Peter Doherty Releases New Album 'Felt Better Alive' May 16

Peter Doherty's new solo album, Felt Better Alive, draws deeply from both his personal experiences and broad musical influences, blending folk traditions with contemporary storytelling. The album features songs that were initially written for the latest Libertines project but found a more fitting home under Doherty’s own name, including 'The Day The Baron Died,' which explores themes of wealth, fame, and historical narrative through inventive songwriting and instrumentation. Irish singer-songwriter Lisa O'Neill contributes to the track 'Poca Mahoney's,' bringing a dark, vaudeville edge inspired by Irish folk, and Doherty credits her with introducing him to other Irish acts like Junior Brother, now signed to his label. The album is also shaped by Doherty’s current life in Normandy, with tracks sampling local sounds and reflecting his ongoing connection to everyday characters and places. Despite recent health troubles, including a diabetes diagnosis and warnings about possible toe amputation, Doherty has made lifestyle changes and continues to perform energetically on his European tour. Throughout, his candid lyrics and collaborations underscore his reputation as both a romantic anti-hero and a continually evolving artist.