Artist:Bryan Sutton with Billy Strings Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “The Devil Went Down to Deep Gap” Album:From Roots to Branches Release Date: January 9, 2026 (single/video) Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: How do you see Doc’s playing influencing both yours and Billy’s?
“I think beyond the specific influence of Doc’s guitar playing that informs most every note Billy or I may play, I know that we both are students of Doc’s complete artistry. To say Doc is just the most influential flatpicker ever is limiting. He brought so much to the table in his honest and emotional singing, his song choices and writing, banjo and harmonica playing, and Travis-style fingerpicking. He was not comfortable being labeled or limited within a specific genre. His onstage persona was true to him. Without being a ‘showman,’ he was informational when the song needed it and willing to share whatever emotion he might be experiencing. It’s also important to note that Doc and Merle’s duo playing has been a huge part of the overall focus for things Billy and I have done together. I know for both Billy and I, Doc provides a lifetime of inspiration, influence, and learning.”
How do you pay tribute to that in this song and video?
“First and foremost, this is kind of a silly or fun thing, along with being a somewhat serious tribute to Doc Watson. I wanted to use the song to have fun with the guitar shredding and good versus evil battle, but also imagine an origin story of how Arthel Watson could have become the ‘Doc’ we all have loved. Maybe it’s a gospel song in the way that Doc, even and especially in his blindness, can ‘see’ through the Devil’s lies. Ultimately, Doc carries his triumphant message to the world, and influences us all with wonderful and heartfelt music.”
It sounds like you had this concept before talking with Billy about it. How did the concept and song come to be, from start to finish?
“It was listening to Charlie Daniels’ original ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia’ with my youngest daughter, Lily. She has very eclectic and broad musical tastes. I’ve loved sharing music with her and checking out what she has discovered. We found some other covers of the original and one that stuck with me was Jerry Reed’s interpretation, where he makes Johnny a guitarist instead of a fiddler. I have been working on a duets record for some time, collecting recordings here and there with my pals, and knew I wanted to do something different with Billy, as he and I have a whole record of duet playing.
“Billy and I also share a love for heavy metal. I was trying to think of a way he and I could do something connected to this duets project that would allow us to play acoustic and electric. It all kind of came together when I realized this song would allow for that. The Doc origin story came about thinking how to make this not just a cover, but more personal and fun. It’s also another subtle tribute to Doc, who would oftentimes change or add lyrics to a song in order to make it fit for him. I fashioned the story, made a little demo, and sent it to Billy. He was into it and we were off.
“I feel fortunate that Del was into playing the Devil. I also am so happy to have T. Michael Coleman and Sam Bush on the track, who played many years on the road and studio with Doc. My pal Jerry Roe, who is Jerry Reed’s grandson, plays the drums, connecting to the Reed version that inspired me. Once I had the concept and demo for the song, I knew it had to be an animated video and discovered Pat Bradley of Springshoe Animation. It was wonderful working with him to take what had been in my head and be able to visualize it. Ultimately, all this came about a little piece at a time, and I’m so happy to share it with the world.” – Bryan Sutton
Track Credits: Bryan Sutton – Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, vocal Billy Strings – Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, vocal Del McCoury – Vocal T. Michael Coleman – Electric bass, harmony vocal Sam Bush – Mandolin Jerry Roe – Drums
Video Credits: Animation by Pat Bradley, Springshoe Animation.
Somehow it’s December and we’ve already reached our final collection of new roots music, songs, and videos for 2025. It’s been a year absolutely packed with essential new music that you gotta hear, hasn’t it? We think this final roundup is the perfect way to go out, as we look ahead to plenty more fresh tracks to share in 2026.
First, mandolinist Jesse Appelman previews the first single from his upcoming debut solo album. “Glacier Song” is sung from the perspective of the titular glacier, examining the inevitability of time and change with bluegrass trappings and tasteful dashes of old-time from his talent-stacked ensemble. Texan singer-songwriter Dustin Brown calls on fellow Texan Billy Hartman and Nashville-based Rachel Cole for his new track, “Ballerina.” Out next week, it’s a simple, stripped-down, and twangy arrangement for a song about yet another tale as old as time: a love triangle between two people and their freedom.
Also, Kara Arena draws inspiration from the Hindu deity Hanuman for a new single, “Whose Face Is On Your Heart.” A harbinger for her upcoming EP, which is set for release in January 2026, the vibey modern folk number finds the singer-songwriter considering the concept of our loved ones leaving indelible marks on our hearts while wrapped in cinematic strings. From Toronto, Meredith Moon returns to her just-released September album, From Here to the Sea, to share a brand new performance video for “Poseidon.” She’s accompanied by Tony Allen, Rachel Melas, and Mikey Shakes as they play the song down at Compass Records’ Hillbilly Central studio. “Poseidon” is about rising above the tumult of toxicity and negativity and choosing your own heart.
To conclude, we take a trip to Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, to catch new singles debuted this week by both Ber and Pert Near Sandstone, two acts from the incredibly music-rich Twin Cities. Today, Ber announced her upcoming new album, Good, Like It Should Be, set for release in early April 2026. The lead single from that project, “Book Cover,” is about the deeper meaning and understanding that can be hidden inside ourselves and is found in the delicious sonic territory where country, indie, and pop overlap. You can easily picture the song on mainstream country radio and an indie-pop playlist, too.
Pert Near Sandstone, for their part, lean into Irish folk and Celtic sounds with accordion, tenor banjo, and a shout-along, pub-ready lyric. “Side by Side” is about perseverance and rising above interpersonal challenges together. With resonant accordion and banjo tremolos, you’ll feel like you’re huddled up with the band in the corner of a cozy pub jamming along.
There’s plenty to hear and enjoy below. Thanks for sharing a year’s worth of new music with us! We’ll see you in 2026 right here for more premieres, but for now… You Gotta Hear This!
Jesse Appelman, “Glacier Song”
Artist:Jesse Appelman Hometown: Oakland, California Song: “Glacier Song” Album:Where We Go Release Date: December 12, 2025 (single); February 20, 2026 (album)
In Their Words: “This song might not make much sense until you realize that it’s sung from the first-person perspective of a glacier – and what better inanimate object could there be to explore the inevitability of time and change? Written one of my oldest friends, Will Fourt, the crooked and circular structure was a perfect vehicle for this ensemble to weave the spontaneous and lush whirlwind of melody that ends the track. The refrain, ‘I don’t know where we go,’ here an expression of uncertainty, gave rise to the album title, reworked as a statement of intent: Where We Go.” – Jesse Appelman
Track Credits: Jesse Appelman – Mandolin, vocals Sami Braman – Fiddle Allison de Groot – Clawhammer banjo Emily Mann – Bass, harmony vocals Eli West – Guitar, harmony vocals
Kara Arena, “Whose Face Is On Your Heart”
(Click to listen)
Artist:Kara Arena Hometown: New York, New York Song: “Whose Face Is On Your Heart” Album:Whose Face Is On Your Heart (EP) Release Date: December 5, 2025 (single); January 2026 (EP)
In Their Words: “‘Whose Face Is On Your Heart’ was born after I encountered the story of Hanuman, the Hindu deity. What truly distinguishes Hanuman is his deep devotion to his Lord, Rama and Devi Sita. When his loyalty comes into question, Hanuman says, ‘Every inch of my body has Rama in it. My heart and soul are made of Rama.’ When doubt of his love persists, he tears open his chest to reveal images of Rama and Sita glowing within his heart. When writing this song, I thought about what it would be like if our hearts were branded with the ones we love most. We wear their faces like a badge of honor. And when love leaves, do those sketches become scars?” – Kara Arena
Track Credits: Kara Arena – Vocals, guitar, songwriter Michael Lepore – Piano Brett Bass – Upright, electric bass Matt Bent – Drums, percussion Mae Roney – Violin Rachel Rice – Cello Joe Cilento – Electric guitar, keys
Ber, “Book Cover”
Artist:Ber Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota Song: “Book Cover” Album:Good, Like It Should Be Release Date: December 5, 2025 (single); April 3, 2026 (album) Label: Nettwerk Music Group
In Their Words: “I wrote ‘Book Cover’ last year over a cup of tea with my friend Corey Sanders, who at the time was consoling me as I was feeling very overlooked and invisible as a small, independent artist and writer in the music industry. At its surface, ‘Book Cover’ is about heartache and longing to be known for what’s inside, to be given a shot by someone not based on your looks or appearance, but because of the person you are. In its bones I’ve personally found deeper meaning— ‘Book Cover’ is a sweet reminder to myself to know your worth and acknowledge what you bring to the table. It’s one of my favorite songs from my forthcoming album, and I hope you like it!” – Ber
Dustin Brown, “Ballerina” (with Billy Hartman, Rachel Cole)
Artist:Dustin Brown, Billy Hartman, Rachel Cole Hometown: Moody, Texas (Dustin); Texas (Billy); Nashville, Tennessee (Rachel) Song: “Ballerina” Release Date: December 12, 2025 Label: New Usual Records
In Their Words: “Writing a song can be as complex as the characters in it. Some fall out on the table, but this one definitely reflects its process as much as its meaning. The turmoil behind the writing of this song influenced its jaded undertones. It’s a tale as old as time, a love triangle between two souls and freedom. A dilemma of one’s resolve and another’s yearning.” – Dustin Brown
Meredith Moon, “Poseidon”
Artist:Meredith Moon Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Song: “Poseidon” Album:From Here to the Sea Release Date: December 2, 2025 (video); September 12, 2025 (album) Label: Compass Records
In Their Words: “‘Poseidon’ was written during a pretty tumultuous time in my life, juggling priorities and in the end choosing my heart over all else. I felt the weight of the negativity inflicted on me by the toxic situations I’d left recently and ‘Poseidon’ was about re-instilling my own power and safety, like surrounding myself by an orb of protection.” – Meredith Moon
Performance Credits: Meredith Moon – Guitar, vocals Tony Allen – Fiddle Rachel Melas – Bass Mikey Shakes – Drums
Video Credit: Filmed at Compass Studios by Emma McCoury.
