Article Contributed by Mike
Published on February 4, 2026
“It’s ultimately a story about trusting in a purpose beyond our control,” says Pert Near Sandstone’s Nate Sipe of the group’s latest single, “Shooting Star.” The tune’s gang-vocal laden chorus back up that sentiment: “In old times they used to say / Soon we’ll have our sunny day / Hard times will start to pay / I don’t believe it either way.” But dig a little bit deeper into the recent history of the Twin Cities-based stringband, and you’ll find a group who has returned to the road and recording after a hiatus, with a fresh outlook on musical life and what it means to keep on keeping on now two-decades into their career together. Sipe calls the song part “personal mantra of faith in better days that keeps me still striving on the road.” He adds, “Everyone lives on luck, but you won’t see a shooting star unless you’re looking up.”
Musically, “Shooting Star” grew into its melodic, minor-to-major back and forth as the band arranged it for the studio. “Much like its theme of seeking auspicious circumstances, the recording captured several ideas that synced in the moment, musically and dynamically with the band,” recalls Sipe. “I had a simple idea how I wanted it to sound, but after getting playful with the arrangement, it became musically much wider in scope than originally envisioned.” After the initial tracks were recorded, Sipe also added a few percussion instruments recently inherited from his late uncle. “I felt they were ceremonial in nature,” Sipe says, “surviving him to haunt another season with the spirit of this music.”
“Shooting Star” is the latest single from Pert Near Sandstone’s upcoming album, Side by Side—the band’s ninth full-length album, due out on February 27th. Fans can stream or purchase “Shooting Star” today, check out Pert Near’s previously-released singles, “Pipe Dream” and “Side by Side,” and pre-order or pre-save Side by Side right here.
In addition to this new release, the band is gearing up for the 15th annual Winter Stringband Gathering at St. Paul’s Turf Club. On March 27th, Pert Near Sandstone will be performing alongside The Fretliners and The May North, and on the 28th, Armchair Boogie and Triple Fiddle. A full list of tour dates can be found below or at pertnearsandstone.com/tour.
Listen to the official audio for “Shooting Star” below or right here:
More About Side by Side: Pert Near’s long-standing creative process of combining four individual singer/songwriters into one cohesive project has organically produced a signature style that reaches new heights on Side by Side. There is an emotional intelligence that resonates through these songs courtesy of the diverse writing and vocal stylings. Sometimes playful, at other times raw and unfettered, never trying to trick the listener but instead to entice camaraderie. It’s clear these individual songwriters—J Lenz, Justin Bruhn, Nate Sipe, and Kevin Kniebel—are at ease making music together. Independently recorded and co-produced by Ryan Young of Trampled By Turtles, the recording of the band’s ninth studio album finds its members comfortable working with one of their founding members and frequent sound engineer in Young. “Ryan has a wizard’s ear and command of the console to capture what we’re aiming to do in the studio,” says Sipe. “He has a great instinct for production and what to add to help complete our vision for each song, either by mixing or in musical accoutrement.”
Side by Side Tracklist:
Pipe Dream
Side by Side
Shooting Star
Quiet Hours
Chuck Will’s Widow
Last Call Man
Racin’ to the Grave
Grace
Rise and Shine
Sonnyboy
Catch Pert Near Sandstone On Tour:
February 27, 2026 – Sioux Falls, SD – Icon Lounge + Events
Feb 28, 2026 – Grand Forks, ND – Empire Arts Center
March 1, 2026 – Minot, ND – The Blue Rider
March 4, 2026 – Spokane, WA – The District
March 5, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Conor Byrne Pub
March 6, 2026 – Bend, OR – Silver Moon Brewing
March 7, 2026 – Portland, OR – The Showdown
March 26, 2026 – Green Lake, WI – Thrasher Opera House w/ The Fretliners
March 27, 2026 – St. Paul, MN – Winter Stringband Gathering at the Turf Club
March 28, 2026 – St. Paul, MN – Winter Stringband Gathering at the Turf Club
May 29–30, 2026 – Folky Fish Festival – St James, MO
June 25, 2026 – Eau Claire, WI – Blue Ox Music Festival
