Photos by Sharon Steele – Beth Orton released her ninth studio album, The Ground Above, in June 2026, marking a powerful new chapter in a career spanning three decades. For over thirty years, British singer-songwriter Beth Orton has operated as one of modern music’s most unique figures, pioneering the blend of acoustic songwriting and electronic textures known as “folktronica” on classic albums like 1996’s Trailer Park and 1999’s Central Reservation. Over the decades, she has continually evolved past early media labels, transitioning through earthy classic rock, lush arrangements, and deeply intimate compositions, cementing her reputation as an artist focused on creative curiosity and emotional authenticity.
Building on the critical resurgence of 2022’s Weather Alive, Orton returned in 2026 with The Ground Above via Partisan Records. Self-produced and centered around her signature piano-led sonic arrangements, the album acts as a direct companion piece to its predecessor while showcasing a bolder, more outward-looking perspective. Divided into two distinct atmospheric halves, the record pairs fragmented, introspective soundscapes with rich, expansive melodies, featuring collaborations with prominent musicians including Portishead’s Adrian Utley.
The 2026 release of The Ground Above was supported by lead singles such as “Waiting” and “Otherside,” which highlight themes of survival, mortality, and self-possession. To celebrate the album’s arrival, Orton embarked on an extensive headline tour across North America and the UK. Standing as a testament to her longevity and artistic independence, her 2026 work reaffirms her status as a vital, ever-evolving voice in international independent music.
