Hedley announces Third Man debut

Thursday, February 1, 2018 – Traditional country singer Joshua Hedley announced Thursday he would release his debut, "Mr. Jukebox," on April 20 on Third Man Records, the label owned by Jack White.

The title track is premiering today as part of NPR Music's "Songs We Love" series.

Hedley, who played Newport Folk Fest last year, will tour throughout 2018 in support of the record, including stops at SXSW, High Water Festival, Stagecoach and Pickathon as well as album release shows at Brooklyn's Union Pool, Nashville's The Basement East and L.A.'s The Roxy and Hi Hat.

Produced by Skylar Wilson and Jordan Lehning, the 10-track album features 9 original songs as well as a version of "When You Wish Upon A Star." In addition to Hedley on vocals and fiddle, the album features Eddie Lange on steel guitar/guitar, Jeremy Fetzer from Steelism on guitar/baritone guitar, Michael Rinne on bass, Jon Radford on drums/percussion and Micah Hulscher on piano/organ.

"It's not a throwback," Hedley says. "It sounds new because it is new, and it sounds the way it sounds because it's the only thing I know how to do. I can't write a song that sounds different. Classic country is like a suit. Nothing about a men's suit has changed in like 100 years. Classic never goes out of style. Something can't be a throwback if it's never been out of style." He continues, "I just want people to remember they have feelings, and that they're valid. Not everything is Coors Light and tailgates. There are other aspects of life that aren't so great that people experience. They're part of life, part of what shapes people. And that's wort

A Florida native, Hedley felt drawn toward the fiddle as a child. He first asked for one at age three. His mom listened to Neil Diamond and his dad listened to Otis Redding, but when he asked again five years later, he got his wish. He went on to perform at the local VFW and American Legion and, at 12, joined his first band. His band mates were in their 40s. Around the same time, Hedley visited Nashville with his parents and immediately knew that he belonged. At 19, he made the move and began sneaking into Robert's Western World on Lower Broadway. Hedley became a featured performer.

The track list is:
1. Counting All My Tears
2. Mr. Jukebox
3. Weird Thought Thinker
4. Let's Take A Vacation
5. These Walls
6. I Never (Shed A Tear)
7. This Time
8. Don't Waste Your Tears
9. Let Them Talk
10. When You Wish Upon A Star

Tour dates are:
March 14-17-Austin, TX-SXSW
April 12-London, U.K.-The Waiting Room
April 18-Brooklyn, NY-Union Pool
April 21-22-Charleston, SC-High Water Festival
April 24-Nashville, TN-The Basement East
April 27-Indio, CA-Stagecoach Festival
April 30-West Hollywood, CA-The Roxy
May 1-Los Angeles, CA-Hi Hat
May 3-Evanston, IL-SPACE
May 4-Minneapolis, MN-7th St Entry
May 5-Davenport, IA-Raccoon Motel
August 2-5-Happy Valley, OR-Pickathon