Mindy Smith Album Due June 26, ‘Closer’ Tour to Follow

Mindy Smith, who first came to the attention of many country fans with her rendition of Dolly Parton's iconic hit, "Jolene," for the 2003 tribute album to the superstar, Just Because I'm a Woman, will release her fifth album, titled Mindy Smith, on June 26. Days later, on July 1, she'll begin the first leg of her Closer tour, a 20-city trek that kicks off with a show in Nashville.

"I spent the last several years trying to get my bearings and investing in myself," says Mindy. "I think unless you're willing to do that, it's going to be very difficult to convince other people that they should invest in what you're doing. I stepped back and regained control of the things that I could, which were publishing -- the current songs that I'm writing I own my publishing on -- as well as masters and recordings. People don't realize that unless you own those masters, you really don't own anything. You get to own your personality, I suppose, but that doesn't pay the bills necessarily."

The new album, released on Giant Leap/TVX Records, features 11 original songs, seven of which were penned solely by the singer-songwriter. The remaining four were co-written with Daniel Tashian, Kate York, Tami Hinesh and Lori McKenna. The album was produced by Jason Lehning.

Mindy Smith is currently available at a special pre-sale price at iTunes. Direct-to-fan bundles are also available for pre-order at www.mindysmithmusic.com. The "autograph package" features a signed copy of the CD and an 11" x 17" tour poster on premium canvas-style paper; the "fine art" package features a limited-edition giclée of one of Mindy's original paintings (only 25 reproductions of each painting are available), a signed 11" x 17" tour poster and CD.

In addition to her four albums for Vanguard Records, in August of last year, Mindy and her longtime friend Daniel Tashian released "Taking You With Me," which was featured in the film and soundtrack of the Paul Rudd film, "Our Idiot Brother."

Mindy Smith Closer Tour Dates:

*with Rosi Golan

**with Angel Snow

July 1, 3rd & Lindsley, Nashville, Tenn.**

July 12, WorkPlay, Birmingham, Ala.*

July 13, Eddie's Attic, Atlanta, Ga.*

July 14, Evening Muse, Charlotte, N.C.*

July 15, Jewish Mother, Virginia Beach, Va.*

July 18, Jammin Java, Vienna, Va.*

July 19, World Café Live, Philadelphia, Pa.*

July 20, Riverside Gardens Park, Red Bank, N.J.

July 21, City Winery, New York, N.Y.*