• Steve Martin contributes clawhammer banjo to the new Steep Canyon Rangers single, “Heart’s the Only Compass.”
  • The band announces Next Act, released May 22 on Yep Roc Records; pre-orders are live.
  • The single, written by Graham Sharp and sung by Barrett Smith, is available now with a lyric video.
  • Steep Canyon Rangers will tour starting late February, including dates supporting Steve Martin and Martin Short.

Steve Martin guest-stars on new single

Steep Canyon Rangers released their new single “Heart’s the Only Compass” today, and longtime friend Steve Martin joins the track with his signature clawhammer banjo. The band also confirmed their next full-length album, Next Act, will arrive May 22 on Yep Roc Records, with pre-orders already available.

A song about following your heart

Written by the band’s banjo player Graham Sharp, “Heart’s the Only Compass” reflects on family stories, chance, and the small daily choices that shape a life. Sharp said the song was inspired by tales of his grandparents and the surprises found through modern DNA discoveries — and the comfort of trusting your instincts.

The single leans into a grassier sound than some of the band’s recent work. Barrett Smith supplies lead vocals, while Sharp and Steve Martin trade banjo parts. The rest of the lineup on the recording includes Aaron Burdett (guitar), Mike Guggino (mandolin), Nicky Sanders (fiddle) and Mike Ashworth (percussion and harmony vocals).

Personnel on “Heart’s the Only Compass”:

  • Aaron Burdett — guitar
  • Mike Guggino — mandolin
  • Steve Martin — banjo
  • Nicky Sanders — fiddle
  • Graham Sharp — banjo
  • Barrett Smith — bass, lead vocals

Listen: lyric video and streaming

The band uploaded a lyric video to accompany the single. “Heart’s the Only Compass” is streaming now on major platforms and can be found via the band’s official link: https://steepcanyonrangers.lnk.to/nextact. Fans can stream or download the single and place pre-orders for Next Act through the same page.

Touring plans and dates

Steep Canyon Rangers will hit the road in support of the new music beginning at the end of February. The schedule includes several shows supporting Steve Martin and Martin Short, giving audiences a chance to hear the new material live. Full tour dates and ticket information are available on the band’s official site: https://www.steepcanyon.com/tour.

What to expect from Next Act

Next Act — the band’s forthcoming album on Yep Roc Records — promises a mix of the Rangers’ modern bluegrass sensibilities and roots-driven arrangements. With the addition of Martin on the lead single, the project highlights the long-standing creative partnership between the band and the actor-musician.

Fans interested in updates should pre-order Next Act, stream “Heart’s the Only Compass,” and watch for dates on the band’s tour page. The collaboration reinforces Steve Martin’s continued presence in bluegrass and the Steep Canyon Rangers’ place as one of the genre’s most adventurous groups.

Image Referance: https://bluegrasstoday.com/hearts-the-only-compass-from-steep-canyon-rangers-with-steve-martin/