Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and vocalist Ray Cardwell recently joined Americana Vibes, the label of the Grammy-award winning progressive Bluegrass band The Infamous Stringdusters. Cardwell’s debut album on the label and fourth full-length release of his career, Singing Tree, was Produced by Jeremy Garrett of The Infamous Stringdusters and is slated for release on January 31, 2025.

The third single, “Modern World”, is out now, and was co-written by Cardwell, Garrett, and Bluegrass artist Rick Lang. It was composed at the end of the pandemic and is “a reflection on love as a constant during uncertain times.”

Cardwell says:

Jeremy, Rick Lang, and I wrote this song together. It was written at the end of the pandemic and the first line sings about how our world seemed upside down. But, I feel like the song transcends that era and its message applies to life and love at any time. 

Cardwell’s Bluegrass roots run back to performing with his family band in the mid-1970s, progressing to projects with New Tradition and creative detours in Hollywood and Nashville. In addition to his solo work, he also regularly records and tours with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Traffic) member Dave Mason.