Article Contributed by Mountain Home Music Company
Published on 2026-11-09
Following promptly after his acclaimed album, Lonesome Trails and Tall Tales, released in May, prolific, award-winning artist Darren Nicholson returns with I’m Not Out, a collection of six additional songs captured at the same recording sessions and a bonus gift to bluegrass fans.
“Some of these songs are from the lighter side of life, some are serious, some inspirational,” the singer-songwriter-mandolinist explains. “Our goal is to make music that is lyrically and sonically impacting.”
The short-but-mighty EP is just that. “Leaving Lonesome In the Rearview,” Nicholson’s most recent single and the EP’s lead track, is already making appearances on the Bluegrass Today and BanjoRadio charts. I’m Not Out also features a bluegrass rendition of “I’m Home Late Again,” whose country counterpart graced Lonesome Trails and Tall Tales, and a radio cut of “Eager Overachiever,” also on the new LP. Additionally, listeners will enjoy three brand new original Nicholson songs, the project’s title track, the grooving and jammy “I’m Not Out,” which was co-written by Darren, his wife Jennifer, and IBMA Award winner Becky Buller, plus “Somebody Let Her Down,” a classic lonesome bluegrass number written with Eric Gibson, and “I Can’t Say a Word,” a tender story-song ballad written with Mark Brinkman. The six songs do an excellent job capturing the depth and breadth of styles the Western North Carolinian musician has mastered over his lifelong career. Jamgrass, hillbilly, and old-time influences, shades of Americana, string band, and singer-songwriter folk – Nicholson can do it all.
“I’m so proud of this group of songs!” says Nicholson. “I got to co-write with some of the best writers in bluegrass music. The musicians and singers were absolutely top shelf. I believe that if you surround yourself with wonderful people, then wonderful things happen.”
A friend to everyone – in the high country and across the continent – Nicholson once again called on an impressive roster of family, friends, and pickers to back him up on I’m Not Out, which will be available digitally, in Dolby Atmos immersive audio, and on limited edition vinyl. Darren is joined by Kristin Scott Benson, Tony Creasman, Mark Fain, David Johnson, Shawn Lane, Colby Laney, Jennifer Nicholson, Deanie Richardson, Kevin Sluder, Zach Smith and Avery Welter on the EP, all of whom also appear on Lonesome Trails and Tall Tales.
“I’m Not Out is a great mantra,” Nicholson continues. “Never give up. Never give up on yourself, your songs, your dreams, and your ability to make a difference in your corner of the universe.”
The newest EP is a lovely, listenable, and downright fun follow-up to his critically-acclaimed and audience-adored album by one of the best bluegrassers in the business.
Listen to I’m Not Out on Apple Music, or visit Darren Nicholson's official website.
Label: Mountain Home Music Company
Release Date: November 6, 2026
Format: EP – 6 Tracks
Tracklist
1. Leaving Lonesome in the Rearview
2. I'm Home Late Again
3. Eager Overachiever
4. I'm Not Out
5. Somebody Let Her Down
6. I Can't Say a Word
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