Photo by Jason Melino

Guitarist and bandleader Eddie Roberts, known for his work with The New Mastersounds and his new project The Lucky Strokes, have shared their latest release, “Sweet Dreams.” The song showcases a blend of musical talents, featuring Mississippi-based vocalist and guitarist Shelby Kemp and Florida-based sisters Ashley Galbraith on bass and Taylor Galbraith on drums and will be featured on their upcoming debut album set to release on Oct. 13 via Color Red.

“Sweet Dreams” emerged from a collaboration between Roberts and Kemp. Roberts initiated the creative process with a funky blues guitar riff, which Kemp then transformed into a lyrical composition. The song’s harmonies add an ethereal quality, and Roberts shared that the lyrics reflect the complex emotions tied to a mysterious and elusive individual. The track beautifully melds Kemp’s vocals with Roberts’ guitar artistry, resulting in a compelling and emotionally charged listening experience.

The inception of The Lucky Strokes began when Roberts first encountered Kemp through a session at Color Red Studios in Denver, where Kemp was recording with his psych-country-rock project, Royal Horses. Impressed by Kemp’s musical prowess, Roberts was inspired to form a new band. The connection deepened when Galbraith, an exceptional drummer, and her sister Ashley, a skilled bassist, joined the fold. Their familial bond translated into a rhythm section chemistry that elevated the project’s potential.

The band’s journey then took an unexpected turn during a New Year’s Eve performance: amid a celebratory atmosphere, the sound of fireworks outside the venue turned out to be gunfire. Shrapnel narrowly missed Roberts during his performance, and the group quickly took shelter. Despite the chaos, they decided to continue the show, performing until the early hours of the morning.

The connection between Roberts and Kemp grew stronger after the incident. A piece of shrapnel that had struck Roberts’ finger was later discovered to be a bullet casing. A subsequent performance with the Galbraith sisters confirmed the quartet’s chemistry, leading to the recording of their upcoming debut album.

Additionally, The Lucky Strokes are gearing up for their inaugural west coast performances. The band are scheduled to take the stage at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, Calif. on Aug. 12, followed by a performance at The Peppermint Club in West Hollywood on Aug. 13.

Pre-order the group’s debut album here.

Listen to “Sweet Dreams” below.