Lovin', Fightin', Losin' Sleep

Celebrating two decades of authentic, heart-driven bluegrass, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers proudly release their 12th career album, Lovin', Fightin', Losin' Sleep, available now via Billy Blue Records. Out today, the 10-track collection showcases the band’s harmonic mastery with three lead vocalists delivering a fresh batch of songs from revered writers.
The album’s title is drawn from the opening track and the previously released first single, “Time Adds Up (If You’re Lucky),” a fitting summation of the band’s journey and the timeless themes woven throughout the record. “I hope the title of our latest album is intriguing," says bandleader Joe Mullins. "I think it’s entertaining! Each of the subjects has been sung about for decades, and believe it or not, new songs are always coming our way about some of these familiar topics. We didn’t plan the rest of the album’s material because of that line, but when we analyzed the content, it was perfect.”
The band has always enjoyed songs with a message and “The Good Old Days” fits well within that theme. Written by Flatt Lonesome's Kelsi Harrigill and her father Dolton Robertson, Adam McIntosh poured his heart into the lyrics, and the harmony vocals are made even sweeter with the addition of Harrigill. The toe-tapping tribute to the working man, “Black and Decker Blues,” penned by Larry Cordle and Jim Rushing, is a masterclass in well-written, timeless bluegrass. Band member Chris Davis, who previously worked with Cordle, delivers a standout lead vocal.
Fiddler Jason Barie brings a defining sound to the band, especially on Conrad Fisher's “The Bluebirds Are Singing For Me,” an intimate arrangement paired only with mandolin by Davis. Another standout is the reflective “Something To Look Forward To,” written by Ronnie Bowman and Billy Strings, exploring the life of a traveling musician—territory the Radio Ramblers know well.
Mullins also contributes original material including the instrumental “Cancellation Blues,” inspired by pandemic-era tour cancellations, and the tongue-in-cheek "Circling The Drain," a light-hearted look at a man being kicked to the curb co-written with Jerry Salley.
Released earlier this month to fans, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers offer a completely different side of their multi-faceted sound with a spirited rendition of “End Of The Line,” the album's newest focus track. Originally recorded by the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys, the Ramblers’ version is a lively celebration of vocal harmony and rhythmic drive. “'End of the Line' was so much fun to arrange and record,” says Mullins. “Each Rambler can sing just about any harmony part, so—much like the originators—four of us take turns on the verses, and Adam (McIntosh), Chris (Davis), and I rotate through three different harmony parts. The contagious beat of the song, supported by Ben Isaacs on bass and Mike Rogers on bluegrass drums, keeps us focused and energized. The lyrics are positive and uplifting—heavy on the lovin’, and not so much on the fightin’ or losin’ sleep.”
The band considers Lovin', Fightin', Losin' Sleep their most diverse project to date, thanks to a collection of songs penned by writers across country, Americana, bluegrass, and rock. With contributions from legendary songwriters such as Ronnie Bowman, William Apostol (Billy Strings), James “Jim” Rushing, Larry Cordle, Jerry Salley, John David Anderson, Lionel Delmore, and even the powerhouse collaboration of George Harrison, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne, and Bob Dylan, the strength of the material speaks volumes.
Lovin’, Fightin’, Losin’ Sleep is available now on all major digital streaming platformsand to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct. Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers are currently touring the U.S. in support of the new music and will officially celebrate the album’s release July 17th–19th in Xenia, Ohio at the inaugural Industrial Strength Bluegrass Summer Fest, held at the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center. Produced by Joe Mullins and his son, Daniel, the band also serves as host of this brand-new summer festival. Visit www.radioramblers.com for more information on new music, tour schedule and the Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival.

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