Article Contributed by Big Feat PR
Published on January 14, 2026
Today, The Band of Heathens released their new single “Take The Cake,” from their recently announced landmark new album Country Sides, arriving February 20, 2026. Self-produced with longtime collaborator Jim Vollentine (Spoon, Patty Griffin, White Denim), Country Sides is a guitar-fueled masterclass in roots rock, packed with barroom piano rockers and soulful swaggering anthems. Listen to “Take The Cake” HERE | Watch Visualizer HERE | Pre-order album HERE.
The Band of Heathens kick off the new year with swampy, groovy, and rockin’ single “Take The Cake,” a sweet slice of country rock and roll. With its nifty electric piano and greasy guitar, their soulful vocals explore the idea that the world is made up of takers and givers, and poses the question — which side are you going to be on?
The track was premiered by Whiskey Riff, who stated, “‘Take the Cake’ is a fun track that conveys a thoughtful, perspective-filled message, and its words are bolstered by swampy guitar licks and groovy electric piano solos.”
Exclusively speaking to Whiskey Riff, Gordy Quist of the band stated, “‘Take the Cake’ is digging its heels in against our human nature to hoard and protect everything that we’ve got, because generosity always wins and comes back around to make the world a better place.”
Celebrating their 20th anniversary, The Band of Heathens have been long hailed as one of the most fiercely independent bands in rock and roll. The group has built a career outside the traditional music industry — and achieved platinum-level success doing so. The success of that independence has been officially recognized as the band’s recording of “Hurricane” has been certified platinum.
Born from humble beginnings, The Band of Heathens took their rag-tag rock and roll from Austin barrooms to the national stage. Founded twenty years ago this month by Ed Jurdi and Gordy Quist, their enduring creative partnership evokes the timeless chemistry of Jagger/Richards or Garcia/Weir — built on grit, trust, and an unbreakable musical bond.
“We’re grateful to be 20 years into this and to have a fan base that has hopped on the creative journey with us wherever we have decided to turn,” Quist says. “We’ve always felt like outsiders on an island. Without the muscle of a major label, we just focused on making organic music that resonates with us.”
“We’ve always followed our creative instincts,” adds Jurdi. “Now, it feels like the thing we’ve been doing all along has come full circle.”
Country Sides was tracked in just over a week at the band’s studio, The Finishing School. It’s an album celebrating self-reliance and life on the margins, underscoring the idea that what’s crafted with care at the edges often outshines what’s mass-produced at the center — and after 20 years together, the band are still writing some of their best music to date.
Highlights include songs like the free-wheeling “She’s The Night,” the anthemic “Lead Don’t Follow,” and the deeply contemplative “Pleasing People,” which explores the pitfalls of outside noise while remaining true to oneself.
That DIY ethos has defined The Band of Heathens from day one. Brick by brick, they’ve built an audience, a catalog, and a legacy — without compromising artistic integrity. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s made the triumph all the more meaningful.
“We’re in a really great space creatively after all these years,” Jurdi says. “The songs reflect both our inner world and the stories living between the lines of our lives.”
Known for their honest, lived-in blend of country, soul, folk, and rock & roll, The Band of Heathens continue blazing a singular trail — not driven by viral moments, but by endurance, craft, and music that resonates as powerfully at the fringes as it does at the heart of American roots. With a platinum-certified hit, over 1 billion streams, and nine acclaimed studio albums — all without a label dictating their path — their self-made journey has earned praise from Rolling Stone, Relix, American Songwriter, and more.
From late-night jams at Austin’s legendary Momo’s to the stages of the Grand Ole Opry, CBS Saturday Morning, Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, Montreux Jazz Festival, Lollapalooza, Red Rocks, and beyond, their live résumé is as impressive as it is expansive.
“Middle age has brought a new perspective into focus,” Quist says. “The passage of time, struggle, relationships, and love have all been themes in our writing for a while, but it’s interesting how they’ve taken another twist as we’ve taken stock of the band’s 20-year journey.”
Country Sides is both a continuation and celebration of that journey — a reminder that their success comes not from chasing the main course, but from redefining it. After all, it’s often the sides that steal the show — and The Band of Heathens have always known how to make them the main event.
TRACKLIST
No Direction
High on Our Own Supply
She’s the Night
Lead Don’t Follow
Forever’s Not a Long Time
Finish Something I Started
Pleasing People
Good as I Can Be
Take the Cake
Just as Much
Letting Go
Upcoming US Tour Dates
Jan 27 – 31 – Key West, FL – Mile 0 Fest
Country Sides Tour
Mar 06 Fri – Austin, TX +
Mar 12 Thu – El Dorado, AR
Mar 13 Fri – Jackson, MS
Mar 14 Sat – Huntingdon, TN
Mar 15 Sun – Indianapolis, IN
Mar 17 Tue – Madison, WI
Mar 18 Wed – Chicago, IL
Mar 19 Thu – Minneapolis, MN
Mar 20 Fri – Ottawa, KS
Mar 21 Sat – Tulsa, OK
Apr 10 Fri – Atlanta, GA
Apr 11 Sat – Walhalla, SC
Apr 12 Sun – Charleston, WV
Apr 14 Tue – Asheville, NC
Apr 15 Wed – Raleigh, NC
Apr 16 Thu – Charlotte, NC
Apr 17 Fri – Isle of Palms, SC
Apr 18 Sat – Pelham, TN #
Apr 19 Sun – Waverly, AL
Apr 22 Wed – New Orleans, LA
Apr 23 Thu – Baton Rouge, LA
Apr 24 Fri – Houston, TX
Apr 25 Sat – Helena, AL
+ – co-bill show with Jamestown Revival and special guest Sela Campbell
# – with very special guest Wilder Blue
And many more shows coast to coast to be announced soon!
