Natalie Merchant will be joined by The School of Life Founder and philosopher Alain de Botton for an evening of conversation and music at Shoreditch Town Hall in London on Thursday, May 15. The two will discuss the inspirations for the songs on her new, self-titled album, due May 5 on Nonesuch Records, and Merchant will offer a selection of live musical illustrations. For tickets, visit theschooloflife.com.

The new recording is the multi-platinum singer’s sixth solo collection, and her first of entirely original songs in 13 years; she describes the new release as informed "by experience and keen observation," dealing with issues of "love gained and lost, regret, denial, surrender, greed, destructiveness, defeat, and occasional triumph." For additional details and to pre-order now, visit the Nonesuch Store.

Merchant will perform two sold-out concerts at Milton Court Concert Hall in London on May 10 & 11 and join fellow Nonesuch artists for a third sold-out concert at Milton Court on May 18 for the Barbican's celebration of Nonesuch Records' 50th anniversary. The last concert is part of a marathon weekend entitled Explorations: The Sound of Nonesuch Records. For additional details on all of the related events, visit barbican.co.uk.