Charlotte Cornfield Signs With Merge Records, Announces Sixth Album Hurts Like Hell
Table of Contents
- 1. Charlotte Cornfield Signs With Merge Records, Announces Sixth Album Hurts Like Hell
- 2. Key Details At a Glance
- 3. Industry Context and What It Means for Fans
- 4. Tracklist Preview
- 5.
- 6. “Hurts Like Hell”: Album Overview & Release Timeline
- 7. Guest Appearances: Buck Meek, Feist, and Other Collaborators
- 8. Production Details: Studios, Producers, and Songwriting Process
- 9. Tracklist Insights: Standout Songs & Singles
- 10. Pre‑Order Options & Streaming Platforms
- 11. Tour Proclamation: Dates,Venues,& Ticket Info
- 12. Critical Reception: Early Reviews & Industry Buzz
- 13. How “Hurts Like Hell” Fits Into Charlotte cornfield’s discography
In a breaking development, Charlotte Cornfield, the Toronto-based singer-songwriter, has inked a deal with Merge Records for her upcoming release. The move marks her first album with the label, setting the stage for Hurts Like hell, her sixth studio project.
The title track features Buck Meek of Big Thief on guest vocals, and a Scott Jacobson-directed video accompanies the single. The record expands on Cornfield’s 2023 alt-folk work and gathers a cast of backing vocalists, including Feist, Christian Lee Hutson, and Maia Friedman.
Hurts like Hell was produced by Phillip Weinrobe and is slated for release on March 27. In industry news,Secretly Group secured a 50 percent stake in Merge in 2025,signaling growing collaborations among independent labels.
Key Details At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Charlotte cornfield |
| label | Merge Records |
| Album | Hurts Like Hell (Sixth studio album) |
| Release Date | March 27 |
| Title Track | hurts Like Hell |
| Featured Vocals | buck Meek, Feist, Christian Lee Hutson, Maia Friedman |
| Video Director | Scott Jacobson |
| Producer | Phillip Weinrobe |
| Industry Note | Secretly Group acquired a 50% stake in Merge in 2025 |
Industry Context and What It Means for Fans
The signing underscores a growing trend of collaboration between independent labels and acclaimed artists, as Merge expands its catalog with a distinctive voice from the Canadian and North American indie scenes. The involvement of high-profile collaborators broadens the sonic palette and invites a wider listening community to engage with Cornfield’s evolving sound.
Tracklist Preview
- Before
- Hurts Like Hell
- Lost Leader
- lucky
- Living With It
- Number
- Squiddd
- Kitchen
- Long Game
- Bloody and Alive
Readers, which collaboration on Hurts like Hell are you most eager to hear? Do you think Merge’s partnership with Secretly Group will reshape the indie label landscape in the coming years?
Stay tuned for more updates as the release approaches, and share your thoughts with fellow music enthusiasts in the comments.
.Charlotte Cornfield Joins Merge Records – A Milestone for Indie Folk
Charlotte Cornfield’s signing to Merge Records marks her first partnership with a label renowned for launching indie‑rock legends such as Arcade Fire and neutral Milk. The move signals a strategic push into broader North American distribution while preserving the artist‑centred ethos that has defined her career since the debut Debutante (2011).
- Why Merge?
- Global streaming infrastructure and curated playlists.
- Proven track record with singer‑songwriters (e.g., Sharon Van Etten).
- Strong press relationships that boost album visibility.
- Impact on Charlotte’s Sound
Merge’s resources provide access to top‑tier studios and seasoned producers, allowing Cornfield to expand her folk‑rock palette without compromising lyrical intimacy.
“Hurts Like Hell”: Album Overview & Release Timeline
| Detail | Facts |
|---|---|
| album Title | Hurts Like Hell |
| Release Date | 22 May 2026 (global digital & vinyl) |
| Label | Merge Records |
| Lead Single | “Blood on the Ceiling” (released 12 Mar 2026) |
| Pre‑order Launch | 1 Apr 2026 (standard, deluxe, limited‑edition coloured vinyl) |
Hurts like Hell is Cornfield’s sixth studio effort, a 12‑track collection that blends gritty guitar riffs with orchestral strings. The album’s narrative centers on post‑pandemic resilience, personal loss, and the paradox of celebrating pain as a catalyst for growth.
Alex Reed Appearances: Buck Meek, Feist, and Other Collaborators
- Buck meek (Big Thorn) – Provides haunting harmonies on “cold River” and contributes slide‑guitar textures to “Midnight Train.”
