Cracknell announces solo album ‘Red Kite,’ shares ‘On The Swings’

Saint Etienne frontwoman Sarah Cracknell has announced details for her second solo album. Titled ‘Red Kite,’ it’ll be Cracknell’s first lone effort since her 1997 solo record ‘Lipslide’. Set to feature guest appearances from Manic Street Preachers’ Nicky Wire, and The Rails, ‘Red Kite’ is pencilled in for release on 15th June via Cherry Reds.

Speaking about the new record in a press release, Cracknell said: “”We were drawn to records where the productions are properly out there; records where an odd instrument or noise sits right at the top of the mix and becomes the hook.” She also cites Beach Boys, Felt, and Ennio Morricone as being among her influences.

Sarah Cracknell’s also revealed she’s heading out on a string of live dates in June. Her tour is as follows:

JUNE
16 Komedia, Brighton
17 Bush Hall, London
19 Oran Mor, Glasgow
20 Gorilla, Manchester
21 City Varieties Music Hall, Leeds

Along with the announcement, Cracknell’s shared the opening track, ‘On The Swings’. Her solo work shares the same wide-eyed Romanticism as much of Saint Etienne’s output, but Cracknell’s saccharine vocals find themselves in a more earthy, folk-tinged setting. Listen to her new track below, followed by ‘Red Kite’s tracklisting.