Article Contributed by 11E1even Management
Published on 2026-03-20
Today, rising Nashville-based band Slap Dragon announced their debut studio album, Mission Statement, set for release on May 29, 2026. Alongside the announcement, the band released the album’s lead single, “No Solicitors,” offering a first look at their genre-blending sound. The track is available now on all streaming platforms.
Slap Dragon formed when bassist Scott Mulvahill and vocalist Laura Berens met at a Nashville jam session and wrote five songs together in a single afternoon. What began as a spontaneous collaboration quickly evolved into a full-band project built around tight rhythmic pockets, playful songwriting, and the duo’s natural musical chemistry.
Realizing they had discovered a unique sonic lane that balances the high-speed precision of bluegrass with the rhythmic pocket of classic funk and soul, the project is driven by a simple objective: to bring funk to audiences unfamiliar with the genre and bluegrass to those outside the traditional roots community, meeting in the middle to create music that is joyful and rhythmic.
The new single, “No Solicitors,” serves as the definitive introduction to the upcoming record. Featuring Mulvahill’s signature percussive bass work and Berens’ soulful delivery, the track highlights the band’s technical chemistry and clear melodic focus. It follows a string of successful independent singles, including “Girl Dinner,” “Already Won,” and “Pool Song,” which helped the band earn over 60,000 Instagram followers in the past twelve months and a performance at Bonnaroo within their first year.
Mission Statement, which will be released on 11E1even Group’s No Coincidence Records and distributed by Secretly, reflects their live ethos: tight ensemble playing, infectious grooves, magnetic soul vocals, and space for improvisation. Performing as a five-piece, Slap Dragon’s lineup features elite musicians whose collective credits include Ricky Skaggs, Sierra Ferrell, Cory Wong, Alison Krauss, and Bruce Hornsby.
With a sound that sits at the intersection of Americana, soul, and roots music, Slap Dragon is poised to be one of 2026’s most compelling new acts. Mission Statement will be available on all streaming platforms on May 29, 2026, with vinyl pre-orders and exclusive merchandise available now through the band’s official store.
Pre-Save Mission Statement HERE
Listen to “No Solicitors” Everywhere Now
About Slap Dragon:
Slap Dragon is a Nashville-based ensemble led by bassist Scott Mulvahill and vocalist Laura Berens. Mulvahill, an established bassist in the Nashville scene, and Berens, a vocalist known for her dynamic live performances, anchor the project’s sound and identity.
What began as a casual jam session quickly evolved into a full-band project built around acoustic instrumentation, deep rhythmic feel, and soulful vocals. Together, the band bridges the gap between traditional bluegrass and modern soul with a simple mission: bring funk to people who don’t funk and bluegrass to people who don’t bluegrass, meeting in the middle to create something that feels joyful and groove-driven.
In less than a year, the band has grown from an informal collaboration into a nationally touring act, building a dedicated fanbase and earning a spot at Bonnaroo early in their trajectory. Blending elements of Americana, funk, soul, and contemporary roots music, Slap Dragon continues to gain momentum through their live performances and rapidly expanding audience.
