Tyler Childers new album is coming, plays protest song at L.A. concert

Following the rumor mill ramping up in recent weeks about a Tyler Childers new album reveal being imminent, the Eastern Kentucky singer confirmed the speculation today with the announcement that the 13-song “Snipe Hunter” will release July 25.

Also confirmed was the news that Childers worked on the project — his first since 2023’s “Rustin’ In The Rain” — with legendary producer Rick Rubin, whose credits include everyone from LL Cool J and Lady Gaga to Rage Against The Machine, Johnny Cash and The Chicks.

Coinciding with the unveiling was the release of “Snipe Hunter’s” first single, “Nose On The Grindstone.” Previously only included as part of an OurVinyl Session in 2017, the song has long been a fan favorite that’s a staple of his live shows due to it’s raw and visceral nature, both feelings further enhanced with the creaking organ and crackling fire accompanying Childers voice and guitar on the rebuffed version.

“Grindstone” being the album’s first song revealed also builds upon theories that the compilation will see Childers returning to old songs in his catalog he has yet to give the proper studio treatment, like “Jersey Giant” — which he debuted live with his band for the first time in April during a sold out concert at Kroger Field.

Tyler Childers sings ‘Long Violent History’

The announcement comes on the heels of Childers’ performing his protest anthem “Long Violent History” for the first time ever on June 10 during his headlining debut at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

The performance came as a sign of solidarity for immigrants, protesters and demonstrators in the same city where ICE raids have been going on for days as officials vow to press ahead with a crackdown on undocumented workers and residents.

Despite initially writing the song in 2020 about the Black Lives Matter movement, the song and it’s lyrics like “It’s the worst that it’s been since the last time it happened / It’s happening again right in front of our eyes / There’s updated footage, wild speculation / Tall tales and hearsay and absolute lies” were not changed for this event by Childers.

During the performance “First They Came,” a 1946 poem from German pastor condemning complicity in the Nazis’ rise to power, was projected on screens throughout the venue, drawing audible cheers from the crowd as they sang along to the live debut.

“I feel undeserving of the grace this world has shown me and I would find it a waste if I were not to try and use it for some good,” Childers said during a six-minute video message released alongside the song. “In the midst of our own daily struggles it’s often hard to share an understanding of what another person might be going through. Life is hard enough without being worried about the smallest interaction with a public servant.”