Kristin Hersh, the iconic frontwoman of Throwing Muses and acclaimed solo artist, is taking your questions ahead of her new album Sugar on Blackstone. As a defining voice of US alt-rock, she’ll join us to answer fan queries about her decades-long career. Formed in the early 1980s in Rhode Island with stepsister Tanya Donelly, Throwing Muses became a staple of the 4AD label and the college rock wave alongside Pixies and Cocteau Twins.
Hersh’s unique voice—sweet one moment, serrated the next—anchored the band’s melodic yet edgy sound. By 1989’s Hunkpapa, they were charting in the UK, and 1995’s University broke the UK Top 10. Her debut solo album Hips and Makers (1994) featured a guest vocal from Michael Stipe and also reached the Top 10. After Donelly left, Throwing Muses went on hiatus in 1998, but Hersh continued to evolve her sound.
Kristin Hersh’s Solo Career and New Album
Hersh developed a more spartan, spacious sound on her solo releases, then formed the rock band 50 Foot Wave. She also pioneered direct-to-fan funding with Cash Music, predating platforms like Patreon. The reformed Throwing Muses have released four albums since 2003. Now, her upcoming album Sugar on Blackstone, out September 18, explores life, death, and childhood moments that echo into adulthood.
Tour Dates and How to Submit Questions
Hersh will tour the UK and Ireland starting September 26, followed by Europe and Australia. To submit your questions, post them below by 2pm BST on July 21. Her answers will appear in the August 7 edition of the Film & Music section and online. This is your chance to ask about Throwing Muses, her solo work, or Sugar on Blackstone.
| Album | Year | Key Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Hunkpapa | 1989 | First UK charting album |
| Hips and Makers | 1994 | Solo debut, UK Top 10 |
| University | 1995 | Throwing Muses UK Top 10 |
| Sugar on Blackstone | 2025 | New album, themes of life and childhood |
Key Takeaways from Kristin Hersh’s Career
- Frontwoman of Throwing Muses, a pioneering alt-rock band from Rhode Island.
- Successful solo artist with Hips and Makers and later formed 50 Foot Wave.
- Innovator in direct-to-fan music funding via Cash Music.
- New album Sugar on Blackstone releases September 18, 2025.
- Upcoming UK, Ireland, Europe, and Australia tour starting September 26.
FAQ
How can I ask Kristin Hersh a question?
Post your questions below by 2pm BST on July 21. Her answers will be published on August 7.
What is Kristin Hersh’s new album about?
Sugar on Blackstone deals with life and death, enrichment and poverty, and childhood moments that echo into adult life.
Is Throwing Muses still active?
Yes, the band reformed in 2003 and has released four albums since then, alongside Hersh’s solo work.
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