Pert Near Sandstone, “Side by Side”
Artist:Pert Near Sandstone Hometown: Minneapolis / Saint Paul, Minnesota Song: “Side by Side” Album:Side by Side Release Date: December 3, 2025 (single); February 27, 2026 (album)
In Their Words: “I originally started writing ‘Side by Side’ about my relationship with my wife and us pushing through challenging times. However, as the song came together, I realized the message of perseverance applied equally to the band and the challenges we go through together as professional musicians touring on the road. The music is traditional Irish-folk inspired, featuring wonderful accordionist Patrick Harison and Nate Sipe on Irish tenor banjo. I sing the lead along with full band group vocals and harmonies, which add to that real pub anthem sound. While in the recording studio we pulled the title ‘Side by Side’ from the lyrics which eventually became a rallying cry and decided it would be a fitting name for the new album.” – J Lenz
Ready for another batch of new songs and videos? Great! ‘Cause You Gotta Hear This.
It’s a roundup full of friendship and interpersonal connections this week. First up, Americana rockers Chamomile & Whiskey bring a new video for “Friends Are Falling Out.” In the vein of classic, folky alt-rock sounds, the track and video explore the fragility of relationships with a deep groove, distortion, and fiddle and banjo. But keep scrolling, as you’ll also find singer-songwriter Kim Moberg’s testament to the all-too-rare true friend with her new track, “I’ll Always Be A Friend.” The jangly modern folk number was born from Moberg’s desire to communicate to her old and new friends how important they are to her. The paeans to friendship continue with a new video from old-time/folk duo Paper Wings, who debuted their new single “Fumblin” earlier this week. It’s a double-guitar track about awkwardness, eagerness, and how we all stumble through life and through relationships.
There’s still more to enjoy elsewhere in our collection, too. Bluegrass icon Laurie Lewis has announced her upcoming 2026 album, O California! with a new video for “Look Down That Lonesome Road.” Lewis took the mournful ballad, wrote new verses, and set the lyric to a jammy, driving bluegrass tune that drips with her signature sounds. Plus, fiddler Andy Leftwich calls on his pal, guitarist Cody Kilby, to trade licks on a new original fiddle tune he’s just released called “Old Hickory.” You might never guess he first wrote the melody on guitar.
You won’t want to miss “The Doldrums” from New York Americana string band The Mammals. They’ve just dropped an animated video for the track from their recent project, Touch Grass, Vol. 1. The song might just be a cure for its own namesake; it’s a perfect selection to take with us into the often doldrums-heavy winter months. Finally, don’t miss a brand new single from iconic folk trio The Lone Bellow. Today they announced their upcoming record, which will release in February 2026 and was recorded in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. “You Were Living” finds the band with an expansive, resplendent sound that certainly sounds like The Lone Bellow, but steeped in the Shoals.
There’s plenty to find and enjoy in our conglomeration of new music. Scroll on for more. You Gotta Hear This!
Chamomile & Whiskey, “Friends Are Falling Out”
Artist:Chamomile & Whiskey Hometown: Charlottesville, Virginia Song: “Friends Are Falling Out” Release Date: November 19, 2025
In Their Words: “I wrote the line ‘that broken heart might just catch a break’ after meeting up with a friend of mine. She had regaled me with her latest story in a long line of bad relationships. I live in Charlottesville, which isn’t very big, and we’ve got plenty of small-town drama. The song kind of came out of some of that and the fragility of friendships. I finished writing it just before we celebrated 1,000 shows as a band.
“In preparation for the show, Marie and I did an in-studio performance at WNRN, a station we’ve long had a good relationship with. I thought it would be fun to try a brand new song. A few days later they told me that NPR Music had shared the video as their live song of the day. We felt like it must have some juice and we decided to record it ASAP. We all liked the mysterious, Southern Gothic aesthetic that we felt in the studio. Critter added the banjo on top of fiddles before laying down a glass slide part on the guitar. Marie and I grew up in Nelson County and that first Old Crow Medicine Show record, O.C.M.S., was huge in our circles and reminds me of driving around those beautiful backroads as a teenager. To have Critter put his signature sound on one of our songs was special and felt full circle.” – Koda Kerl
Track Credits: Koda Kerl – Guitar, lead vocals, songwriter Marie Borgman – Fiddle, backing vocals Bobby St. Ours – Fiddle, backing vocals Brian Gregory – Bass, backing vocals Critter Fuqua – Banjo, slide guitar, backing vocals Jesse Fiske – Baritone guitar, backing vocals Drew Kimball – Electric guitar Stuart Gunter – Drums
Video Credits: Directed by Johnny Saint Ours and Jenny Carhartt. Filmed at Dürty Nelly’s Pub
Andy Leftwich, “Old Hickory”
Artist:Andy Leftwich Hometown: Carthage, Tennessee Song: “Old Hickory” Release Date: November 21, 2025 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “Every once in a while, you sit down with your instrument, a melody just falls out, and within a few minutes you have a fun, catchy melody! This is exactly what happened to me with this song. Even though it’s a fiddle tune, I actually wrote it on my guitar. After a few small changes to the melody, I finally landed on something that flowed well under the fingers – not only for the fiddle, but the lead guitar part as well. I was honored to have my good friend, Cody Kilby, take the lead guitar on this one! It’s so much fun to play and was named after ‘Old Hickory,’ a town near where I live.” – Andy Leftwich
Track Credits: Andy Leftwich – Fiddle, mandolin Byron House – Upright bass Cody Kilby – Acoustic guitar Matt Menefee – Banjo
Laurie Lewis, “Look Down That Lonesome Road”
Artist:Laurie Lewis Hometown: Berkeley, California Song: “Look Down That Lonesome Road” Album:O California! Release Date: November 21, 2026 (single/video); February 13, 2026 (album)
In Their Words: “I have been playing around with this song since I heard Gaither Carlton sing it decades ago as a mournful ballad. I love it that way, but it seemed to me that sometimes parting needn’t be so sad, if you know you get to meet again (maybe at a festival next year). I started writing verses for it and when I got up to about eight or ten, I decided it was time to get serious. I love the loose arc of the story and the way the band responds to it. We winnowed down the verses to the essentials, leaving the others for the extended jam version.” – Laurie Lewis
Track Credits: Laurie Lewis – Lead vocals, acoustic guitar Brandon Godman – Fiddle George Guthrie – Banjo, harmony vocal Hasee Ciaccio – Double bass, harmony vocal
Video Credits: Produced and directed by Bria Light. Recorded at the Strawberry Music Festival in Grass Valley, CA.
The Lone Bellow, “You Were Leaving”
Artist:The Lone Bellow Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “You Were Leaving” Album:What a Time to Be Alive Release Date: November 21, 2025 (single); February 13, 2026 (album) Label: Thirty Tigers
In Their Words: “‘You Were Leaving’ is a song about the fleeting, transient nature of life. For us, the song is deeply personal, but it also feels universal. It invites people to find their own story in it, what it means to say goodbye, and what stays with us long after the leaving.” – The Lone Bellow
The Mammals, “The Doldrums”
Artist:The Mammals Hometown: West Hurley, New York Song: “The Doldrums” Album:Touch Grass, Vol 1 Release Date: November 1, 2025 Label: Humble Abode Music
In Their Words: “I wrote ‘The Doldrums’ during a stretch of isolation when joy felt out of reach and time moved so strangely. ‘Why do the good times go so fast? Why do the doldrums linger and last?’ We tend to remember the hardest part of the day when we lay down to sleep, but this song reminds me to appreciate every amazing moment. I’m grateful this recording sounds triumphant and energized – like an anthem to shake out of a low vibration and shine a bright light into the future. For all who listen, may music and friendship help carry you through the next windless day. The Mammals have your back.” – Ruth Ungar
Track Credits: Ruth Ungar – Vocals, guitar, songwriter Mike Merenda – Guitars, banjo, vocals Brandon Morrison – Bass, vocals Will Bryant – Keys, vocals Tim Morrison – Drums
Video Credits: Animated and Directed by Anne Beal.
