Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on February 12, 2026
On February 20, Jamie Dose—recording as DOSE—releases “Lean Into The Light,” a stirring new bluegrass single shaped by both heartbreak and hard-won hope.
A new voice in the bluegrass scene yet deeply rooted in the culture of Southern Appalachia, DOSE continues a powerful musical arc that began with earlier singles “Cavalry” and “Mercenary Wind.” All three songs have been featured in recent episodes of This Old House as the long-running series documents the rebuilding of homes and lives across flood-stricken communities in the mountains of North Carolina.
“Lean Into The Light” carries the emotional weight of that experience—but it also offers something more: a moment of reprieve.
Written by Asheville artist Ty Gilpin, the song reflects the turning point in hardship when survival begins to give way to perspective. It captures the quiet gratitude that comes when the storm passes and the simple signs of calm return—echoed in the lyric, “the river’s down, and the wind ain’t blowin’, we got to lean into the light.”
At its heart, the song is about choice. At some point in struggle—whether from natural disaster, cultural division, or personal loss—we have to step forward. We have to lean toward something better.
The track opens with a striking a cappella introduction, intentionally invoking the sound of a mountain gospel hymn. The effect feels like a call to sanctuary—a reminder that even after tragedy, there are brighter days to claim.
Dose recalls how both the song and the DOSE project first took shape:
“It took a long time after Helene for musicians to try and get together. We were in shock. Our neighborhoods, roads and bridges were trashed.
I ran into Ty Gilpin at The Town Pump in Black Mountain. We talked about the musical inspiration we had from the struggles we had been through. Ty showed me one of his new ones. It was ‘Lean Into The Light.’ We both started working to meet the song’s needs—to tell its story. It was the beginning of the song, and the beginning of the whole DOSE project.
Unspoken Tradition came to my rescue. They provide the core of this band. I showed it to my good friend and renowned mountain fiddler Don Lewis. He was very impressed. He came in and played some tasty fiddle.
This was one of our first recordings after Helene. The first at Ramp Studios in Asheville’s decimated River Arts District and first collaborative songwriting for Ty and myself. I couldn’t be more proud of this group of musicians—and I hope you enjoy the tune!”
Along side Dose and Lewis the song includes a line-up of Western North Carolina talent with Gilpin on mandolin and Audie McGinnis on guitar; Jason Flournoy on banjo; and bassist Sav Sankaran who also contributes all the harmony vocals alongside Dose’s lead, creating a harmony that emphasizes he uplifting moments of the song.
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Mark Scearce at Shift Studios in Asheville’s River Arts District—an area itself heavily impacted by Helene—“Lean Into The Light” stands as both a musical offering and a document of a region rebuilding in real time.
“Lean Into The Light” is available everywhere February 20.
About the DOSE Project:
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, life on the mountain was brought to a standstill. Power was out, roads were blocked, and clean water was scarce. Music seemed impossible—rehearsals, gigs, even gathering with friends. But as the community slowly reached out to check on one another, something new began to take shape. Old friends reconnected, Asheville and Black Mountain musicians found their way back together, and a pickin’ party at Jamie Dose’s house lit the spark. Even Vince Herman showed up.
What began as a night of healing through music led to a new musical project rooted in resilience, collaboration, and the unshakable spirit of Western North Carolina.
With a circle of longtime friends and some of the region’s most gifted players, Jamie Dose is creating music that carries the weight of the storm but also the light that follows it. DOSE is more than a band—it’s a reminder that from the ashes, something brighter can rise. As WNC continues to rebuild, this music is both a reflection of what the community has endured and a celebration of its strength, offering that needed “dose” of hope, healing, and joy.
