Billy Strings Announces New Album ‘Highway Prayers’ And Drops Single “Leadfoot” [Listen]

Guitar virtuoso Billy Strings is set to release his highly anticipated fourth solo album, Highway Prayers, on September 27. The announcement comes alongside the release of the album’s lead single, “Leadfoot,” giving fans a taste of what to expect from the upcoming project.

Highway Prayers was recorded in Nashville and Los Angeles and boasts production from Strings and the acclaimed Jon Brion, known for his work with Fiona Apple, Mac Miller, and Aimee Mann. This album follows Strings’ collaborative project with his father, ME/AND/DAD, and his previous solo effort, Renewal, released in 2021. Earlier this year, Strings also delighted fans with his first live album, Billy Strings Live Vol. 1.

The new single, “Leadfoot,” offers a blistering critique of a reckless driver, with Strings delivering a fiery vocal performance. “I said hey now, hey now, slow that old thing down/ This city ain’t your highway, and you’re tearing up my town,” Strings passionately sings. The song’s rapid tempo mirrors the chaotic energy of the narrative. At the same time, Strings showcases his multi-instrumental prowess, contributing vocals, banjo, bass, steel guitar, EBow electric guitar, and even the revving sounds of a 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle.

Accompanying the release of “Leadfoot” is a music video that brings the song’s vivid storytelling to life. The visualizer features Strings in old man makeup, confronting the menacing “Leadfoot,” a character depicted with bulging red eyes, a protruding nail from his forehead, and a grotesque set of teeth. The video captures the tension and chaos of the situation, adding a cinematic layer to the already gripping song.

Billy Strings is currently wrapping up the summer leg of his 2024 tour but will continue to hit the road in the fall. His fall tour kicks off on the release day of Highway Prayers with two sold-out shows in Buena Vista, Colorado. The tour will continue through the end of the year, offering fans across the country a chance to experience his electrifying performances. Tickets are available now, and fans can secure their seats through the artist’s website.

In addition to the fall tour, Billy Strings has announced a unique trio of headlining shows in New Orleans from December 29 to 31. These shows will ring in the New Year with his signature blend of bluegrass and genre-defying sounds. Tickets for these New Year’s Eve shows will go on sale on Friday, August 16, at 10:00 a.m. CDT via Ticketmaster. Fans can also sign up for pre-sale access on Strings’ website to ensure they don’t miss out on this highly anticipated celebration.

As anticipation builds for Highway Prayers and the upcoming tour dates, “Leadfoot” sets the stage for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in Billy Strings’ already illustrious career. Check out the official music video, a complete list of tour dates, and the album’s tracklist below. 

Highway Prayers Tracklist:
01. Leaning on a Travelin’ Song
02. In the Clear
03. Escanaba
04. Gild the Lily
05. Seven Weeks In County
06. Stratosphere Blues / I Believe in You
07. Cabin Song
08. Don’t Be Calling Me (at 4AM)
09. Malfunction Junction
10. Catch and Release
11. Be Your Man
12. Gone a Long Time
13. It Ain’t Before
14. My Alice
15. Seney Stretch
16. MORBUD4ME
17. Leadfoot
18. Happy Hollow
19. The Beginning of the End
20. Richard Petty

Billy Strings 2024 Tour Dates:
08/02 – State College, PA @ Bryce Jordan Center
08/03 – State College, PA @ Bryce Jordan Center
08/10 – George, WA @ Outlaw Music Festival
08/17 – Berkeley, CA @ Greek Theatre at U.C. Berkeley
08/18 – Berkeley, CA @ Greek Theatre at U.C. Berkeley
08/23 – Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum
08/24 – Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum
09/27 – Buena Vista, CO @ Renewal 2024
09/28 – Buena Vista, CO @ Renewal 2024
10/04 – Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theatre
10/05 – Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theatre
10/11 – Indianapolis, IN @ Gainbridge Fieldhouse
10/12 – Indianapolis, IN @ Gainbridge Fieldhouse
10/18 – Huntsville, AL @ The Orion Amphitheater
10/19 – Huntsville, AL @ The Orion Amphitheater
10/31 – Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena
11/01 – Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena
12/06 – Memphis, TN @ FedExForum
12/07 – Memphis, TN @ FedExForum
12/10 – Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center
12/12 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena
12/13 – Austin, TX @ ACL Live at The Moody Theater
12/14 – Austin, TX @ Moody Center
12/29 — New Orleans, LA @ UNO Lakefront Arena
12/30 — New Orleans, LA @ UNO Lakefront Arena
12/31 — New Orleans, LA @ UNO Lakefront Arena