Kim Moberg, “I’ll Always Be A Friend”
Artist:Kim Moberg Hometown: Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the traditional territory of the Indigenous Nauset and Wampanoag Nations Song: “I’ll Always Be A Friend” Album:All That Really Matters Release Date: January 30, 2026 (album)
In Their Words: “As an artist who grew up listening to the amazing singer-songwriters of the 1970s, Carole King’s ‘You’ve Got A Friend’ is embedded in my heart. I love that her song and its message about connection, support, and loyalty have endured all of these many years. I was a military ‘brat’ who attended 10 different schools in 12 years, so growing up I never lived in one place long enough to be part of a friend group or a clique. I was always ‘the new kid’ who was never included. The rare true friend meant more than gold to me.
“‘I’ll Always Be A Friend’ was born from my desire to share how important the friends in my life have been and how equally important the new friends I get to connect with through performing are to me. In these uncertain and trying times, community and friendship are paramount. (And Libra loyalty lives strong in this song!)” – Kim Moberg
Track Credits: Kim Moberg – Lead vocal, acoustic guitar Jon Evans – Bass, tenor guitar, drums, percussion, Fender Rhodes, harmony vocals
In Their Words: “‘Fumblin’ is about friendship and watching one another stumble and fumble through the joys and trials of life. We wrote this one together in the backyard in a sort of trance state, describing scenes from our lives. It’s definitely a romanticization of awkwardness and our eagerness to connect as a species despite inevitable failure at times. We played double guitars on this one which we’ve been having fun doing lately. It’s the first track in the world of ours that I recorded and mixed in my studio in Nashville, so that’s quite exciting as well. We have a lot more music coming from this space, so look out!” – Wila Frank
Video Credits: Filmed by Sami Braman, edited by Wila Frank.
Photo Credit: The Lone Bellow by Debbie Ewing; Laurie Lewis and band by Dawn Kish.
Hear ye, hear ye! A fresh collection of new music, premieres, videos, singles, and more is here. You Gotta Hear This…
To start off, Good Country purveyors, Texan duo Briscoe, offer a brand new music video for “Free.” It’s a track from their new album inspired by lessons learned by Truett Heintzelman from his grandfather, as well as an ode to the Texas roots he shares with his grandad – and with his bandmate, Philip Lupton, too. Also bringing a newly minted video, singer-songwriter Rachael Sage and her band the Sequins celebrate love, friendships, and togetherness on “Belong To You.” The adorable music video was created by hosting an open casting call inviting participants to arrive and join in the taping with whomever they “love the most.” Sidle up to your loved ones and click play.
Bluegrass guitar great Bryan Sutton sits down with mandolinist Sierra Hull for a new rendition of an instrumental classic, “Grandfather’s Clock,” this week, too. But, this time, Hull is playing a six-string instead. Did you know she’s an equally accomplished guitar picker? Meanwhile, Sutton quite fittingly performs the tune on a guitar once owned by his own grandpa. Elsewhere, you’ll find South Carolina-based gospel bluegrass band Eighteen Mile sharing a new single below. “What Mercy Means” is an excellent example of how the long relationship between gospel and sacred music and bluegrass and old-time continues today.
Keep scrolling, though, because we have two more videos for you to enjoy. If you have young roots music fans around – or if you’re young at heart – the Okee Dokee Brothers have an adorable new animated music video for their track, “Little Old You.” Sure, the Brothers make children’s music, but this is listenable at all ages, that’s for sure. The message of the track is sweet and timely, as they put it: “…We’re [all] infinitely big in all our little ways.”
And, finally, the cosmic and (literally) magical Valerie June has a new single out this week and an accompanying visualizer you won’t want to miss. “Rollin’ and Tumblin'” is raucous, impassioned, and brash – just how we like June’s music – and demonstrates yet again how complex and inviting this indie-string-folk mastermind can be. Especially when she brings the blues and the banjo together in exciting ways like this.
There’s plenty to watch and hear, so let’s get to it! ‘Cause seriously, You Gotta Hear This.
Briscoe, “Free”
Artist:Briscoe Hometown: Austin, Texas Song: “Free” Album:Heat of July Release Date: September 19th, 2025 (album); November 14, 2025 (video) Label: ATO Records
In Their Words: “I’ve learned a great deal of lessons from my grandfather and the life that he lived so well. He was chock full of wisdom and always keen to share that wisdom with me and my siblings. Perhaps the most important thing he taught me was the art of moderation and the joy in being content with what you have. ‘Free’ is an ode to him and the Texas roots we both share, as well as a reminder for people of all walks to savor a life lived right down the middle.” – Truett Heintzelman
Artist:Valerie June Hometown: Humboldt, Tennessee (now Memphis, Tennessee and New York, New York) Song: “Rollin’ and Tumblin'” Release Date: November 12, 2025 (single) Label: Concord
In Their Words: “Working with producer and bassist Matt Marinelli and drummer Andy Macleod brings a wild, rambunctious twist to this old blues standard, “Rollin’ and Tumblin’.” I love taking the banjo out of its traditional comfort zone and driving it into a raw, heavy, metallic space – like someone tossing and turning through sleepless nights until they finally let go.
“Decades of digging into how the blues bleeds into every style have taught me one thing – those roots never die. Every time I twist that sound through my own work, I find new ways to grow and let those old ghosts roar again.” – Valerie June
Track Credits: Valerie June – Vocals, banjo Matt Marinelli – Basses, producer, engineer Andy Macleod – Drums
Video Credits: Filmed at Magnolia Pearl in Fredericksburg, Texas by Brights and in Big Sur, California by Dr. Ietef Vita.
Eighteen Mile, “What Mercy Means”
Artist:Eighteen Mile Hometown: Upstate South Carolina Song: “What Mercy Means” Release Date: November 14, 2025
In Their Words: “I’ve always been intrigued by the mental picture of Moses climbing up Mount Sinai to meet God in Exodus 34.The Bible paints a picture that the mountain was dark and terrifying and it even describes earthquakes and thunder, all because the holy presence of God was there. I wrote this song to capture the divine tension of a powerful holy God meeting an unholy man. The song then relates the Bible story to my personal story, that even though I deserve the punishment that comes from being a sinner before a holy God, he surprises me with overflowing mercy every morning instead.” – Carson Aaron
Track Credits: Hallie Ritter – Upright bass Carson Aaron – Acoustic guitar, lead vocal, songwriter Emily Guy – Harmony vocal Jack Ritter – Banjo, harmony vocal Savannah Aaron – Fiddle Andy Leftwich – Mandolin, mandola, acoustic guitar Steve Pettit – Mandolin
The Okee Dokee Brothers, “Little Old You”
Artist:The Okee Dokee Brothers Hometown: Denver, Colorado Song: “Little Old You” Album:Little Old You Release Date: November 11, 2025 (video); November 7, 2025 (album) Label: Okee Dokee Music
In Their Word: “This tune is a special one for us. It reminds us that we’re infinitely big in all our little ways. Even our tiniest feelings ripple like oceans, our dreams comfort the night, and our smiles can light the way for others.” – Justin Lansing
“It’s a gentle anthem to our place in the cosmos – showing that our smallest actions have big effects. We are silly and wise, young and old, and infinitely big in all our little ways.” – Joe Mailander
Track Credits: Justin Lansing – Vocals, guitar Joe Mailander – Vocals, guitar Dean Jones – Organ
Video Credits: Directed by Jack Carr. Art Directed by Zachariah Ohora. Animated by Tom Jolliffe & David Jenkins.
Rachael Sage & The Sequins, “Belong to You”
Artist:Rachael Sage & The Sequins Hometown: Hudson Valley, New York Song: “Belong To You” Album:Canopy Release Date: November 14, 2025 Label: MPress Records
In Their Words: “‘Belong To You’ is the first song I’ve intentionally composed as a gospel ballad. It meant the world to me that many of The Sequins ended up singing on the arrangement, rather than me performing all the harmonies myself (as has often been the case). Kevin J. Killen’s soulful Hammond organ and guitar playing and Will Wilde’s incredible blues harmonica add so much; Dave Eggar’s cello performance keeps everything grounded so beautifully.We all genuinely feel so much love and devotion for one another, so the vibe that was captured via our friendships really mirrors the lyrics and adds so many beautiful layers of emotion.
“Because it’s one of the more universal songs on the record, it’s been really magical to perform it live, and have audience members at the gigs share their individual interpretations of it with us. Trina Hamlin, who also sings on the track, has been singing it with me live lately and it makes it very easy to sing about unconditional love and friendship when one of your best friends is harmonizing with you!” – Rachael Sage
Track Credits: Rachael Sage – Lead vocals, background vocals, piano Doug Yowell – Drums Dave Eggar – Cello Kerry Brooks – Upright bass Will Wilde – Harmonica Kevin J. Killen – Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, Hammond B3 organ, background vocals Trina Hamlin – Background vocals Mikhail Pivovarov – Background vocals
Video Credits: Jenny He – Director, producer Shadow Play Pictures, LLC. – Production company MPress Records – Executive producer
Bryan Sutton, “Grandfather’s Clock” (with Sierra Hull)
Artist:Bryan Sutton with Sierra Hull Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Grandfather’s Clock” Album:From Roots to Branches Release Date: November 14, 2025 (single) Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “I’m so happy to have Sierra Hull on this record. We chose the song, ‘Grandfather’s Clock,’ just because it’s a classic, beautiful melody. A lot of people know what a great mandolin player Sierra is, but I’ve always known what a great guitar player she is. This song meant a lot to us and, in fact, I’m playing my grandfather’s old Martin 0-17 guitar on this track.” – Bryan Sutton
“Bryan is one of my favorite musicians in the world to listen to and make music with. He knows how to elevate any musical situation he enters. Whether he is supporting a simple melody with pure tone and restraint or providing a wave of rhythmic brilliance and musical playfulness to ride along with, he always knows how to make things feel and sound easy. He’s one of my biggest heroes, so I’m both honored and thrilled to get to be a part of this new duets project with him!” – Sierra Hull
Happy first Friday of November! Let’s kick off a month of new music roundups with our first edition of our usual weekly collection for November.
