The Stray Sons: New Music From Amarillo’s Shred Dirt Band Coming in 2025
Amarillo’s shred dirt band, The Stray Sons are heading back to the studio with fresh momentum and three new tracks on deck, including their upcoming single “Don’t Count Me Out,” estimated to drop July 12, 2025. Known for their gritty Texas roots and emotionally charged songwriting, the band continues to push boundaries by blending Red Dirt with punk, blues rock, and even soul influences, all while staying true to the heart of their sound.
Their next studio session is locked in for May 24, and the excitement surrounding it is undeniable. Frontman Brad Sanders opened up about the stories behind the music, the band’s creative evolution, and why this next chapter might be their most defining yet.
“Don’t Count Me Out”: Punk Meets Red Dirt
“Don’t Count Me Out” is soon to be produced by Nashville’s Skidd Mills, who has worked with Saving Abel and Texas Hippie Coalition. This upcoming single is a bold, punk-inspired anthem with a Red Dirt foundation. Brad wrote this song roughly 2 years ago, and felt it was too red dirt. Taylor Branch even “put his own spin on it.” Brad admits, “It’s a really good red dirt song.” When Brad brought it to his band at the time, the drummer called it “Green Day meets Red Dirt,” and the fusion works.
“Don’t Count Me Out adds to our repertoire, adding another element of rock to our sound to staple in our Shred Dirt sound.”
While the vibe might hit with punk urgency, the message runs deep.
“It’s inspired by being a screw-up, but knowing you’re better and capable of more,” Sanders explains. “You’re trying to get yourself together, and then something knocks you down. But it doesn’t keep you there.”
For the band, it’s also personal.
“As a band, we’ve been given up on by a lot of people,” Sanders says. “We’ve taken the jabs and the bad moments, and we’re still here. We’re going to keep going no matter what.”
“Don’t Count Me Out” is more than just a song, it’s a statement.” We didn’t even know if we’d be a band this year.” Sanders admitted. This is a reminder to fans, critics, and even themselves that The Stray Sons aren’t finished. In fact, they’re just getting started.
A Three-Song Statement
While “Don’t Count Me Out” kicks off the release cycle in July, it’s just the first in a trio of genre-bending songs the band is unveiling.
Artwork by Brad Sanders.
Next in line is “Save Me,” a blues rock-driven track that trades the punk punch for an “old school esque type of vibe.” It’s a song about realizing you have a problem, whether that be addiction or bad choices, but knowing that and looking for the solution. “Metaphorically, running from the devil.” Sanders said. “It’s got a fun vibe to it.”
The song to be released in between the two is a surprise still shrouded in mystery. Brad hinted that this one leans into a soulful sound, rounding out the collection with a new emotional dimension. It has been played at some live shows with acoustic and full band for the last few years. “It’s probably the saddest song we have written,” Sanders reflects. “I firmly believe you will relive something. That’s the goal. I want to make you reminisce, even if it's just for a split second.”
“Everyone in the band has brought something special to these songs. Each member takes ownership, not just of the part they play, but of the story. These tracks feel like ours.”
It’s a powerful lineup that shows off just how far The Stray Sons have come, and how far they’re willing to go.
The band’s songwriting process hasn’t changed much, but the vibe in the room has. Brad says this version of The Stray Sons feels more collaborative than ever. Each member connects to the material on a deeper level, and that connection comes through in every riff, lyric, and vocal line. “We didn’t even know we were going to be a band this year,” Brad admits. “And now we’re headed back into the studio with music that feels like us at our core.”
And that shared ownership shows. The performances are tighter, the lyrics more personal, and the mission more unified.
As Brad said, “These three songs show we are not limited and we will use any style that makes sense. We aren't going to fit our stuff into one box. These 3 songs are different parts of the spectrum and really shows we are not limited and refuse to be limited.” Each track reflects a different end of the spectrum, making it clear that The Stray Sons refuse to stick to just one sound. The best way for fans to stay in the loop is by following them on Spotify. “The more followers we have on Spotify, the more opportunities we’ll get as a band.” Brad also encourages fans to keep up with them on all social media platforms.
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