[Cover photo credit to Chris Brennan]
The Susto Stringband, led by frontman Justin Osborne of the Alt-Country band Susto have released their new single “Hands In The Dirt.” The track comes from their upcoming album Susto Stringband (Volume 2) LP, which is out on May 29, 2026, via Missing Piece Records.
The album features Bluegrass and Old-Time reworkings of Susto favorites alongside a couple tracks that have never been released. That includes their latest single, which Osborne wrote before Susto began to take shape.
The song “reminds the listener to literally touch grass in times of turmoil and despair.” According to Osborne, sometimes all you need is to get out to the Country and put your hands in the dirt. To accompany the release, the band has also shared a performance video of the track filmed while the band was in Austin for SXSW last month.
Osborne says:
‘Hands In The Dirt’ is an older tune of mine that actually predates SUSTO. I wrote it based on some advice my dad gave me in my 20s, when I was feeling burned out from DIY touring, and ready to give up on the dreams of writing and performing that I’d been pursuing. His advice was basically to work harder (lol) which over time has proven to be sound advice. My dad passed away back in 2020, and since then I’ve enjoyed bringing this one back into the sets from time to time, because it really reminds me of my dad and makes him feel closer. It was a blast to work up this Susto Stringband version of the song for Volume 2, and I’m really proud to finally be re-sharing a song that I’ve had such a personal connection to for many years.
The upcoming LP follows last year’s Susto Stringband (Volume 1).
SUSTO Tour Dates:
April 19 – Savannah, GA – Service Brewing Co. #
May 28 – Nashville, TN – Skinny Dennis *~ (Album Release Show)
May 29 – Asheville, NC – Asheville Music Hall * (Album Release Show)
May 31 – Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic * (Album Release Show)
June 4 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater ^+
June 5 – Austin, TX – Continental Club ^
June 7 – Dallas, TX – The Kessler ^+
June 10 – Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo’s Wednesday Campground Kick Off Party ^
August 21 – Falkenberg, Sweden – Rootsy Summer Fest *
August 26 – Tønder, Denmark – Tønder Festival *
# – SUSTO Solo
* – Susto Stringband
^ – SUSTO & Friends
~ – w/Joelton Mayfield
+ – w/Katie Pruitt
