Andy Bell has released a new single, ‘Lies So Deep’, ahead of the arrival of his new solo album ‘Ten Crowns’, out this Friday (May 2) via Crown Recordings.
Featuring vocals from Sarah Potenza – known for her appearance on The Voice US – the track is a bold, synth-laced anthem Bell describes as a “futuristic love song” about freedom and connection. “It’s about a time where everyone’s allowed to love whoever they want, without interference,” he says. “Sarah brings this soulful edge that really lifts the whole track.”
‘Lies So Deep’ follows a run of releases that have built anticipation for Ten Crowns, including the Debbie Harry collaboration ‘Heart’s A Liar’, ‘Don’t Cha Know’ (a BBC Radio 2 playlisted single), ‘Dance For Mercy’, and ‘Breaking Thru The Interstellar’. The full album – written and produced with longtime collaborator Dave Audé – is rooted in electronic pop, but touches on gospel, soul and dancefloor energy, shaped in part by sessions in Nashville.
“There’s a church on every corner in Nashville,” Bell says. “It reminded me of singing in choirs growing up – that influence is there, but the record’s not religious. It’s about strength, recovery, joy. Trying to keep moving even when the world gets in the way.”
The album will be available across a range of formats, including coloured vinyl, CD (standard and deluxe), cassette and digital.
Bell heads out on tour this week, with dates across the UK and Europe through May and June. Dave Audé will join as support for select UK shows, with Hifi Sean & David McAlmont supporting others. A North American leg has also been announced, along with a slot at Brighton Pride’s Pride in the Park on August 3, where Bell will appear in the festival’s ‘Icons’ slot.
Alongside his work with Erasure – who recently began work on a new album – Bell’s solo career has offered space to experiment. Ten Crowns marks his third solo project, following 2005’s Electric Blue and 2010’s Non-Stop.
“It feels like the right time,” he says. “I’ve had space to explore new sounds and ideas. This album’s been a chance to take stock – and push forward.”
‘Ten Crowns’ is out May 2 via Crown Recordings. Stream ‘Lies So Deep’ now.
Tour dates and album pre-orders available via andybell.com
Yorkshire fans can catch Andy Bell live:
1 May – York, Barbican
3 May – Manchester, Bridgewater Hall
