Steep Canyon Rangers share “Rumble Strips,” the fourth single from their 15th studio album ‘Next Act’, due May 22 on Yep Roc Records. Written by guitarist and vocalist Aaron Burdett, the track draws its imagery from the roadside warning grooves that nudge a drifting driver back into their lane, applying that metaphor to the gentle corrections a relationship sometimes needs. Banjoist Graham Sharp helped shape the song alongside Burdett, and the result is warm, unhurried, and quietly affecting.
Recorded by Julian Dreyer at Echo Mountain Recording in Asheville and produced by Mike Ashworth and the band, ‘Next Act’ marks a deliberate return to the bluegrass roots that built Steep Canyon Rangers over 25-plus years. The album features guest appearances from Steve Martin, Edie Brickell, and Celia Woodsmith of Della Mae. Previous singles include “Heart’s the Only Compass” (featuring Steve Martin), the title track “Next Act,” and “Circling the Drain.” The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductees have three Grammy nominations and a Best Bluegrass Album win to their name, and their 2024 live album debuted at number one on Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums Chart.
The band hits the road in support of ‘Next Act’ with an extensive run of theaters, festivals, and performing arts centers, including dates alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short, a symphonic evening with the Nashville Symphony, and festival appearances at MerleFest, Kerrville Folk Festival, and RockyGrass.