To begin, banjoist Gena Britt – whom you may know from Sister Sadie – releases her brand new solo album, Streets, Rivers, Dreams & Heartaches today. We’re sharing “What Kind of Memory Will You Be” off the new project to celebrate its launch. It’s one of Britt’s favorite tracks from the album. Her Sister Sadie bandmate, fiddler Deanie Richardson, is also included in our roundup today, joining fellow fiddler Kimber Ludiker (of Della Mae) on a twin fiddle rendition of a rip-roaring original instrumental, “No-See-Um Stomp.” It’ll have you dancing and smacking the hell out of some sandflies, too.
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Sammy Brue previews his upcoming album that pays tribute to one of his creative heroes, Justin Townes Earle, by crafting songs from inhabiting and being inspired by Earle’s journals. Brue wrote “Lonely Mornings” based on snippets of unrecorded lyrics in Earle’s journals, before Earle’s own recording of “Lonely Mornings” was released on ALL IN last year. The tunes stem from the same source, and feel connected, but show the intricate ways a single origin point can grow into two distinct songs. Watch the video for Brue’s “Lonely Mornings” below.
Our Missouri bluegrass pals the HillBenders bring us a brand new music video for their most recent single, a rock and roll and disco-infused string band version of Ola Belle Reed’s classic, “I’ve Endured.” The band leans into their genre-blending tendencies and highlight a couple of new members in the new studio music video, too. Plus, Americana-folk singer-songwriter Brendan Walter launches his new album, Disappearing Days, today and we’re sharing a new music video for his song “Pipe Dream.” Contemplating the realities and trials of building a career in the music industry, “Pipe Dream” and the album together demonstrate Walter’s goals in music are anything but far-fetched.
Make sure to check out a new single from guitarist-writer-archivist Cameron Knowler, as well, who covers Elizabeth Cotten’s “Wilson Rag” in a simple, pared-down arrangement featuring acoustic guitar, pedal steel, and kick drum. Knowler tweaks Cotten’s original arrangement slightly, continuing the age-old tradition of musical transfer and cross-pollination in bluegrass, old-time, and beyond.
It’s quite a nice roundup to get the month rolling, isn’t it? Check it out for yourself below, ’cause You Gotta Hear This.
Gena Britt, “What Kind of Memory Will You Be”
Artist:Gena Britt Hometown: Star, North Carolina Song: “What Kind of Memory Will You Be” Album:Streets, Rivers, Dreams & Heartaches Release Date: November 7, 2025 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “This song was penned by one of my Sister Sadie bandmates Dani Flowers and co-written by Paul Sikes. She had actually sent it to us several years before she ever joined the band. I remembered it and pulled it back out when I was starting to gather songs for this recording. I asked her if she would mind if I recorded it one weekend that we were on the road and she graciously agreed. We had so much fun working this up and recording it in the studio. It ended up being one of my favorite tunes on the album. And, that Dobro ride at the end of the song by Jeff Partin is out of this world good! I hope everyone enjoys listening as much as we did recording it!” – Gena Britt
Track Credits: Gena Britt – Banjo, lead vocal John Meador – Guitar, harmony vocal Alan Bartram – Acoustic bass, harmony vocal Jason Carter – Fiddle Jonathan Dillon – Mandolin Jeff Partin – Resonator guitar Tony Creasman – Drums, percussion
Sammy Brue, “Lonely Mornings”
Artist:Sammy Brue Hometown: Ogden, Utah Song: “Lonely Mornings” Album:The Journals Release Date: November 12, 2025 (video); January 23, 2026 (album) Label: Bloodshot Records
In Their Words: “The song ‘Lonely Mornings’ was written in collaboration with Justin Townes Earle’s journals. After I wrote this song, New West Records released a new album of Justin’s called ALL IN which contained unreleased recordings and songs of his. I was ecstatic to find a song called ‘Lonely Mornings’; it was like a sign. Even though our songs didn’t sound similar, they are connected through a couple lines at the end of his last verse and a similar cadence on the tag line. I found the early rendition of his lyrics and they seemed to be almost a decade old, which goes to show how long Justin really carved a song like it was made of marble. I found inspiration and a whole song in just one verse of his true version of ‘Lonely Mornings’ before I even knew it existed. To me, this song holds the mundane scenes that go with living the artist lifestyle. It also holds a sentiment that we both share, which is the love of spending a morning alone… a writer’s heaven.” – Sammy Brue
The HillBenders, “Tradical Volume 1: I’ve Endured”
In Their Words: “We’ve always leaned into ‘bluegrass meets rock ’n’ roll,’ a tag our late manager Louis Myers, co-founder of SXSW, gave us early on. So when we started talking about a new recording project, we didn’t feel the need to change course. Like I tell people, we blame our love for traditional roots music and classic rock on our parents’ vinyl collections. There are so many great legacies to pull from in that wax.
“Instead of putting out a standard album or EP, we decided to start a new series called Tradical, where we let those two loves live together. The first release is Tradical Volume 1: I’ve Endured. For the traditional side we went to Appalachian songwriter Ola Belle Reed’s classic ‘I’ve Endured’ and gave it a rock almost disco groove.
“This track also lets you hear our newest bandmates and singer-songwriters, Andrew Morris (banjo/mandolin) and Jody Bilyeu (keys/mandolin). Jody takes the lead vocal on this first Tradical release. This song is our nod to the rocky road that is show business and to the people who keep going against the odds simply because they love music and performing.” – Jimmy Rea
Track Credits: Jim Rea – Guitar, harmony vocal Gary Rea – Bass, harmony vocal Jody Bilyeu – Mandolin, lead vocal Andrew Morris – Banjo John Anderson – Drums
Cameron Knowler, “Wilson Rag”
Artist:Cameron Knowler Hometown: Yuma, Arizona Song: “Wilson Rag” Album:East of the Gilas (Lagniappe Session) Release Date: November 14, 2025 (EP) Label: Castle Dome Records
In Their Words: “As far as anyone knows, Elizabeth Cotten composed ‘Wilson Rag’ and recorded it a few times on various projects. Though her performances often include a third part which changes slightly from take to take, I decided to focus on the first two parts, adding a bit of reharmonization to make the tune sing with my buddy Will Ellis’ pedal steel playing. Ellis also engineered this track at his home studio in East Nashville, where varied bird songs quietly spilled through a large window. I’m the one playing the ratty Lyon & Healy kick drum from the nineteen teens or twenties, which was performed live with an early-1900s Antonio Grauso acoustic guitar, tuned quite low. I’m also using one of Guy Clark’s old thumbpicks. This tune sure feels great under the fingers and is one that I’ve played for quite some time.” – Cameron Knowler
Artist:Deanie Richardson & Kimber Ludiker Song: “No-See-Um Stomp” Release Date: November 7, 2025 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “I wrote ‘No-See-Um Stomp’ after meeting a flock of no-see-ums for the first time on the East Coast. As a PNW girl, I was mortified by their existence and the one billion bites I suffered. This tune came out of me very quickly. The first part is the swarm and the second part… human agony. I recorded it once with my band Della Mae and, although there’s an amazing ‘twin guitar’ moment with Avril Smith and Molly Tuttle, I always heard this tune as a twin fiddle tune. As you know, you never encounter just one of these bugs, so I’m very excited to have a twin fiddle version of this with Deanie Richardson. We took a mild ‘controlled chaos’ approach to this, which fits the tune perfectly. Instead of linear twin fiddle parts, we depart here and there, swarming around each other just like the little critters this tune was written for.” – Kimber Ludiker
Artist:Brendan Walter Hometown: Dallas, Texas Album:Disappearing Days Song: “Pipe Dream” Release Date: November 7, 2025 Label: RECORDS/Sony Music Nashville
In Their Words: “I started writing this song while I was still in college, when I was figuring out if I wanted to pursue my majors or follow my lifelong dream of being a musician. At first, music felt like a pipe dream due to the fact that I knew nothing about the industry or how to get started. During college and for about a year after graduating, I bartended full-time to survive while nurturing this dream to make music my full-time gig. Those long nights definitely lit a fire under me to fully pursue music. I had no idea how I was going to accomplish my dreams in this wildly new world, but I knew I wanted it more than anything else and I wasn’t going to stop until I could make it a reality.
“Now, having a couple years in the industry under my belt, I still feel like I’m the new kid on the block, but I know a lot of other artists have felt that way so I thought it was fitting to show a glimpse of my struggles and aspirations along the way. I also worked in a strum pattern inspired by Mumford & Sons, because their music got me into playing guitar and writing songs. I had the opportunity to play with session musicians for the first time when making my debut album and, on this song specifically, I got to play with the very talented Kurt Ozan. Hope everyone enjoys this one!” – Brendan Walter
Photo Credit: Gena Britt by Tom Turk; Sammy Brue by Joshua Black Wilkins.
