Article Contributed by Missing Piece Group
Published on November 1, 2025
Marking 20th Anniversary, The Steel Wheels Release New Self-Titled Album
The Steel Wheels mark their 20th anniversary with a new self-titled album, available now on CD and vinyl, along with a full MP3 download. They’ve also shared the Need The Help EP, previewing four songs from the LP. The remainder of the album will arrive on streaming platforms March 14, 2026.
Also today, the band announced a run of 2026 dates, including their annual Red Wing Winter Roots performance in Harrisonburg, VA, plus shows in Tampa, New Orleans, and more.
Order the album on CD & vinyl: thesteelwheels.com
Pre-save the album: thesteelwheels.com
Listen to the Need The Help EP: thesteelwheels.com
On the album and its rollout strategy, primary singer/songwriter Trent Wagler shares: “This record means a lot to us. It marks our 20th anniversary, and we made it back home in Virginia, where the band first took root. We wanted to present it as a complete body of work, not just a collection of singles dropped over time. That’s why we’re releasing it on CD and vinyl and making it available as a full album download first, with streaming to follow later. We want people to experience the whole record from start to finish in a way that feels intentional and immersive. Our fans have always supported us by showing up and buying records, and we wanted to honor that relationship with something tangible and whole.”
The band’s ninth studio album, The Steel Wheels was co-produced by D. James Goodwin (Goose, Bonny Light Horseman, I’m With Her), who also mixed their 2019 album Over The Trees. Recorded at Goodwin’s new Shenandoah Valley studio during a snowy Virginia winter, the process was fluid and swift—punctuated by laughter, a few tears, and a willingness to lean into every emotion. The result captures a group at its creative apex: honoring their roots as a harmony-driven acoustic ensemble while fully embracing the folk-rock they’ve grown into over the past two decades.
This is the band’s first record since their critically acclaimed 2024 LP Sideways, praised by Billboard, No Depression, Relix, The Bluegrass Situation, and more. Since then, they’ve released a string of standalone singles and celebrated another successful year of their Red Wing Roots Music Festival, featuring artists such as Joy Oladokun and Hurray for the Riff Raff. Founded in 2013 in the band’s home state, the festival has hosted Lucinda Williams, Billy Strings, Dawes, and many others. Ever the road warriors, the group continues touring with stops through Nashville, Carrboro, and more. See dates below or visit thesteelwheels.com/tour.
Lineup: Trent Wagler (vocals/guitar/banjo), Jay Lapp (guitar/mandolin/vocals), Eric Brubaker (fiddle/vocals), Kevin Garcia (drums/percussion/mallet keyboards), Jeremy Darrow (bass).
