Sturgill Simpson is back, but technically he is not calling himself that anymore.
The Kentucky native is releasing new music under the name Johnny Blue Skies, a longtime nickname he is now fully stepping into for this next phase of his career. If you remember, Sturgill once said he planned to release just five albums under his real name. He did exactly that and now he is moving forward on his own terms.
The new album is called Mutiny After Midnight and it is set to drop March 13, 2026.
Here is where it gets interesting.
The project is expected to be a physical only release at first, meaning vinyl and CD with no streaming platforms initially. In a world where everything lands online at midnight, this is a bold move. It feels intentional. Old school. Very on brand for someone who has never followed the typical Nashville playbook.
This is not just a side project or a quick experiment. From everything he has said publicly, the Johnny Blue Skies era is the future.
As for the sound, early reports say it leans groove heavy and expansive without being boxed into one lane. If you know Sturgill, you know he has never been afraid to shift gears.
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