It’s not only the end of the week, it’s the end of the month! And that, to us, is scary enough for October 31. Mark the occasion – whether Halloween, the end of the week, or the end of October – with our new music roundup.
Kicking us off, singer-songwriter Sophie Gault releases the title track from her upcoming album, Unhinged, today looking ahead to her full record release in January 2026. Inspired by a stroke of luck playing cards aboard a cruise ship, Gault leans into trusting your gut and doing what feels true – even if others might call that “unhinged.”
Red Camel Collective, 2025 IBMA Award winners for Best New Artist, have unveiled a new music video today for “In The Mexican Sun,” written by hit bluegrass songwriter Malcolm Pulley. Perfect contrast for the cool, rainy days of fall or the quickly approaching shivery weather of winter, “In The Mexican Sun” wasn’t intended to be a bluegrass number, but the Collective make it feel right at home in the genre.
Meanwhile, contemporary bluegrass (and everything else) guitar great Bryan Sutton has a special posthumous duet with Doc Watson that he’s sharing today. The new single, “Working Man Blues,” includes vocals and guitar by Watson and Sutton shares the story of how the Merle Haggard cover came to be.
Experimental old-time and indie musician Laurel Premo shares her new project today, Laments, a thoughtful and deep exploration of grief from a variety of perspectives. A sort of instrumental text painting, “Grief Of The Angler” listens like an entrancing dreamscape as resonant bow strokes and heart-wrenching vocalizations interweave in evocative and inspiring ways.
Bringing us home, Nashville bluegrass-Americana supergroup Wood Box Heroes pay tribute to K.T. Oslin with a video performance of their cover of “Do Ya.'” With fiddler/vocalist Jenee Fleenor on the mic, it’s a lovely homage to a relatively undersung hero of ’80s and ’90s country music. Of course, the track shines with the Wood Box treatment.
There’s plenty to enjoy in our weekly collection of new music, videos, and premieres. You Gotta Hear This!
Sophie Gault, “Unhinged”
Artist:Sophie Gault Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Unhinged” Album:Unhinged Release Date: October 31, 2025 (single); January 23, 2025 (album) Label: Torrez Music Group
In Their Words: “I wrote ‘Unhinged’ after going on the Outlaw Country Cruise. I was learning to play blackjack and everyone told me I was crazy for doubling down on a 17 – but I did it anyway, and won. That moment kind of summed up everything for me. The song’s about gambling, but really it’s about trusting your gut and doing what feels true, even when the odds are against you. Sometimes the biggest risk is the one that pays off inside. On the way off the boat, this guy stopped me and said, ‘Hey, you’re that unhinged girl from the blackjack table!’ and I thought, ‘Yup, that’s the spirit of the song right there.'” – Sophie Gault
Laurel Premo, “Grief Of The Angler”
Artist:Laurel Premo Hometown: Traverse City, Michigan Song: “Grief Of The Angler” Album:Laments Release Date: October 31, 2025
In Their Words: “The four pieces on this record each hold a different-sized relationship. The third track, ‘Grief Of The Angler / I Grieve In The Realization Of The Generosity Of Your Gift,’ is sung from a formed deeper intimacy with the ecosystem that I belong to. In my life, my relationship with a form of hunting has been fishing and this piece sings the shared experience of taking another body for nourishment.
“As every relationship deepens, as the bonds are woven together between individuals, there is the opportunity for those threads to hold beings closer together but also to create tension when one leans back. The ties stay connected in both directions and that reciprocity demanded is an exchange for the gift of being able to be closer in intimacy. This piece sings from the moment of gravity of the fisherperson deciding to keep a catch and the energetic blending of beings therein.” – Laurel Premo
Red Camel Collective, “In The Mexican Sun”
Artist:Red Camel Collective Hometown: Wirtz, Virginia (Johnathan Dillon); Walnut Cove, North Carolina (Tony and Heather Mabe); Oakboro, North Carolina (Curt Love). Song: “In The Mexican Sun” Release Date: October 17, 2025 (single); October 31, 2025 (video) Label: Pinecastle Records
In Their Words: “This tune comes to us from the pen of our buddy Malcolm Pulley. You may recognize that name as he also wrote the hit song ‘In The Gravel Yard,’ which went on to become a bluegrass jam standard. ‘In The Mexican Sun’ is one of those songs that you’re sure you’ve heard somewhere before. The melody seems familiar somehow. It has all the earmarks of a hit tune. This one wasn’t a bluegrass song from its conception, but I believe it was always destined to become one.” – Heather Berry Mabe
Track Credits: Heather Berry Mabe – Guitar, vocals Tony Mabe – Banjo, vocals Johnathan Dillon – Mandolin Curt Love – Bass Stephen Burwell – Fiddle
Video Credit: Laci Mack
Bryan Sutton, “Working Man Blues”
Artist:Bryan Sutton Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Working Man Blues” Album:From Roots to Branches Release Date: October 31, 2025 (single) Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “On the original 2006 release, I would just show up, set my gear up, and we would record. Even in those sessions I had a general idea but not so much of a design on what exactly I needed to get. Once [Doc] got comfortable, he was just starting to talk and show me some different tunes. … He just launched into ‘Working Man Blues,’ out of nowhere! It felt like, ‘I hope I got all that, I hope the tape didn’t run out.’ Then he said at the end of it (and I kept it on the recordings), ‘I just wanted to hear what you did with it.’
“You never knew what you were going to get with Doc Watson – from Crystal Gayle songs and ‘Nights in White Satin,’ certainly all that Doc-abilly stuff and swing tunes – outside of just fiddle tunes and bluegrass and folk ballads and things like that. Certainly Doc Watson was a fan of Merle Haggard and probably knew more Merle Haggard songs than he ever played for anybody. And I don’t know that I’ve ever heard him play it any other place.” – Bryan Sutton
In Their Words: “I heard K.T. Oslin’s ‘Do Ya” on the radio one day and immediately thought, ‘Now that’s a song I’d love to sing.’ I brought it to the guys and when we worked it up together the crowd response was incredible! K.T. has always inspired me – not just because of her artistry, but because her country career didn’t take off until she was in her 40s. I’ve been so blessed with a successful fiddle career, but I’ll admit, there were times I thought about stepping away from singing and letting that part of me go. Starting Wood Box Heroes reignited that spark and this song, in particular, hit me on so many levels. It’s a joy to perform and I hope we can all take a moment to remember and celebrate the great K.T. Oslin.” – Jenee Fleenor
Track Credits: Jenee Fleenor – Lead vocal, fiddle Josh Martin – Vocals, guitar Barry Bales – Upright bass Matt Menefee – Banjo Thomas Cassell – Mandolin
Video Credits: Videography by Barry Rice, Steve Anderson, and Andy Jeffers.
Photo Credit: Red Camel Collective by Ed Rode; Wood Box Heroes by Eric Ahlgrim.
Saxophone, mountain dulcimer, mandolins, banjos – what else could you need? Our weekly new music roundup is here!
Today, we complete our mini-series with saxophonist Eddie Barbash with a video for “Fort Smith Breakdown,” an old-time fiddle tune performed exquisitely by Barbash on sax in a lovely, natural setting. You can find links to watch all four of Barbash’s live performance videos from his upcoming project Larkspur, below. On the other end of the roots instrument continuum, perhaps the South’s most accomplished and technical mountain dulcimer player Sarah Kate Morgan teams up with fiddler Leo Shannon on a new album, Featherbed, out today. To celebrate, we’re sharing their track “Belle of Lexington,” which they first sourced from a Library of Congress recording made in 1941 before crafting their own arrangement.
Bluegrass stalwarts Chris Jones & the Night Drivers offer a delightful play on words with “Under Over,” a song Jones wrote with broadcaster-songwriter Terry Herd. The uptempo, straight-ahead bluegrass single is available today wherever you stream music. Jones’ labelmate, mandolinist and singer-songwriter Ashby Frank, also launches a new single today. “Mr. Engineer” is a Jimmy Martin and Paul Williams classic that Frank has performed for years, but only just recorded for the first time.
Alt-Americana rockers Keyland release their new EP today, so don’t miss the title track to Stand Up To You below. As you’ll hear, this soulful Oklahoman outfit blend so many roots genres together into a melting pot style all their own. Singer-songwriter Jon Danforth then takes us just across the state line to Arkansas with his new single, “Arkansas Sunrise,” which will be included on his upcoming 2026 album, Natural State. Dripping with childhood memories and nostalgia, it’s an homage to his home state and its moniker, from which he pulled the title of the new LP.
Plus, don’t miss the new music video for a just-released single from singer-songwriter Abby Hamilton “Fried Green Tomatoes” was inspired by a line uttered by Idgie Threadgoode of the novel (and film) Fried Green Tomatoes. The vibey country-folk track explores relationships and friendships – and the parts of ourselves we display or keep hidden away.
