Marty Stuart Joins The Shootouts for New Song Ahead of Album

photo: Jamie Escola

If one of the things that gets your motor running is takeoff Telecaster guitar in a country song, then waste no time piping up the new track from The Shootouts. Ohio’s official throwback traditional country honky tonk band has a new album on the way called Stampede releasing on February 24th. But first they’re looking to woo you with the new single “Better Things To Do” (listen below).

No, that’s not Marty Stuart playing the hot lead guitar. He comes in later on the track playing his original instrument, the mandolin. Marty is just one of many collaborators The Shootouts lined up for the new album. It also includes appearances by Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller, Raul Malo of The Mavericks, and Ray Benson along with Asleep At The Wheel. In fact, Ray Benson acted as producer for the album with Sam Seifert.

“The Shootouts do it all: Great songs, great pickin’ and always lookin’ sharp,” says Ray Benson. ‘Stampede’ encompasses all forms of American roots music, which is no small feat to do well. You’ll be singing along in no time! If you don’t already know The Shootouts, you will now!

The Shootouts weren’t exactly planning on releasing a new album this year after releasing the Chuck Mead-produced Bullseye in 2021. But when Ray Benson agreed to produce a new album, they couldn’t help but oblige. Though Akron, Ohio isn’t exactly an epicenter of country music, that rust belt authenticity nonetheless makes a good backdrop for The Shootouts, and they’ve made a name for themselves in the Midwest and well beyond, getting nominated for Best Honky Tonk Group at the upcoming 2023 Ameripolitan Awards.

The musicianship is one of the things that has allowed The Shootouts to thrive. The band is comprised of lead singer and guitarist Ryan Humbert, vocalist Emily Bates, lead guitarist Brian Poston, and bassist Kevin McManus. Stampede also features extended Shootouts members Dylan Gomez on drums, Ryan McDermott on bass, and longtime mentor and collaborator Al Moss on guitar. 

The list of anticipated releases for 2023 is beginning to populate, and with the new song “Better Things To Do,” The Shootouts and Stampede are definitely on it. To be released through Soundly Music, Stampede is now available for pre-save and pre-order.

TRACK LIST:

1. BETTER THINGS TO DO Feat. Marty Stuart
2. ANYWHERE BUT HERE Feat. Buddy Miller
3. ONE STEP FORWARD Feat. Ray Benson & Asleep at The Wheel 4. I’LL NEVER NEED ANYONE MORE Feat. Raul Malo
5. RUN FOR COVER
6. COMING HOME BY GOING AWAY
7. STAMPEDE
8. TOMORROW’S KNOCKIN’ Feat. Jim Lauderdale 
9. FEELIN’ KIND OF LONELY TONIGHT
10. MUST BE A BROKEN HEART
11. ANGEL’S WORK 
BONUS TRACK:
12. BETTER THINGS TO DO (Acoustic Version Feat. Marty Stuart)

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