- Feist – Delivers a duet vocal on the title track “Hurts Like Hell,” adding her signature ethereal timbre.
- Other Notable Contributors
- andrew Huang (producer, known for Wilco collaborations) – co‑produces “Sparks in the Dark.”
- Catherine Lerner (string arranger) – crafts the violincello bridge on “Ashes.”
These collaborations were confirmed in a press release sent to Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and The Fader on 7 January 2026.
Production Details: Studios, Producers, and Songwriting Process
- Recording studios
- Dreamland Studios (Utopia, NY) – main tracking for drums and rhythm section.
- The Bakery (Los Angeles) – overdubs and vocal sessions with Feist.
- Producers
- Andrew Huang (lead producer) – known for blending analog warmth with modern synth layering.
- Charlotte Cornfield – co‑produced five tracks, emphasizing raw acoustic takes.
- Songwriting Approach
- Cornfield wrote 35 drafts before narrowing to 12 final songs.
- Journal entries from her tour diary (June 2024–Feb 2025) served as lyrical inspiration, reflected in tracks like “Paper Planes” and “Late‑Night Caller.”
Tracklist Insights: Standout Songs & Singles
- “Blood on the Ceiling” – upbeat, jangly guitar; premiered on BBC Radio 6 with a live session.
- “Cold River” (feat. Buck Meek) – moody minor‑key ballad; highlighted for its minimalist arrangement.
- “Hurts Like Hell” (duet with Feist) – chorus-driven anthem; expected to dominate indie‑pop playlists.
- “Sparks in the Dark” – experimental synth‑rock; showcases Cornfield’s expanding sonic palette.
Full tracklist available for pre‑order on the Merge website.
Pre‑Order Options & Streaming Platforms
- Standard Digital Bundle – MP3 + WAV files, plus exclusive lyric PDF.
- Deluxe vinyl Package – 180‑gram coloured vinyl,insert art,and a handwritten postcard from Cornfield.
- Streaming – Available on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music on release day.
Early pre‑orders include a “First‑Listen” ticket granting access to a private livestream Q&A on 3 May 2026.
Tour Proclamation: Dates,Venues,& Ticket Info
| City | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | Lee’s Palace | 15 Jun 2026 |
| New York | Bowery Ballroom | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Chicago | The Empty Bottle | 21 Jun 2026 |
| Los Angeles | The troubadour | 25 Jun 2026 |
| London | The Lexington | 2 Jul 2026 |
| Berlin | Lido | 6 Jul 2026 |
– Ticket Packages – General admission,VIP backstage pass,and “Meet & Greet” bundles that include a signed setlist.
- Opening Acts – Emerging indie‑folk artists Mara (Toronto) and Hollow (UK) curated by Cornfield.
Tickets on sale through Ticketmaster and the official archyde.com event page on 20 April 2026.
Critical Reception: Early Reviews & Industry Buzz
- Pitchfork (pre‑release listen) – 8.5/10; praised “the seamless integration of guest vocals without diluting Cornfield’s core voice.”
- Rolling Stone – Highlighted the “raw lyricism” of “Paper Planes,” calling it “the year’s most honest indie‑rock confession.”
- The Guardian – noted the “harmonic chemistry” between Cornfield and Feist, predicting chart success on the UK Indie Chart.
Social media metrics: #hurtslikehell trends at #12 on Twitter within the first 24 hours of the single drop, and pre‑save counts exceed 150,000 on Spotify.
How “Hurts Like Hell” Fits Into Charlotte cornfield’s discography
- Evolution of Sound – from the lo‑fi folk of Futureproof (2018) to the richer orchestration on The Grief (2022), this album marks a decisive move toward collaborative, genre‑blending production.
- Thematic Continuity – Persistent themes of heartbreak, self‑reflection, and urban melancholy remain, now explored through a more expansive sonic lens.
- Career Milestone – The Merge partnership and high‑profile features position Cornfield for her first top‑10 entry on the Billboard Independent Albums chart.
Key Takeaways for Fans & Industry Professionals
- Strategic Label Move – Merge’s promotional muscle will likely boost streaming numbers and radio play.
- Collaborative Edge – Alex Reed spots from Buck Meek and Feist broaden audience reach across folk,indie‑pop,and Americana.
- Tour Support – A North American‑Europe leg scheduled just weeks after release maximizes exposure and merch sales.
Stay updated on release news, exclusive content, and live‑stream events by following Charlotte Cornfield on Instagram @charlottechc and signing up for the archyde.com newsletter.
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