Longtime in-demand guitarist and newly minted solo artist Andy Thomas is taking a stand with his new single “Dirty Work,” a fuzz-laden anthem for anyone tired of being overworked and mistreated. Produced by fellow Virginian and Widespread Panic bassist Dave Schools, the track is a raw, swamp-rock masterpiece born out of Thomas’s decision to walk away from a toxic boss for the last time. It’s a “spite song” in the best sense, channeling the spirit of blues greats with a no-love-lost attitude and a V8-powered groove that demands attention from the first note. Beyond the grit, the song represents a personal milestone for the Trongone Band frontman; having found sobriety in recent years, Thomas is now using his newfound stability to step into the spotlight and tell his own story with a voice that is as strong and direct as his electrifying guitar work.
After years of climbing the ranks as a sideman for acclaimed acts like Yarn, Thomas is shifting his focus toward a purpose-driven solo career that feels like a reclamation of his musical soul. He speaks candidly about his journey, noting that sobriety allowed him to refine his love for music and realize that his story has a place on the world stage. “Dirty Work” isn’t just a self-warning to never let your guard down—it’s the sound of an artist who has realized he can beat anything and is now cresting the horizon with enough energy to power the entire eastern seaboard. With Schools at the helm of the production, Thomas has crafted a tune that feels both classic and urgent, verifying his transition from an elite guitarist to a compelling songwriter with a lot on his mind.