Sterling Elza’s highly anticipated “Bag of Bones” EP out March 5 via Santa Anna, new song “Pick Your Reason” out today

Rising Texas rocker Sterling Elza will release his highly anticipated new EP Bag of Bones March 5 via Santa Anna; pre-save/pre-order HERE. In advance of the release, Elza shares a new song, “Pick Your Reason,” today—listen/share HERE and watch the video, directed by Ry Shorosky, HERE.

 

Of the track, Elza shares, “I’m super excited to kick off the year with this release. It’s one of my favorite songs we’ve recorded recently and feels like the perfect way to set the tone for 2026.”

 

Produced by Andrew Baylis (Jelly Roll, Koe Wetzel, Brantley Gilbert), “Pick Your Reason” was mixed by Jonathan Roach (Lakeview, Austin Snell, Elijah) and mastered by 2x Grammy-winner Ted Jensen. With production work from Elza, Baylis and Nathan Hanna, Bag of Bones consists of five new songs that continue to showcase Elza’s signature sound: a seamless blend of the grit and soul of his Red Dirt influences with the raw edge of classic rock.

 

The new music follows Elza’s recent collaboration with Giovannie & the Hired Guns on the single “Never Gonna Quit” and the deluxe edition of Elza’s debut album, Simpler Days. Since its release in August 2024, the album has surpassed 125 million streams and entered Apple Music’s Top 25 Rock Albums. The deluxe edition adds eight new songs, including Elza’s singles “Happy Never After” and “Next Week,” the latter earning over 37.4 million streams. The album was remixed by David Baker (Billie Eilish, Jelly Roll, Big Sean) and remastered by Greg Calbi (Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves, Bob Dylan), who also mixed and mastered the new tracks. The deluxe material was showcased in Elza’s recent Jam in the Van session; watch/share it HERE.

 

The 22-year-old has already received critical acclaim, with Country Central raving, “the red dirt scene is about to act up again and Sterling Elza is here to lead that charge,” and Whiskey Riff calling Elza “a name from the Texas scene you need to familiarize yourself with.” Originally from Texas and born into a family steeped in musical tradition, Elza began playing guitar at age five, crafting a sound influenced by classic Red Dirt, Top 40 country, grunge and rock. After spending three years at Florida’s IMG Academy pursuing professional tennis, the sudden loss of his uncle prompted Elza to return to Texas and fully dedicate himself to music. Now based in New Braunfels and backed by a five-piece band, Elza continues to develop his powerful, dynamic sound that positions him as one of rock’s most promising emerging artists.

1. Pick Your Reason

2. Wasted

3. Temporary Sanity

4. Happy Pills

5. Race

January 28—Fort Worth, TX—Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

March 6—Garland, TX—Garland City Square
June 19—Bloomington, IL—Tailgate N’ Tallboys 2026
July 8—Chicago, IL—Windy City Smokeout 2026