Saint Etienne: Final Album, Cher & The Future of Pop
- British indie band Saint Etienne will release their final album, titled 'International,' in September.
- Stanley said he felt like the band members would agree on the decision to end Saint etienne.Pete Wiggs said he thought it was a grate idea once he...
- 'International' will feature collaborations with several artists, including Nick heyward, Xenomania, Erol Alkan, and The Chemical Brothers. Sarah Cracknell said she wanted to finish their album journey on...
Saint Etienne, the iconic British indie band, is releasing their final album, “International,” this September. This announcement marks the end of an era for the group known for their blend of folk and dance music, but the band members are leaving on their own terms, highlighting avoiding long tours and friendship as keys to their longevity. Featuring collaborations with Nick Heyward and The Chemical Brothers, the final album promises a high note for the band.News Directory 3 has the full story, including what Bob Stanley had to say about the band’s success. Discover what’s next for the future of music.
Saint Etienne to release Final Album, ‘International,’ in September
Updated May 30, 2025
British indie band Saint Etienne will release their final album, titled ‘International,’ in September. Bob Stanley, a member of the band, initially proposed the idea of ending the band with this album.
Stanley said he felt like the band members would agree on the decision to end Saint etienne.Pete Wiggs said he thought it was a grate idea once he got used to it.He added that the band is not splitting acrimoniously and has some control over the decision.
‘International’ will feature collaborations with several artists, including Nick heyward, Xenomania, Erol Alkan, and The Chemical Brothers. Sarah Cracknell said she wanted to finish their album journey on a high note and stop in their prime.
stanley believes pop music’s forward motion has slowed. He praises artists like Charli xcx, Lana Del Rey, and Sabrina Carpenter for their look, sound, and artwork, but maintains that music is not as central to people’s identities as it once was.
Wiggs recalls Stanley’s strong opinions about music from a young age. Stanley and Wiggs started fanzines, but Stanley said the indie music they covered became dreary. The emergence of house and techno music excited them.
Neither Stanley nor Wiggs were musicians initially. However, radical, sample-heavy singles inspired them. Stanley considers his inability to play an instrument an asset. He believes it helps him maintain his instincts as a pop fan.
Their first single was a cover of Neil Young’s “Only Love Can Break Your Heart.” Cracknell heard the single and loved it. She joined the band after being suggested by Stanley’s girlfriend.
Cracknell said she was attracted to the band’s blend of the 1960s, dance music, and melancholy. The trio recorded their debut album, “Foxbase Alpha,” using samples from British pop and TV.
Stanley remembers being scared of London while growing up in Croydon. The trio explored London through its pubs, cafes, and shops. This exploration influenced their 1993 album, “So Tough.”
The band members said they used their success to prioritize things that pop fans would appreciate. This included releasing a Christmas single and wearing gold lamé suits on television. They also enjoyed going to clubs, which led to remixes by artists like Andrew Weatherall and Autechre.
Despite inviting Oasis to support them, Saint Etienne avoided being labeled Britpop. Stanley considers Britpop “nationalistic” and “the absolute antithesis” of their project. Their biggest hit, “He’s On the Phone,” protested against the era’s guitars.
For their Y2K reinvention, they collaborated with To Rococo Rot in Berlin. This resulted in their album “Sound of Water.” The album’s second single, “Heart Failed,” critiqued New Labor Britain and its urban regeneration.
Stanley said Saint Etienne’s venue sizes remained consistent throughout their career. He cites Bob Dylan and Prince as role models for staying true to oneself. The band members credit their decision