There’s plenty to explore and enjoy from all corners of the roots music landscape! You Gotta Hear This…
Eddie Barbash, “Fort Smith Breakdown”
Artist:Eddie Barbash Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Fort Smith Breakdown” Album:Larkspur Release Date: November 28, 2025 (The album will be released one song at a time with the last track coming out Nov. 28).
In Their Words: “I learned ‘Fort Smith Breakdown’ from a great Floyd, Virginia, old-time fiddler named Earl White. My favorite old-time guitarist Danny Knicely was playing with him at the time and called it ‘that tune that goes to the 4 all of a sudden.’ This practice of adding or dropping beats in unexpected places is one of my favorite things about the old-time tradition. Four of the nine tunes that I chose for Larkspur are ‘crooked’ like this. We made this recording on a trail through the Larkspur Conservation area’s natural burial ground. After two days on the grounds, I’m completely sold on natural burial. I’d much rather feed the forest and donate my body to the preservation of wild land than to rot alone in a concrete box under a lifeless lawn.” – Eddie Barbash
(Editor’s Note: Watch all the videos in our mini-series with Eddie Barbash here, here, and here.)
Jon Danforth, “Arkansas Sunrise”
Artist:Jon Danforth Hometown: Dallas, Texas Song: “Arkansas Sunrise” Album:Natural State Release Date: October 24, 2025 (single); January 23, 2026 (album)
In Their Words: “‘Arkansas Sunrise’ is about the countless, lazy Saturday mornings I’ve spent in my home state with family and friends. Arkansas is a beautiful state and a wonderful place to be, especially in the fall when the hot temperatures finally drop. There is nothing better than waking up to cool weather, leaves changing, and bacon crackling alongside the people you love. My goal was to capture that warmth and nostalgia in a song that hopefully honors my home state.” – Jon Danforth
Track Credits: Jon Danforth – Vocals, acoustic guitar, songwriter Will Carmack – Bass Aaron Carpenter – Drums, percussion Bobby Orozco – Piano Melissa Cox – Fiddle Hannah Brooks – Background vocals
Ashby Frank, “Mr. Engineer”
Artist:Ashby Frank Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Mr. Engineer” Release Date: October 24, 2025 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “I started performing this Jimmy Martin and Paul Williams classic on stage with Mashville Brigade years ago and recently started adding it to the set list of my Yachtgrass band’s shows. I have wanted to record it since I started singing it live and I am so proud of the finished product. I just love the old-school vibe and super lonesome content of the lyrics and melody, and of course Matt Menefee (banjo) and Jim VanCleve (fiddle) added some wicked and bluesy solos that made the whole track gel. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!” – Ashby Frank
Track Credits: Ashby Frank – Mandolin, lead vocal, harmony vocal Seth Taylor – Acoustic guitar Travis Anderson – Upright bass Matt Menefee – Banjo Jim VanCleve – Fiddle Jaelee Roberts – Harmony vocal
Abby Hamilton, “Fried Green Tomatoes”
Artist:Abby Hamilton Hometown: Nicholasville, Kentucky Song: “Fried Green Tomatoes” Release Date: October 24, 2025
In Their Words: “‘I’m as settled as I’ll ever be’ is the line from Idgie Threadgoode in Fried Green Tomatoes that inspired this song. It’s about the inner dialogue in relationships and friendships as you never show the world what you question from within. The world sees you as secure and confident, which you very well may be in some ways, but inside you feel a sense of doubt that no one else knows. Maybe just the most intimate of friendships or relationships get questioned. That in whatever you’re carrying on about inside or out, it’s still ‘look at those fried green tomatoes’ in the middle of ‘she’s trying to teach me how to cook.’ Chaos and joy and confusion. You can be all out of sorts about whatever’s in your brain and it’s still just ‘fried green tomatoes.’ The right person will make you laugh and ground you, remind you that you’re not so alone.” – Abby Hamilton
Chris Jones & the Night Drivers, “Under Over”
Artist:Chris Jones & The Night Drivers Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Under Over” Release Date: October 24, 2025 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “I have no idea where the phrase ‘file it under over’ came from; it was just one of those things that popped into my head one day. Aside from the play on words, I just got to thinking about the idea of filing something away for good, whether it be a bad relationship or an addiction of some kind, and I pictured a file with ‘over’ on the tab. I’ve been friends with songwriter and bluegrass broadcaster Terry Herd for many years and he’s written all sorts of award-winning and hit bluegrass songs with a range of writers. But we had never written one together and it’s been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. We discussed the song concept together when I was at his house in Nashville and we got right to work on it. He was the one who came up with the phrase ‘in a little box of pain,’ which I think is my favorite part of the song. The uptempo, straight-ahead bluegrass feel really fit with the uplifting feeling of filing something negative away and moving on.” – Chris Jones
Track Credits: Chris Jones – Acoustic guitar, lead vocal Jon Weisberger – Bass Mark Stoffel – Mandolin, harmony vocal Grace van’t Hof – Banjo, harmony vocal Tony Creasman – Drums Carley Arrowood – Fiddle
Keyland, “Stand Up To You”
Artist:Keyland Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma Song: “Stand Up To You” Album:Stand Up To You (EP) Release Date: October 24, 2025 Label: One Riot
In Their Words: “I’m hoping this song feels like you’ve heard it before and you can’t remember where or from whom. I think most of my favorite music has this effect on me – whether it’s from 1965 or 2025. When I listen to music like this, I feel like I’ve known it forever. And not in a redundant, boring sense, but in a way that feels as though that particular song has just always existed in some deeper, elusive but still tangible reality. Like you’ve always known it, but you can’t exactly remember how.
“I’m unsure if we’ve actually accomplished that, but hopefully it is somewhat close. I also love music that makes you feel like you are in the same room as the artist. I think live-tracked recordings have a lot to do with this particular effect, so we leaned into that with this song – as well as a few others on this EP. I was listening to a lot of Ray Charles, Stones, and Faces (and will always be) when I wrote this one, so I’d guess that will come through as well. In the words of Taylor Goldsmith, ‘Anyone that’s making anything new only breaks something else…'” – Kyle Ross
Sarah Kate Morgan & Leo Shannon, “Belle of Lexington”
Artist:Sarah Kate Morgan & Leo Shannon Hometown: Hindman, Kentucky (Sarah Kate); Whitesburg, Kentucky (Leo) Song: “Belle of Lexington” Album:Featherbed Release Date: October 24, 2025 Label: June Appal Recordings
In Their Words: “This is a very old fiddle tune which I learned as a teenager in my mom’s living room in Seattle, Washington. The source is a recording of fiddler Emmet Lundy made by the Library of Congress in Galax, Virginia, in 1941. (Many thanks to the Slippery Hill archive for facilitating this transmission.) Eighty-four years later, our performance of the tune was recorded live at The Burl in Lexington, Kentucky, by the intrepid Nick Petersen. We dedicate this track to all the beautiful people in all the Lexingtons around the world.” – Leo Shannon
Photo Credit: Eddie Barbash by Jeremy Stanley; Chris Jones & the Night Drivers by Brooke Stevens.
We’re back with another excellent edition of our weekly roundup of new music, fresh videos, and sneak previews of tracks to yet to come.
Bluegrass power couple Benson – Wayne Benson and Kristin Scott Benson – call on Zack Arnold of Rhonda Vincent & the Rage for their new single, “Bully of the Town,” which drops today. You may recognize the track, which is usually performed as an instrumental, but its unique chord progression shines with Arnold’s vocal as the somewhat unexpected cherry on top. Also in a bluegrass space – bluegrass saxophone, of course – Eddie Barbash continues his mini-series with us of classic bluegrass and old-time fiddle tunes rendered superlatively, as only he could, on sax. This time, we’re sharing his new performance video of “Tennessee Mountain Fox Chase,” shot at Larkspur Conservation in Westmoreland, Tennessee. We can’t get enough solo saxophone fiddle tunes!
From the bottom of the globe, progressive New Zealand string band You, Me, Everybody returns to the pages of BGS with a new music video. “The Rest of Us” is a contemplative, introspective song set to sparkling newgrass that’s about leadership, abandonment, and rising above – if you can. From country, our friend Brit Taylor also debuts a new music video this week for “All For Sale,” her most recent single that released just last month. The new video, which only features a short cameo by Taylor, a new momma, is a fun-fueled yard sale spurred by heartbreak and readiness for a blank, clean slate.
To round out our collection this week, legendary blues master Robert Finley is celebrating a brand new album via Easy Eye Sound today, so of course we’re highlighting a track from Hallelujah! Don’t Let the Devil Fool Ya to mark the special day. “Can’t Take My Joy” is an infectious song with a perennial message that Finley holds at the core of his values system – you really can’t steal his joy. And, with music like this in our weekly roundup, you won’t be taking our joy, either!
It’s all right here on BGS and, just like every week before this one, You Gotta Hear This.
Eddie Barbash, “Tennessee Mountain Fox Chase”
Artist:Eddie Barbash Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Tennessee Mountain Fox Chase” Album:Larkspur Release Date: November 28, 2025 (The album will be released one song at a time with the last track coming out Nov. 28.)
In Their Words: “This song was recorded during a spring sun shower on the porch swing at Larkspur Conservation’s cabin headquarters. A barn swallow was nesting in the rafters just over my head and I was inspired by all of the bird songs around me to improvise this introduction.
