The Shootouts didn’t expect to be back in the studio so soon after the release of their Top 10 Americana album Bullseye. But when one of country music’s most legendary artists agrees to produce your next record, you don’t say no. That’s what happened when a mutual friend introduced the band to Ray Benson – longtime frontman and 10-time Grammy-winning founder of Asleep at the Wheel. Just months after the April 2021 release of Bullseye, the Shootouts found themselves hard at work with Benson and co-producer Sam Seifert on the album that would become Stampede. While it may have come together quickly, the sessions resulted in the group’s strongest album yet.
Stampede is steeped in all things country music – 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.” The Shootouts’ sound is reflective of their Northeast Ohio “Rustbelt” roots. Akron, Ohio – the city that produced the Pretenders, the Black Keys, and Devo – isn’t a place normally associated with country music, but these influences are as integral to their sound as those of the country music greats. The bulk of Stampede was recorded at Son of Moondog Studios over a five-day period that brought Benson, Seifert and Asleep at the Wheel to Northeast Ohio to work with the Shootouts on the band’s home turf. Special guests on the LP include Asleep At the Wheel, Marty Stuart, Raul Malo, Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale. Their previous album was produced by BR5-49 co-founder Chuck Mead so you know that when it comes to authentic country music The Shootouts are legit!
The Shootouts are in Nashville to make their debut on the Grand Ol’ Opry on Friday, February 24th (congrats, y’all!) and will play a free, all ages, live set followed by an album signing in the record store the day before, on Thursday, February 23rd, at 5:00 PM. Stampede will be available for purchase on indie exclusive splatter vinyl and CD and is now available for preorder in the record store and on our site here.
IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION! Our parking lot is shared with other rad businesses and it is a finite space, so parking is limited. In addition to our lot, there is an inexpensive paid parking lot behind Elegy Coffee and Mickey's on Gallatin Road that is a short walk from the shop. Please use EXTREME CAUTION if parking on the nearby, narrow neighborhood streets. Too many cars make these roads impassable and result in angry neighbors, the police being called, and cars being towed. (This is no fun at all.) If possible, please consider carpooling, ride-sharing, walking, biking, scooting, roller skating, or taking the bus to attend The Shootouts record release signing & celebration.
