GRAMMY Award-winning bluegrass and Americana band Steep Canyon Rangers have officially announced the release of their highly anticipated 15th studio album, titled “Next Act,” set to debut on May 22 via Yep Roc Records. The album is available for pre-order, with the latest single, “Heart’s the Only Compass,” featuring renowned comedian and musician Steve Martin, releasing today as the third track showcased from the album.
Songwriter Graham Sharp expresses deep reflections on the inspiration behind “Heart’s the Only Compass,” noting the tendency to look back at personal history and the realization that the past can be unpredictable. Through stories of his grandparents’ youth and the contemporary trend of learning about family histories via DNA testing, Sharp encapsulates the journey of life, suggesting that amidst significant choices, following one’s heart remains paramount.
“Next Act” sees a return to the band’s bluegrass roots, embracing traditions while innovating within the genre. Recorded at Echo Mountain Recording in Asheville, NC, and produced by Mike Ashworth alongside the band, the album features guest appearances from Steve Martin and Edie Brickell on the track “Halfway to Reno,” and Celia Woodsmith of Della Mae on “Hard Times.”
The title track, “Next Act,” serves as a compelling anthem of reinvention that highlights the Rangers’ signature sound—a blend of rich storytelling, harmonious arrangements, and strong musicianship led by Aaron Burdett’s robust vocals. Another previously released track, “Circling the Drain,” combines energetic precision with instrumental finesse and draws inspiration from Barbara Kingsolver’s novel, “Demon Copperhead,” intertwining themes of urgency and transformation. The music video for this track, filmed in the band’s Asheville hometown, showcases them in their artistic element.
To promote “Next Act,” Steep Canyon Rangers will embark on a 27-date tour from February to June, bringing their bluegrass flavor to theaters, festivals, and performing arts venues across the nation. This tour includes select performances with Steve Martin & Martin Short, a special symphonic night with the Nashville Symphony, and appearances at prominent festivals such as MerleFest, Kerrville Folk Festival, and RockyGrass. Fans can find tickets and further tour details on their official website.
From their roots in North Carolina, Steep Canyon Rangers—comprising Graham Sharp, Mike Guggino, Aaron Burdett, Nicky Sanders, Mike Ashworth, and Barrett Smith—have established themselves in the landscape of American roots music. With an impressive 25-year career, the band has released 14 studio albums and earned three Grammy nominations, winning Best Bluegrass Album for “Nobody Knows You” in 2013. Their forthcoming album is poised to continue this legacy and connect deeply with audiences.
As anticipation builds for “Next Act,” the Steep Canyon Rangers are set to make an impactful return to the music scene, reminding fans of the enduring power and relevance of bluegrass and Americana music in today’s cultural landscape.