Just Announced category interest

Today, English folk-rock icon Linda Thompson announces her first new album in over ten years, Proxy Music, set for release on June 21st via StorySound Records. The 11-track collection introduces a unique concept, as Thompson's new original songs are brought to life and performed by a handpicked ensemble of her closest family, friends and admirers. Noteworthy among these collaborators are The Proclaimers, Rufus and Martha Wainwright, John Grant, Dori Freeman, The Unthanks, Ren Havieu, Eliza Carthy, and Thompson's children, Kami Thompson and Teddy Thompson. 

Alongside the album announcement, Linda Thompson releases lead single “Solitary Traveller,” featuring the vocals of her daughter, Kami. Reflecting on the essence of the song, Linda muses, “I wouldn’t know. I’ve never been one. But, if you have a lot of people in your life, you sometimes yearn for solitude. Conversely, solitary people often crave company. It is a bit of a dichotomy.”

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Listen to “Solitary Traveller” HERE

Despite vocal limitations caused by a rare condition known as spasmodic dysphonia, Thompson—praised by Rolling Stone for possessing "one of rock and roll’s finest voices"—demonstrates her enduring songwriting prowess and versatility throughout Proxy Music. Songs like “Bonnie Lass” and “Mudlark” evoke traditional English folk ballads, while “Darling This Will Never Do” channels early 20th-century cabaret. Standout track “John Grant” features Grant himself singing wittily about a real-life encounter with Linda. “Those Damn Roches” humorously portrays folk music familial dynasties, including the Thompsons. The album's "proxy" theme extends seamlessly to its artwork, where Linda Thompson dons the iconic outfit from Roxy Music's debut cover, showcasing not only her musical depth and poignant compositions, but also her often-overlooked sense of humor. 

Linda Thompson entered the London Folk scene in the late ‘60s, initially releasing singles under her maiden name, Linda Peters. However, it was her marriage with Richard Thompson that propelled her to wider acclaim, beginning with their landmark album, I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight. Their collaboration continued with a series of lauded releases, culminating in the iconic Shoot Out The Lights in 1982. Since then, Linda Thompson has released four solo albums, including Dreams Fly Away, Fashionably Late, Versatile Heart, and Won’t Be Long Now, before her vocal condition hindered further projects.

To celebrate the release of Proxy Music, album collaborators Teddy Thompson, Martha Wainwright, and John Grant, along with friends Loudon Wainwright, Jill Sobule, and Syd Straw will perform at City Winery in New York City on June 30th, with Linda Thompson in attendance. Find more information here. 

Proxy Music Track Listing

1. The Solitary Traveller - Kami Thompson

2. Or Nothing at All - Martha Wainwright

3. Bonnie Lass - The Proclaimers

4. Darling This Will Never Do - Rufus Wainwright

5. I Used To Be So Pretty - Ren Harvieu

6. John Grant - John Grant

7. Mudlark - The Rails

8. Shores of America - Dori Freeman

9. That’s the Way the Polka Goes - Eliza Carthy

10. Three Shaky Ships - The Unthanks

11. Those Damn Roches - Teddy Thompson