Silverada Releases New Song, Announces “New Era” Ahead of New Album
There’s lots of news on the Silverada front, with a new song “Highway Man” just released, the band telling fans it’s the start of a “new era,” as well as the early announcement of their upcoming album called Living Proof set to be released on August 7th.
“Highway Man” finds the hard touring honky-tonk band from Austin, TX striking a reflective mood, inspired by the many miles and many places and people they’ve seen on the road. Whether shop talk for musicians, truckers, cowboys, and dreamers, or a dose of escapism for those landlocked with little ones and regular jobs, “Highway Man” sets you out on a lonesome high desert road alive with a sense of freedom.
The talk of a “new era” for Silverada comes after the departure of steel guitarist Zachary Moulton in March of 2025. “Highway Man” is Silverada’s first song since Moulton’s departure. Though the band performed with steel guitarist Adam “Ditch” Kurtz (American Aquarium, Joshua Ray Walker) for some shows, they have decided since to add keyboard player Parker Twomey (Paul Cauthen, solo artist) as a permanent member.
“Highway Man” marks Parker’s first appearance with the band in studio. Long-time fans of Silverada, including when they were known as Mike and the Moonpies will remember they also had a permanent keys player in John Carbone from 2011 to 2020, so keys have always had a home in the band’s sound, with Parker reprising many of those classic parts.
“These boys are the salt of the earth and I’m grateful to be a part of this brotherhood,” Parker Twomey says. “Feels like we were each individually placed here for a reason and that we’re exactly where we’re supposed to be. Somewhere between the long drives, late nights, and all the miles between, it’s become something that feels like home.”
On Saturday, March 14th of SXSW in Austin, Silverada played a free show at the East End Ballroom, packing out the place with fervent fans. They played almost the whole new album in its entirety, including one or two songs for the first time live. Living Proof wasn’t recorded at Yellow Dog Studios like many of their recent releases, but at the Sonic Ranch in West Texas over a five day period—the place where Cody Jinks and many others venture to record and capture a certain mood.
Obviously without steel guitar in the mix, the sound isn’t as twangy or country. Expect more of a Tom Petty, or classic rock sound and vibe from the new songs, yet still with a country heart similar to “Highway Man.” Another song Silverada has been featuring live lately comes with the chorus “You Ain’t Doing Jack.”
No track list is yet available for Silverada’s new album, but it is currently available for pre-order in physical form, including CD, cassette, standard yellow vinyl, limited-edition fireworks vinyl, and various merch bundles.
March 28, 2026 @ 10:03 am
I will miss the steel but will give everything Mike and the boys do a chance. Instantly becomes a top release for me. The old sound was perfect which makes changing tough.
They’ve got a few classic albums under their belt imo.
March 28, 2026 @ 10:04 am
How many “New Eras” can these guys go through? Their music went to hell after the name change and I basically haven’t followed them since
March 28, 2026 @ 10:45 am
No steel guitar sucks.
Definitely making a stab for more mainstream acceptance.
March 28, 2026 @ 10:52 am
Totally understand country fans who are crestfallen by the lack of steel guitar. The idea Silverada is trying to get more “mainstream acceptance” is ridiculous. Zachary Moulton left the band. They didn’t kick him out.
March 28, 2026 @ 11:02 am
Welli i dont follow the band much but maybe there was a reason he left.
March 28, 2026 @ 11:20 am
Trigger,
Since the name change, the band has, by your admission in reviews, leaned towards more of a rock sound.
Perhaps, saying mainstream wasn’t concise enough. They definitely are aiming for more popularity than honky tonk music wasn’t providing.
March 28, 2026 @ 12:45 pm
The name change was an attempt to get over the strange hump that kept this band way smaller than their appeal and critical acclaim seemed to demand. So yes, it was an attempt to become more “popular.” But that’s way different from “mainstream acceptance,” like they’re trying to launch country radio hits or show up on the CMA Awards. Not having steel guitar in the band was not a conscious decision. Zach Moulton left the band. Chemistry has always been super important with this band, and they looked for new members, and found a keyboard player to help fill out the sound—something they’ve had in the past. I wouldn’t even rule out them having steel guitar in the future. Bass player Omar is a steel guitar player himself. This is me playing fantasy football, but I think he could totally get behind the steel for a few of their songs where it’s more essential to the sound, have Parker who also plays guitar pick up the bass, and make up for what Zach left behind.
Either way, I don’t think this band is under the illusion they’re breaking out into the “mainstream” anytime soon. They just want to be the best version of themselves in this moment in their career they can be.
March 29, 2026 @ 6:48 am
Mike’s own words on the name change, taken from your excellent article:
“I’m trying to evolve it and gain more fans who have not had an opportunity to hear us. I’m worried about the moment we announce it from stage, and if we’ll get booed. But honestly, I am ready to rip the Band-Aid off. I want to say, ‘This is how we’re going into the future. Join us, and do this thing with us. Let’s take it to the masses like we never have before.’”
