The new single from Nashville-based Coloradan Erik Stucky is a compelling song, driven forward by Justin Vorp’s lightly insistent percussion and Steven Schumann’s pulsing bass. Full of unresolved tension, Bag of Bones hooks us in with Stucky’s restrained, echoing voice, sustained cello notes and dramatic changes in volume; the result is immediately captivating and deeply atmospheric. Stucky’s lyrical bursts, “Look out!” in the chorus, punctuate Bag of Bones with charged warnings.
Stucky says of the song: “Bag Of Bones is the title track to my brand new EP, and the flagship single, which will be available on all streaming platforms on May 22, 2026. Stemming from the universal experience of walking on the razor’s edge of life, time, and choice. The story is crafted to unfold uniquely to each listener. Bag of Bones came to me in the car on a drive through one of the most rural and desolate parts of Colorado. Though I rarely have an agenda when I write, as the song unfolded, it took on the story of someone who at any time could ‘fall off the wagon’ and be swept away. The lyrics, ‘as yesterday gets older, if you ain’t moving forward, look out!’ and, ‘time ain’t lying,’ sum up the message of the song. I realised that this is a warning to all of us to stay vigilant with our time and the paths we take.”
This is the title track from Stucky’s upcoming 5-track EP, which is due out on 22nd May 2026 on Mandolin Way Records. Stucky is in demand as an instrumentalist, contributing mandolin and guitar on others’ projects and tours, particularly David Starr in recent years. He’s also performed alongside or opened for the likes of John Oates (Hall & Oates), Jim Messina, Jamie O’Neal, John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) and The Wood Brothers. Indeed, with his beautiful mandolin, Stucky is currently supporting and accompanying David Starr on a short series of shows across the UK in May.
On Bag of Bones, Stucky displays his excellent craft and artistry as a solo creator, writer, lead singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer. This is gripping music, taut and moody, with a hypnotic groove. Absorbing stuff.
