Keep Your Courage is Natalie’s ninth solo studio album and the first of new material since her 2014’s self-titled record. An eclectic album, produced by Merchant, it features two duets sung with vocalist Abena Koomson-Davis (Resistance Revival Chorus), contributions from the Celtic folk group Lúnasa, Syrian virtuoso clarinetist Kinan Azmeh, and horn arrangements by jazz trombonist Steve Davis. There are lush orchestrations throughout by seven composers including: Gabriel Kahane, Stephen Barber, Colin Jacobsen, David Spear and Megan Gould. Keep Your Courage comprises nine original songs by Merchant as well as an interpretation of “Hunting the Wren” by Ian Lynch of the Irish band Lankum.

“Keep Your Courage is transcendent… a brilliant and long-awaited return of Natalie’s unmistakable voice.” – Michael Stipe

“I grew up with Natalie’s music, and her voice has a special place in my conception of how music works. Keep your courage shows her – as singer and songwriter – at her most intimate, evocative, and beautiful.”
– Nico Muhly

“These songs are alchemy in the highest form possible. We all need to be reminded that such beauty exists.” – Valerie June

“I have been a persistent fan of Natalie Merchant for several decades – but this may be the best album she has ever made. With classically precise arrangements and production, elegantly poetic lyrics and emotionally stirring vocals she takes us on a unique and memorable journey.”
– Peter Asher, CBE

Keep Your Courage was recorded in Guilford Sound in Brattleboro, VT. It was produced by Natalie Merchant, recorded by Dave Snyder and mixed by Ryan Freeland.

The vinyl LP edition of Keep Your Courage includes four bonus tracks from earlier albums, previously unreleased on vinyl.