They clearly want more popularity. That might not mean mainstream acceptance but they certainly weren’t happy with their previous slot. Which is fine. But they have changed, and for many of us, not for the better.
March 29, 2026 @ 8:16 am
Yes, like I said, the idea behind the name change was the hope to reach a wider audience. That’s what we should want from all of our favorite artists. Unfortunately, that did not happen through the name change, and that quote is now over 2 years old. The name change did not work. But that doesn’t mean they’re not taking steel guitar out of their sound to try to gain more attention to themselves. Country sounds and steel guitar are hot right now. If anything, adding steel guitar is chasing trends. The #1 song is ALL of music at the moment “Choosin’ Texas” features steel guitar, and prominently. The reason Silverada does not have steel guitar is because the steel guitarist left the band, not because he was fired because they wanted to get on country radio.
March 28, 2026 @ 4:11 pm
The old name was goofy. I never paid much attention to the band until the name change. I loved the self-titled disc it made me go back and listen to the Moonpies albums. Nothing grabbed me like the new stuff did. A lot of people are afraid of change and don’t want their favorite artists or bands to grow as writers, etc. Thankfully, guys like this who do it for themselves first, shrug the whiners off and go full throttle into the future.
March 28, 2026 @ 10:16 am
I really like this song, while I still miss the Moonpie name, I will more than likely get this album like I have on their last several.
March 28, 2026 @ 10:58 am
The Silverada album has just grown with me over time. Songs like load out, anywhere but here, and radio wave are right among their best
March 28, 2026 @ 7:09 pm
Yeah I’m the same. They had some good stuff here and there but I never thought they were that good overall (Contrary to Trigger). Hated the name change but have to admit that Silverada album is their best and easily the easiest to listen to front and back.
March 28, 2026 @ 11:10 am
Really like this song. Sounds like Silverada to me, just more keys forward. Not sure the classic rock (aka Tom Petty) sound is any more or less marketable than straight up country. Just ask Rob Baird, The Vegabonds, Red Hill Valleys or even Joe Stamm Band. Those guys aren’t exactly burning up the charts. Now had Mike and the boys said we’re gonna chase that Noah Kahn or Sam Barber sound I’d be out like a light. So I gotta agree with Trigger, this change in direction is not about chasing anything, it’s about adapting to the pieces and parts they got and I for one like it.
March 28, 2026 @ 11:33 am
Wow that’s disappointing
March 28, 2026 @ 12:24 pm
Another good song. I’ll miss the steel but I like the new sound, which really isn’t all that different from what they’ve been doing. Unfortunately, and I can’t fully place my finger on why, but I’ve just not cared as much about “Silverada” since they changed the name. For a while they were right there with Turnpike for me as one of my absolute favorites. I still like them, but changing the name followed by the pretentious explanation that they’d “grown past” it just cooled me on them.
The name change just feels like a really bad decision, that I think killed a lot of their momentum which was pretty strong at the time. And they botched it even worse because their music at least on Apple Music is still split with some of their songs including from one of my favorite albums ever “One to Grow On” still under the Moonpies name, with other music under the Silverada name. Oh well, the music continues to be good, and I’ll keep listening.
March 29, 2026 @ 5:37 pm
Didn’t Sheldon Cooper’s grandmother call him “Moonpie”?
Maybe THAT’S it!
March 31, 2026 @ 6:07 am
shut up nerd
March 28, 2026 @ 1:07 pm
Even though the steel guitar will be missed and I sympathize with how bittersweet and even a bit concerning this development is…………I’m not worried about them misplacing their country soul and integrity as long as the descriptive storytelling and earnestness of their songwriting remains intact: of which I believe “Highway Man” fits the latter.
“Highway Man”, to my ears, sounds more immediate without feeling watered down or compromised. It’s something I can potentially see some adult alternative stations playing.
March 28, 2026 @ 1:45 pm
FFS, how many years need to pass before people stop whining about the name change?
This band has put out phenomenal records for more than a decade straight, and half the comments on any Silverada article have to bemoan the fact that a bunch of grown ass men “didn’t want to be called Moonpies anymore”.
Last album was great, album before that might have been one of the best country albums of the last decade. And if you actually pay the money and make it to a show, they still kill live. WTF are we complaining about? Keys fit the composition of this track perfectly, and it’s a classic, well written road dog song that they’ve delivered the goods on a dozen times in their career to date.
Seeing these cats again with Kelsey Waldon in June. Can’t wait.
March 28, 2026 @ 5:12 pm
I don’t think people are complaining about the name change- they changed their sound at the same time, and since they coincided, it makes it an easy demarcation.
I too am not a fan of Silverada, but Mike and the Moonpies was my favorite band. I just don’t dig the new sound. Whatever, that’s fine, things change, nothing stays the same. I don’t get how you can’t accept that people have preferences- some people prefer electric Bob Dylan. Don’t hold it against them that they like old Moonpies over new Silverada. I don’t hold it against those that like the new band.
March 30, 2026 @ 7:20 am
Brother, I respect your opinion. But you’re ascribing a level nuance to the discussion that simply isn’t there for 80% of those types of comments.
