Melanie Baker

Newcastle-based indie specialist Melanie Baker signs to Tambourhinoceros (School of X), & shares new single ‘Sad Clown’.

Marking her first release since acclaimed debut EP ‘Burnout Baby’, Baker’s credentials as a raw, evocative lyricist and a crafter of earworm choruses are showcased candidly through her emotional work-throughs of depression, love and exhaustion. In ‘Sad Clown’, the musician serves up an early dramedy manifesto from her forthcoming new material, offering a much more optimistic tone, constructing pop out of melancholy. 

Fresh from supporting the likes of The Wytches and Maximo Park in recent times, as well as a Mercury Prize Fringe showcase gig in Newcastle, Baker’s phenomenal live prowess is certainly developing at an impressive rate.

Primed to build on early plaudits from the likes of The Line Of Best Fit, Dork Magazine, Rough Trade and La Blogotheque, in addition to airplay on BBC Radio 6 Music (Steve Lamacq in-studio interview) and extensive BBC Introducing support both on BBC Radio 1 and from Shakk in the North East, ‘Sad Clown’ provides the first thrilling reveal from the newcomer’s debut album set to land in 2026.

Speaking ahead of its release, Baker added:

“I wrote this song because I felt like I was becoming a caricature of myself. I was constantly trying to be a better version of myself and ironically lost myself in the process. I don’t want to hide behind complicated metaphors and flowery words.

I want to say exactly how I feel. It’s the only way I know how to work through my shit, it’s the only way I can understand myself and keep moving forward. I am a sad clown. I write songs about being depressed and make bad dad jokes in between. I like making people laugh AND cry.

I like being an emotional rollercoaster. It makes me feel human, and whole. I used to think I had to choose what kind of person I should be and then I realised I can show up exactly as I am.”

Melanie Baker’s ‘Sad Clown’ is out now via Tambourhinoceros and available on all digital platforms.

Picture by Ellen Dixon