Steps have announced details of a label services deal with Absolute for the release of new album Tears On The Dancefloor, set to come out on April 21.

News of the release was revealed earlier today (March 6), with the record to be put out via the group’s own Steps Music label, with the backing of Absolute for sales, marketing and distribution.

Comeback single Scared Of The Dark will be released this Friday (March 10), while Steps have announced the Party On The Dancefloor tour, which will take in 13 dates across the UK, including London’s SSE Arena, Wembley and The O2. It begins at Dublin’s 3Arena on November 13.

Celebrating the group’s 20^th anniversary, Tears On The Dancefloor is their first original album since 2000’s Buzz. It features tracks from songwriters including Ina Wroldsen (Calvin Harris, Britney Spears), Steve Mac (Jess Glynne, Little Mix), TMS (Years & Years, Sigma), Carl Ryden (The Saturdays, David Guetta), Fiona Bevan (1D, 5SOS) and Metrophonic (Cher, Olly Murs).

Fascination Management’s Adam Klein said: “When it came time to choosing a label services partner for Steps’ Tears On The Dancefloor album, Absolute was the natural choice because of their successful track record with other pop artists. Their enthusiasm about this project and their attention to detail has made our experience leading up to release a very positive one.”

Absolute Label Services director, Mark Dowling, said: “We are extremely happy and excited to be working with Fascination and Steps. They have made a brilliant upbeat pop, which is perfect for the current climate. The band have a rich and successful history and we are confident of continuing that trend. In what is the band’s 20^th anniversary, there are huge plans for the year ahead.”

Steps said: “This is the album we think our fans have been waiting for. It was very important for us to have a hint of the past but to try to blend it into modern day music. We think Steps are a little bit of what everyone needs right now. We can’t wait to take the new album plus all our favourite hits out on the road.”

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