Photo Credit: Julian Gross

Robert Randolph has started a new chapter in his storied career today with a twofold announcement: the pedal steel powerhouse has signed with Sun Records and will release his debut solo album through the iconic label.

Set to arrive on June 27, Preacher Kids is the accomplished instrumentalist and consummate collaborator’s first full-length release apart from the Family Band, with whom he’s earned six Grammy nominations since 2003. He’s previewed the project today with the lead single “Sinner,” which boasts a heavy-hitting blues-rock sound reinforced by production from Shooter Jennings.

“This album’s gritty and swampy roots vibe makes it the perfect record to kick off my journey with Sun Records,” Randolph shared. “It’s a full-circle moment for me to team up with a label that not only shaped the foundation of American music but continues to champion artists pushing that legacy forward.” 

With “Sinner,” Randolph honors the musical traditions that he’s steered into a new era by letting the cut suit the cloth and playing it fast and loose in the studio. With outlaw country torchbearer Jennings behind the boards and an ace backing band of guitarist Tash Neil, bassist Jay White, and drummer Willie Barthel in the mix—as well as high-profile special guests like Margo Price on “King Karma” and Judith Hill on “When Will the Love Rain Down” and a cover of J.J. Cale’s “Like to Love You Baby”–Randolph built out the project’s blistering, deep-rooted rock through improvisation.

“Over the years, I have heard people talk about how Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin would just roll the tape and write songs while jamming. That’s what we did on this album,” Randolph says. “Everybody was like ‘what was that thing you played?’ and we’d be like ‘we just made it up!’”

“Everyone involved in this record — from the band to the people who inspired it — shares a similar story. We’re all preacher’s kids,” the artist continued. “This album feels like our collective diary, rooted in gospel and shaped by the journey from the church to the stages of rock and blues.”

Preacher Kids is available to pre-order now. Listen to “Sinner” here and learn more about Randoph at robertrandolph.net.