The Shootouts released a new single “One Step Forward” from their forthcoming album Stampede – LISTEN HERE. The song features the Akron, OH band backed by hefty, baritone vocals of the album’s producer Ray Benson and a sprightly performance from members of Asleep at the Wheel. The Western Swing tune – premiered by Bluegrass Situation – channels the playful, danceable country spirit of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, including traded solos between fiddle, pedal steel and electric guitar, while Benson adlibs his enthusiasm from the background. Along with the audio single, the band is releasing their first video from Stampede, a montage of backstage footage, crowd interactions, and a compilation of live performances for “One Step Forward” – WATCH HERE. The Shootouts previously released singles for “Better Things to Do” (featuring Marty Stuart), “I’ll Never Need Anyone More” (featuring Raul Malo), “Run For Cover” from the forthcoming album.
In addition to the new single and video, The Shootouts recently announced their debut on the Grand Ole Opry on February 24. The band will showcase around Nashville throughout that week, including Honky Tonk Tuesday at American Legion Post 82 on February 21, an in-store performance and signing at Grimey’s on February 23, and a show at WMOT’s Finally Friday at 3rd & Lindsley at noon on February 24.
About the album:
Stampede came as a surprise to the band. Only months after the April 2021 release of their Top 10 Americana Radio album Bullseye, The Shootouts received word that legendary singer Ray Benson would produce their next album and they quickly headed back into the studio. In addition to production duties, Benson and members of Asleep at the Wheel contributed to the song “One Step Forward.”
Additional appearances include the cream of the Americana crop: the aforementioned Raul Malo of The Mavericks, Marty Stuart (“Better Things to Do”), Jim Lauderdale (“Tomorrow’s Knockin’”), and Buddy Miller (“Anywhere But Here”).
The Shootouts’ sound is reflective of their Northeast Ohio Rustbelt roots, steeped in many familiar things but still its own: an energetic fusion of Americana, honky tonk and Western swing that Shootouts fans often refer to as “country music for people who don’t like country.” And while their hometown of Akron, Ohio – the city that produced the Pretenders, the Black Keys, and Devo – isn’t a place normally associated with country music, these influences are as integral to their sound as those of the country music greats.
The Shootouts are lead singer and guitarist Ryan Humbert, vocalist Emily Bates, lead guitarist Brian Poston, and bassist Kevin McManus. They will take their high-energy stage show on the road with a just-announced full-scale spring 2023 tour in support of Stampede.
Upcoming 2023 Shootouts tour dates are below and can be found here:
2/16 – Indianapolis, IN – Duke’s Indy
2/18 – Memphis, TN – Ameripolitan Awards
2/21 – Nashville, TN – Honky Tonk Tuesday Night – American Legion Post 82
2/23 – Nashville, TN – Grimey’s in-store
2/24 – Nashville, TN – 3rd & Lindsley – WMOT Finally Friday (noon)
2/24 – Nashville, TN – Grand Ole Opry House (7 PM)
2/25 – Knoxville, TN – Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria
2/26 – Sparta, NC – Muddy Creek Café and Music Hall
2/28 – Richmond, VA – Get Tight Lounge
3/1 – Greensboro, NC – Flat Iron
3/2 – Chattanooga, TN – Cherry Street Tavern
3/3 – Tupelo, MS – Blue Canoe
3/4 – Merigold, MS – Hey Joe’s
3/5 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic
3/7 – Jackson, MS – Duling Hall
3/8 – Galveston, TX – Old Quarter Café
3/9 – San Antonio, TX – The Rustic
3/10 – Houston, TX – The Rustic
3/11 – Dallas, TX – The Rustic
3/12-14 – Austin, TX – SXSW
3/18 – Massillon, OH – Lions Lincoln Theatre
3/24 – Buffalo, NY – Sportsmen’s Tavern
3/25 – Columbus, OH – Natalie’s Grandview
3/26 – Grove City, PA – Big Rail Brewing
3/31 – Chicago, IL – Carol’s Pub
4/1 – Newport, KY – Southgate House Revival
4/29 – Youngstown, OH – Birdfish Brewing
5/10 – Goshen, IN – Goshen Brewing Company
5/12 – Grand Rapids, MI – Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill
5/13 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Playhouse
5/19 – Thomas, WV – The Purple Fiddle
5/20 – Brooklyn, NY – Skinny Dennis
5/24 – Washington, DC – Pearl Street Warehouse
6/8 – Cleveland, OH – East Shore Park Club Concert Series
