Meet Melanie Baker: A Bold New Voice Turning Vulnerability into Melody
We proudly welcomes Melanie Baker, a captivating new talent from Newcastle, UK. Today Baker shares her debut release for our label in the shape of the single “Sad Clown”.
"Sad Clown" also arrives with a music video that both nods to the alternative rock scene of the ’90s and brings the clown into a modern queer context — allowing Melanie Baker to see herself reflected in the clown.
Showcasing her credentials as a raw, evocative lyricist and a crafter of earworm choruses, Baker’s emotional work-throughs of depression, love and exhaustion are presented candidly 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 the “Sad Clown” 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.”
This release also marks two exciting new chapters for us at Tambourhinoceros as we've teamed up with Secretly Distribution, creating a fully independent setup that reaches audiences worldwide. And Melanie Baker is the first international artist to join our roster, as we continue on our mission to champion innovative and emotionally resonant artists.
