Breakout country artist who appeared on more than 20 Ones to Watch 2016 lists including CMT, Huffington Post, Nashville Lifestyles, Rolling Stone Country and more, Steve Moakler, will kick off his headlining SiriusXM-backed The Highway Finds Tour today, Thursday, March 16. Just four hours later the “in demand” (Taste of Country) singer/songwriter will release his fourth studio album, Steel Town, available at digital retail and streaming at midnight on Friday, March 17. The 11-track album, produced by GRAMMY Award winning songwriter/producer Luke Laird for CN Records (Creative Nation), is a compilation of songs that serve as reflections on his past, which is rooted in Pittsburgh.
“Honestly, they don’t make a lot of steel in Pittsburgh anymore,” said Moakler. “They made so much at one time though, that I’m convinced that spirit and resilience is still left over in the people.”
Moakler continues, “Whether it’s true or not, there are times in life when it’s helpful to believe that maybe you have some steel in you. That’s really the spirit that inspired this album and what drives me to keep pressing on, building my career and making music that I can share with fans. I’m so grateful to have grown up in a place with tenacity in its bones, and that’s why I named this album Steel Town.”
Moakler co-wrote 10 of the 11 tracks along with the help of critically-acclaimed co-writers Andy Albert, Marshall Altman, Cary Barlowe, Casey Beathard, Dave Berg, Sarah Buxton, Chad Cates, Barry Dean, Luke Laird, Gordie Sampson, Caitlyn Smith and Daniel Tashian, and includes SiriusXM’s “The Highway” hit and Moakler’s first single, “Suitcase” written by Barry Dean, Luke Laird and Thomas Rhett.
Moakler’s latest offering and third single “Wheels” is available at SiriusXM’s “The Highway” now and is the follow-up single to fan-favorite, “Love Drunk.”
The Highway Finds Tour kicks off today, Thursday, March 16 in Charlotte, N.C. at The Underground and serves as the “perfect” way to celebrate the release of his new album, according to Moakler.
“This is will be our fourth headline spring tour in a row and it’s been really gratifying to watch the crowds grow every year,” said Moakler. “Now, partnering with SiriusXM “The Highway,” Drew Baldridge and Smithfield, I anticipate this being our most exciting show yet.”
Moakler first established his foothold as a songwriter with cuts by Ashley Monroe (“If Love Was Fair”), Jake Owen (“Surefire Feeling”), Ben Rector (“Without You”) and Dierks Bentley (“Riser”) and has earned recognition by more than 20 outlets as an “artist to watch,” including CMT, Huffington Post, Nashville Lifestyles, Rolling Stone Country and more. For more information about his upcoming album and tour, visit stevemoakler.com.
Steel Town Track Listing:
1. “Steel Town” (Steve Moakler / Casey Beathard)
2. “Suitcase” (Barry Dean / Luke Laird / Thomas Rhett)
3. “Jealous Girl” (Steve Moakler / Daniel Tashian)
4. “Summer Without Her” (Steve Moakler / Sarah Buxton)
5. “Love Drunk” (Steve Moakler / Cary Barlowe / Gordie Sampson)
6. “Hearts Don’t Break That Way” (Steve Moakler / Marshall Altman / Barry Dean)
7. “Wheels” (Steve Moakler / Gordie Sampson / Caitlyn Smith)
8. “Siddle’s Saloon” (Steve Moakler / Barry Dean)
9. “School” (Steve Moakler / Andy Albert / Dave Berg)
10. “Just Long Enough” (Steve Moakler / Barry Dean / Luke Laird)
11. “Gold” (Steve Moakler / Chad Cates)
Highway Finds Tour dates are as follows:
Thurs., March 16 Charlotte, N.C. The Underground
Fri., March 17 Rome, Ga. Brewhouse Music and Grille
Sat., March 18 Bowling Green, Kent. Warehouse at MT. Victor
Wed., March 22 Cleveland, Ohio House of Blues
Thurs., March 23 Detroit, Mich. The Shelter
Fri., March 24 Warrendale, Pa. Jergel’s Rhythm Grille
Sat., March 25 Lancaster, Pa. Chameleon Club
Wed., April 5 Knoxville, Tenn. The Concourse
Thurs., April 6 Chattanooga, Tenn. Revelry Room
Fri., April 7 Tifton, Ga. The Gin
Thurs., April 13 Austin, Texas Antone’s
Fri., April 14 Houston, Texas House of Blues
Sat., April 15 Dallas, Texas House of Blues
Fri., April 21 Columbia, Mo. Rose Music Hall
Sat., April 22 Omaha, Neb. Bourbon Saloon Omaha
Sun., April 23 Denver, Colo. Marquis Theater
Thurs., May 4 Springfield, Ill. Boondocks
Fri., May 5 Minneapolis, Minn. Triple Rock
Sat., May 6 Madison, Wisc. High Noon Saloon
Wed., May 10 Asbury Park, N.J. The Wonderbar
Thurs., May 11 Boston, Mass. Brighton Music Hall
Fri., May 12 New York, N.Y. Gramercy Theatre
Sat., May 13 Philadelphia, Pa. The Foundry
Thurs., May 18 Nashville, Tenn. Cannery Ballroom
Fri., May 19 Louisville, Kent. Baxter’s 942
Sat., May 20 Chicago, Ill. Joe’s on Weed Street