“I learned the tune late one night from Ric Robertson after a party/concert in his Washington Heights apartment in NYC. I believe he learned it from Nate Leath and my version is also inspired by his recording. I decided to slow it down a bit and give it a lazier, swingier feel that just feels so good to play on the saxophone.” – Eddie Barbash
Artist:Benson Hometown: Boiling Springs, South Carolina Song: “Bully of the Town” Release Date: October 10, 2025 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “I’ve always loved to play this song and didn’t even know it had lyrics for years. The chord progression is just different enough to make it work either way.” – Wayne Benson
“‘Bully of the Town’ is a good example of a song that wasn’t originally a part of the bluegrass genre, but is versatile enough that you can play it many different ways and it sounds like it belonged there all along. Wayne and I are pickers first and this arrangement is really built around being able to play around this fun chord progression, but the vocals are the icing on the cake, because prior to this cut, people typically played it as an instrumental. A lot of people don’t even know it has words, so adding vocals differentiates it and we got a young gun to sing it! Zack Arnold, from Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, did such a great job. He delivers it with a lot of energy, power, and a spirit that accompanies youthful musicianship. He really added excitement to an already-grooving track.” – Kristin Scott Benson
Track Credits: Wayne Benson – Mandolin Kristin Scott Benson – Banjo Cody Kilby – Acoustic guitar Kevin McKinnon – Bass Zack Arnold – Lead Vocal
Robert Finley, “Can’t Take My Joy”
Artist:Robert Finley Hometown: Bernice, Louisiana Song: “Can’t Take My Joy” Album:Hallelujah! Don’t Let the Devil Fool Ya Release Date: October 10, 2025 Label: Easy Eye Sound
In Their Words: “There’s an old saying that I used to hear folks say, ‘There’s joy in the world, can’t take it away.’ Joy is something that can’t be measured by man and can’t be controlled by man. That’s why I say, ‘You can’t take my joy.’ You can take everything else, but you can’t take that. You can take my freedom and I can still be happy. Though there are problems, there is still a way to look beyond the faults and accept the good things in life. Joy is something that no man has the power to give and no man has the power to take away.” – Robert Finley
Brit Taylor, “All For Sale”
Artist:Brit Taylor Hometown: Hindman, Kentucky Song: “All For Sale” Release Date: September 5, 2025 (song); October 9, 2025 (video) Label: RidgeTone Records/Thirty Tigers
In Their Words: “We wrote this song like a script. There’s so much imagery in the song that it just seemed natural for the video to follow the lyrics. I decided only to make a quick cameo in the video and let my friends be the stars of the show! While it seems counterintuitive to what the rest of the industry is currently doing, it felt right to me. After all, the song isn’t about me, it’s about a story that wants to be told. And, honestly, my friends should probably move to Hollywood, because they really nailed their parts!” – Brit Taylor
Video Credits: Robert Chavers – Producer, director, cinematographer Steve Voss – Director Solar Cabin – Production company
You, Me, Everybody, “The Rest Of Us”
Artist:You, Me, Everybody Hometown: Ngāruawāhia, New Zealand Song: “The Rest of Us” Release Date: October 10, 2025 Label: Southern Sky Records
In Their Words: “I woke up with the melody and the lyric in the chorus, ‘If you’re the one who’s going to give up, what are the rest of us doing here tonight?’ And as much as the melody kept hooking me in, it took a while to find an angle for a song that could only really be about leadership. Even though it’s from the perspective of the people who are left when a leader abandons them, I was writing this with an awareness of how I felt I was letting people down at a time when I wasn’t following through on a commitment I had made. That’s why it’s less about blame and more about the heartbreak of watching someone lose faith in something they’d once worked so hard for.” – Kim Bonnington
Video Credits: Produced and edited by Kim Bonnington. Filmed by Ethan Bryant.
Photo Credit: Brit Taylor by Sammy Hearn; Benson by Sandlin Gaither.
You know what Friday means! New music, new songs, new videos – and of course, You Gotta Hear This.
Let’s begin with some Good Country from Idaho’s own Colby Acuff. His new album, Enjoy the Ride, is out today and we’re enjoying the ride ourselves with a lyric video for the title track from his excellent collection of country that’s both traditional and forward-looking born from beyond the continental divide. Singer-songwriter Kashena Sampson brings us a song from her brand new album, Ghost Of Me, that we find at the intersection of vibey Americana and contemplative indie. “Thick As Thieves” is a daydream in a song about teenage years, friendship, and holding onto – if you can – the ineffable magic of youth.
One of our longtime friends, Caitlin Canty, released her new album, Night Owl Envies the Mourning Dove, yesterday. Based in Vermont, the singer-songwriter crafts music that rests comfortably between folk, bluegrass, string band, and Americana sounds. To celebrate her new album, she’s shared a special live performance video of “Don’t Worry About Nothing,” inspired by parenthood, our frenetic day-to-day, and giving up control – and worry – whenever we can. Speaking of string band music, Damn Tall Buildings, a Brooklyn-based group playing on the fringes of bluegrass, old-time, and swing, have a brand new video for “Turkish Airlines,” a funny and all-too-relatable track they describe as portraying the haze of travel dreams, the desire to be seen, and late-night self-reflection.
And don’t miss your essential dose of bluegrass saxophone, as one of the foremost purveyors of the form, Eddie Barbash, begins a BGS mini-series sharing videos of solo performances of traditional fiddle tunes on sax. To begin, check out his rendition of “Forked Deer,” which Barbash picked up from Sierra Hull while touring with Cory Wong. If you aren’t familiar with Barbash, you may be surprised how perfect fiddle tunes can feel on saxophone. If you are already familiar, you’ll love getting to hear him offer his takes on these classic melodies. More sax-fiddle tunes are coming soon.
There’s a little something for everyone in this week’s roundup, as usual. We hope you enjoy, because You Gotta Hear This!
Colby Acuff, “Enjoy The Ride”
Artist:Colby Acuff Hometown: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Song: “Enjoy The Ride” Album:Enjoy The Ride Release Date: October 3, 2025
In Their Words: “The title track of this project does not pull any punches. This song sets up the world where this story takes place. Like most of my songs, it takes place in the real world. In the plains of Oklahoma, the mountains of Idaho, or the heat of the desert. This record is for real people. People that we talked to on the streets and truly got a look into who they are. This song is meant to represent the people of this country for what it is. I hope people love this one as much as I do.” – Colby Acuff
Eddie Barbash, “Forked Deer”
Artist:Eddie Barbash Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Forked Deer” Album:Larkspur Release Date: November 28, 2025 (The album will be released one song at a time with the last track coming out Nov. 28.)
In Their Words: “This performance was recorded in a dry streambed at the Larkspur Conservation natural burial ground in northern Tennessee. I learned ‘Forked Deer’ from Sierra Hull while we were on tour with Cory Wong. The harmonic lift in the B part is what makes the tune for me. Modulating to the 5 is a tried-and-true move at least as old as the Baroque. In my playing I tried to capture what I love most about bluegrass – the fast and hard-driving, yet still light and bouncy, groove and the thrilling rhythmic and melodic variations. To achieve the bluegrass backbeat, I made generous use of one of my favorite bowing techniques that I learned from Alex Hargreaves called the ‘Georgia shuffle bow.'” – Eddie Barbash
Video Credits: Shot and edited by Jeremy Stanley.
Caitlin Canty, “Don’t Worry About Nothing”
Artist:Caitlin Canty Hometown: Danby, Vermont Song: “Don’t Worry About Nothing” Album:Night Owl Envies the Mourning Dove Release Date: October 2, 2025
In Their Words: “I started writing this song to my son when his Magna-Tiles castle came crashing down in a spectacular heap. It felt like what was happening at that time to my view of the wider world. This song helps me wind down from worrying about what doesn’t matter so much and focus my powers on fighting for what does matter. It’s written from my own unshakeable mom’s point of view – I love how she sees the world and walks through it with a smile, even on the darkest days. I’m so looking forward to touring Night Owl Envies the Mourning Dove and playing this song each night with my full band! ” – Caitlin Canty
Video Credits: Filmed and edited by Brian Carroll. Mixed by Dave Sinko.
Damn Tall Buildings, “Turkish Airlines”
Artist:Damn Tall Buildings Hometown: Brooklyn, New York Song: “Turkish Airlines” Album:The Universe Is Hungry Release Date: October 8, 2025 (single); October 24, 2025 (album)
In Their Words: “We are honored to share this single from our fourth upcoming studio LP with BGS! ‘Turkish Airlines’ explores the sensation of being loved, but not being sure which version of you someone is loving. We’re always evolving and changing as humans, and this song floats through the uncertainty that can be triggered by that truth. We had a blast crafting this track to portray the haze of travel dreams, the desire to be seen through the complexity, and late-night self-reflection. Through creative experimentation in the recording and production of the track, we were able to bring a bit of studio magic to this song that we hope will become a DTB classic. Hit us up on the socials to let us know what you think!. Thanks for listening, see y’all on the road.” – Damn Tall Buildings
Kashena Sampson, “Thick As Thieves”
Artist:Kashena Sampson Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Thick As Thieves” Album:Ghost Of Me Release Date: October 3, 2025
In Their Words: “I wrote this song for my best friend, Sulayla. It’s a daydream about our teenage years growing up in Las Vegas. It’s about those carefree days when the world felt full of endless possibilities. The song came to me after a conversation we had, realizing that adulthood isn’t quite what we imagined and wishing we could go back to those golden moments. Driving through the desert in my old Ford Explorer, listening to the Beatles and feeling like anything was possible.” – Kashena Sampson
Track Credits: Kashena Sampson – Vocals, songwriter Jolana Sampson – Songwriter B.L. Reed – Guitar Tom Myers – Drums Jon Estes – Bass
Photo Credit: Eddie Barbash by Jeremy Stanley; Caitlin Canty by Brian Carroll.
