Photo Credit: Dana Trippe
After announcing his impending studio effort earlier this month, Highway Prayers via Reprise Records, due Sept. 27, bluegrass golden boy Billy Strings has previewed the next chapter of his studio work by unveiling “Stratosphere Blues/ I Believe In You.” Today’s release allows melomaniacs to explore the great unknowns, from the ocean to the cosmos and the interworkings of Strings’ mind. The visual companion piece embraces a kaleidoscope view of the world, perhaps possessed by fear and the mundane reality of repetitive cycles, cut by Strings’ promise: “I believe in you.”
The latest single preview from the set follows “Leadfoot. ” Today’s release draws on surrealist motifs that evoke a vintage element, at times presenting like the brainchild of Salvador Dali and an ‘80s advertisement in terms of color, pattern, and slightly exaggerated acting. Musically, “Stratosphere Blues/ I Believe In You” feels toned down and increasingly introspective for the 31-year-old musician, who tied the knot in 2023 and will welcome his first child later this year–call it the passing of time and gained maturity.
Outside of the latest preview, Highway Prayers tops out at 20 new tracks as an entity. Strings’ impending drop cuts no corners as he carves out another layer of original music. The set was co-produced by Jon Brion, who contributed to select songs, providing bass, drums, and percussion, respectively, in addition to Strings’ backing band Billy Failing, Alex Hargreaves, Royal Masat, and Jarrod Walker. The LP extends with added musicianship from Nashville favorites like Jerry Douglas, Lindsay Lou, Jason Carter, Nathaniel Smith, Victor Furtado, and others, such as seasoned backbeat Matt Chamberlain.
Following up on today’s release, Strings will take the stage tonight, resuming his current tour for the first of two nights at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum prior to the onset of his annual Renewal Festival in Buena Vista, Colo., on Sept. 27 and 28. Join the event waitlist here.
Pre-order Highway Prayers. Scroll down to watch the official JJ Horner-directed music video for “Stratosphere Blues/ I Believe In You.”
