[Cover photo credit to Emily Kaye]
The Texas Headhunters have returned with new single “Rise and Shine,” the title track from their forthcoming sophomore album, Rise and Shine, due October 9, 2026, via Hardcharger/Blue Élan Records. The new song engages in some social commentary, urging audiences to rise above conflicts and continue pursuing freedom for all.
The new release finds the trio of Texan guitarists Ian Moore, Johnny Moeller, and Jesse Dayton developing their unique chemistry further.
Following their self-titled debut, the band’s second album, Rise and Shine, “honors the Lone Star tradition without getting trapped by it.”
Written by Johnny Moeller, “Rise and Shine” is Rock track that includes “timely social commentary.” Moeller sings the opening verse, followed by Jesse Dayton and Ian Moore, before the trio joins together on the harmonies, while Moore delivers the song’s guitar solo.
Some of the song’s lyrics include: “This battlefield we call our home, it won’t be long, and it could all be gone,” sung by Moeller.
Moeller comments:
It’s got some heavy lyrics. It’s like Stephen Stills playing a blues shuffle. There’s some Pops Staples influence, too.
A member of The Fabulous Thunderbirds since 2007, Moeller says Texas Headhunters has transformed his approach to songwriting:
I’ve never thought of myself as a real songwriter before, but being in this band has taught me a lot, and quickly. We seem to work on deadlines—’We’re going in the studio!’—and that lights a fire under my ass.
You might have heard the band’s debut album tracks on SiriusXM, who featured three of the band’s songs across Outlaw Country, Bluesville, and Little Steven’s Underground Garage, where they also earned the coveted “Coolest Song in the World” distinction.
TEXAS HEADHUNTERS 2026 TOUR DATES
8/01 – Ohama, NE – In the Market for Blues 2026 – Omaha’s Blues Fest
8/22 – Thunder Bay, Canada – Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
9/8 – Ruidoso, NM – Downshift Brewing Company
9/10 – Rhythm Room – Phoenix, AX
9/11 – Las Vegas, NV – Big Blues Bender 2026
9/12 – Escondido, CA – Dragonfly Music Festival 2026
9/15 – Fresno, CA – Fulton 55
9/16 – Morro Bay, CA – The Siren
9/17 – Agoura Hills, CA – The Canyon
9/18 – Bakersfield, CA – World Records
9/19 – Napa, CA – Napa Music Hall
9/20 – Menlo Park, CA – The Guild Theatre
9/23 – Bend, OR – Tower Theatre
9/24 – Seattle, WA – Hidden Hall
9/26 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory
9/27 – Portland, OR – Show Bar
April 24-28, 2027 – Little Steven’s Underground Garage Cruise
More dates TBA