Happy Friday! There’s plenty of new music to enjoy this week in our latest edition of You Gotta Hear This, our regular roundup of upcoming and just-released tracks and videos.
Kicking us off, innovative banjoist Wes Corbett (who currently tours with Sam Bush) shares the second single from his upcoming album, Drift. “Eagle Harbor” was inspired by the vibe and structure of Jackson Browne’s music and the picturesque ferry ride to Bainbridge Island in Washington state, where Corbett grew up. Guitarist, poet, and singer-songwriter Courtney Hartman is returning with new music as well; this time it’s a lush and whimsical neo-folk song co-written with Ana Egge about how being a mother and raising a child transformed the way she saw everything around her. It’s set to an intimate and cozy new music video you’ll love to watch.
New Mexico-based artist and songwriter Michael Rudd will release a new track, “Not Today,” next week and below you can find a preview of the number. It contemplates war, history, loss and their legacies; Rudd was spurred to write “Not Today” by the many wars ongoing today, especially in Gaza, and by his recent travel to Germany, Poland, and to visit monuments of the Holocaust.
Lauren Morse is ready to get you dancing with her new track and music video. “Let that Fiddler Fiddle” is a message we can certainly get behind. Inspired by Nashville’s ever-popular Honky Tonk Tuesday, it’s a two-stepping song sonically found where country and bluegrass meet – and perfect for toe-tapping or hip-swaying (or both). Trey Hedrick brings us a very enjoyable bluegrass track as well; “Passing Through” began to come together while Hedrick was out west and longing for the hills of home. With a talented roster of pickers and musicians on the song, Hedrick says it’s “a self reminder to go, to try, and to not leave the important things undone.”
Rounding us out, a group we’ve loved and collaborated with for a very long time, The Infamous Stringdusters, have a brand new single and a video to go with it. “Dead Man Walking” was written by Jeremy Garrett and Larry Keel. Don’t be fooled by the title, this is a song of uplift and positivity, set to the grooving and gritty style of bluegrass we all know and love from the Dusters.
It’s another stellar collection this week, if we do say so ourselves, and You Gotta Hear This!
Wes Corbett, “Eagle Harbor”
Artist:Wes Corbett Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Eagle Harbor” Album:Drift Release Date: September 15, 2025 (single); October 3, 2025 (album) Label: Adhyâropa Records
In Their Words: “As a kid, Jackson Browne was playing around the house a lot so that music has always filled me with a sense of warm nostalgia. As an adult I’ve realized how gorgeous his music is and how profound of an impact I think it’s had on me as a musician. ‘Eagle Harbor’ is a reflection of this both in vibe and in structure – wide warm sounds, open space, and what I hope is a strong melody. It’s named after the main harbor on Bainbridge Island where I grew up, which looks particularly beautiful during golden hour as you approach on the ferry with the Olympic Mountains as the backdrop. This group of musicians is an absolute dream to make music with! With so much emotional depth and their masterful touches as a bedrock it has become one of my favorites on Drift. I feel so lucky and honored to have the chance to cut this track with them.” – Wes Corbett
Courtney Hartman, “Bright Eye”
Artist:Courtney Hartman Hometown: Eau Claire, Wisconsin Song: “Bright Eye” Album:With You Release Date: September 17, 2025 (video); August 27, 2025 (single); November 14, 2025 (album)
In Their Words: “I began writing ‘Bright Eye’ the first summer after my daughter was born. Loving her transformed the way I saw everything around me and I found myself surprised by the joy of seeing our life through her eyes. I believe that this is what love does: love of any kind changes how and what we see. It lets the light in.
“Ana Egge is a favorite songwriter of mine, she has a wonderful way of articulating melodies. I sent her an early version of the song and we finished it together. ‘Bright Eye’ also features harmonies from my dear friend and fellow Eau Claire artist and mother, Sarah Elstran (The Nunnery).
“I wanted the video for the song to give a real sense of the spirit behind With You – the community, the care, and the laughter. The album came about during a season of heaviness, but the women who co-wrote the songs with me, along with the friends who recorded them, truly helped to carry me through.” – Courtney Hartman
Track Credits: Courtney Hartman – Voice, guitars, songwriter Ana Egge – songwriter The Nunnery – Harmony vocals Ben Lester – Synth, pedal steel S. Carey – Drums, piano, synth Shane Leonard – Percussion Zoe Guigueno – Electric bass
Video Credits: Filmed by Kyle Lehman, edited by Erik Elstran.
In Their Words: “‘Passing Through’ started with my time living out West. I went out there looking for adventure, and I found it – mountains, open skies, and a pace to life that felt more open. But even then there was always a pull toward home, toward the hills. The song is about moving through places and seasons, chasing what you need to see while you can. It’s also about how all of us are just passing through in life, and how easy it is to get stuck only talking about the things we want to do. I’ve never wanted to live that way. That’s where the line ‘I ain’t afraid of dying, just the things I never did’ comes from. It’s a self reminder to go, to try, and to not leave the important things undone.” – Trey Hedrick
Track Credits: Trey Hedrick – Lead vocal, acoustic guitar, songwriter John Mailander – Fiddle Ethan Ballinger – Mandolin Frank Evans – Banjo Phillipe Bronchtein – Piano Jamie Dick – Drums Rhees Williams – Bass Maya De Vitry – Harmony vocals
The Infamous Stringdusters, “Dead Man Walking”
Artist:The Infamous Stringdusters Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee and Colorado Song: “Dead Man Walking” Album:20/20 Release Date: September 19, 2025 (single); January 2026 (album) Label: Americana Vibes
In Their Words: “I had this idea about a pitiful character that needed to snap out of their life and take a bigger view of everything before it was too late. I kept having Larry Keel’s voice in my mind as I worked through the melody of the song a bit, so I sent him a verse or two and he sent me back some. His lyrics were awesome, uplifting, and on the positive side. In a few sessions, we came up with what feels like a powerful chorus and a cool hook. It felt so natural for Dusters to make this one as country as we could and I just hope it resonates with everyone who listens, as it did with Larry and me as the songwriters.” – Jeremy Garrett
Video Credits: Directed and edited by Jack Gould at Ninja Video Production. Craig Babineau – Second camera
Lauren Morse, “Let That Fiddler Fiddle”
Artist:Lauren Morse Hometown: Jackson, Michigan Song: “Let that Fiddler Fiddle” Album:The Sweetest Sound (EP) Release Date: September 12, 2025 (video/single); January 2026 (EP)
In Their Words: “I wrote this song after a Nashville Honky Tonk Tuesday. I was being spun around by a man old enough to be my grandpa at the American Legion and I thought, ‘This is so much more fun than my date was the previous night.’ I immediately wanted to write a song folks could two-step to and that’s what I set out to do. Playing it out around Music City, I was always getting compliments on how it felt like nostalgic country music. It is the best feeling in the world to see the intention for the song to be played out in a music video with the same people who inspired it! I think it’s a real special song people get excited about and can’t help but clap or dance along.” – Lauren Morse
Video Credits:Directed by William Gawley. Produced by Michelle Robertson, Charlotte Avenue Pictures. Director of Photography – Wayne Taylor with Giovanni Gotay Drone pilot – Wayne Taylor Edited/color – Color Synch Visuals
Michael Rudd, “Not Today”
Artist:Michael Rudd Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico Song: “Not Today” Album:Ways of the World Release Date: September 26, 2025 (single), February 27, 2026 (album) Label: Invisible Road Records
In Their Words: “‘Not Today’ is about the legacy of war, both for the vanquished and the ‘victor.’ In a time when wars seem to be everywhere, the song considers not just the impact on those fighting now, but also on generations to come. ‘Not Today’ is from the perspective of a man who has lost everything – his family, his home, his land – but not the knowledge of who he is. It was most directly inspired by the war in Gaza and settler violence in the West Bank, as well as my visit last year to Berlin, Warsaw, Krakow, and Auschwitz. As an American Jew who grew up with the cornerstones of Israel, Jewish ethics, a knowledge of historical antisemitism, and the specter of the Holocaust, I wonder how future generations will process the current war and the influence it may have on how they see themselves and the world.” – Michael Rudd
Track Credits: Michael Rudd – Vocals, electric guitar Pat Malone – Electric guitar Mark Clark – Drums Brant Leeper – Hammond organ Asher Barreras – Electric bass Kelly Kuhn – Backing vocals
Photo Credit: The Infamous Stringdusters by Daniel Milchev; Courtney Hartman by Michelle Bennett.
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