There’s a number of people who feel the same way you do. I understand it. We all
have preferences and favorite albums, but you have to know it’s completely unhelpful and unrealistic to pigeonhole a group’s entire career into a single era you liked best.
I promise that they will still play Steak Night for you if you buy a ticket. Mike will even let us sing along to it. A good time will be had by all!
March 28, 2026 @ 1:53 pm
I was disappointed when first hearing “Highway Man”. Not much steel work in it, now I guess we know why.
Not to hijack the thread, but for those who enjoy great steel guitar work a song that was just released I’m really liking is “Rather Have Love” by Bonnie Montgomery and Melissa Carper.
Not sure who’s playing steel on it, but they did a great job!
March 28, 2026 @ 1:58 pm
Pretty sure that’s the Professor of Twang Kevin Skrla on steel guitar on that Bonnie Montgomery/Melissa Carper track.
March 28, 2026 @ 4:14 pm
Yeah she recorded her last album at his awesome studio I’m pretty sure.
March 29, 2026 @ 6:07 am
Speaking of steel guitar. A brand new song by Mo Pitney and Jake Worthington called Wake Up and Smell The Country just launched. Its killer.
March 29, 2026 @ 6:44 am
Its promo art is a steel guitar!
March 29, 2026 @ 7:59 am
Yes, good song, and a good sign Curb is finally letting Mo Pitney put out new music. Just added the song to the Top 25 Playlist.
March 28, 2026 @ 2:05 pm
I mean, putting cheese on something, is sort of a defining characteristic of what makes a cracker a cracker…
Ditch is a badass tho be missed.
March 28, 2026 @ 4:13 pm
Love the new song. Looking forward to the album!
March 28, 2026 @ 5:29 pm
I’ve been with the boys through all these “changes” but I still think the strongest thread is Mike’s songwriting.
I like the new one and glad we got a new album coming.
Here’s a tangent…I see Zach is doing solo shows, and curious if that is what he ultimately is shooting for?
Curious as he was playing with Jesse Daniel, and Jesse seems to have scaled touring (and sometimes sounds like he’s questioning the whole damn thing).
And since I’m here…Randall King succumb to the demons of the road?
March 28, 2026 @ 8:06 pm
I’m not sure if Zach is shooting for a solo career or just killing time between gigs, or both. He was touring with Jesse Daniel and that was a great place for Zach to land. Jesse has since moved back to California, and does seem to be re-evaluating/retooling. I definitely don’t think he’s done, but just trying to figure the best way forward. The line forms to the left of folks who would love to have Zach in their band. In my opinion, he’s the best steel guitar player out there. Zach, like Jesse, might be trying to just figure stuff out. We’ve all been there.
As for Randall King, I hope he’s doing well. Something about the way his announcement came out, it felt like there might be another shoe to fall to tell the full story. That’s why I delayed telling it.
March 29, 2026 @ 6:59 am
Saying someone putting out their own music just to “kill time” is wild and disrespectful. I know you’re more into op ed pieces but maybe do some research and figure it out instead of just speculating and putting down a musician you claim to respect just because he left a band you’re obsessed with.
March 29, 2026 @ 8:06 am
If you can point out to me where Trigger was “disrespectful” I would love to hear it. The above comment is almost overly enthusiastic about his skills and talent.
But hey, whatever gets your blood pressure up in the morning for no good reason….
March 29, 2026 @ 8:12 am
Woah, let’s take a beat here. First, I did not say that Zachary Moulton was just releasing his own music to “kill time.” What I said was that I don’t know if Zach Moulton is actively pursuing a full-time solo career, doing his own music as a side project, or as just something to fill in between gigs. Maybe saying “to kill time” was a little flippant, but I’m not reporting on anything here. I was responding to a comment in a comments section. We’re having a conversation.
You’re right, I could follow up with Zachary Moulton and do some more reporting on exactly what he’s up to. He’s played a few gigs near me and I was out of town or had conflicts. When I saw him perform last was with Jesse Daniel, and I made an active effort to speak to them about what Zach’s plans were. Zach had to buzz out right after the gig so I missed him, but Jesse spoke to me and I reported on it. You can find that reporting here.
https://savingcountrymusic.com/braxton-keith-jesse-daniel-hannah-juanitas-country-revival-at-whitewater/
I hope to talk or see Zach soon and offer an update. But please understand there’s thousands of artists and only one of me. I do the best I can to highlight as many artists and as much music as I can.
March 28, 2026 @ 4:48 pm
Love these cats! Silverada or Mike and The Moonpies, either name works for me. I did love Zachs playing though, a shame he’s out. But life goes on, and its all about good songs, so keep em coming boys!
March 28, 2026 @ 6:04 pm
I just googled Sonic Ranch. Unbelievable. I don’t know a studio in Nashville that comes very close.
March 28, 2026 @ 8:24 pm
The old name want holding them back. They made great albums that’s just didn’t have mass appeal. The new name is terrible and isn’t helping them break new ground. Now there’s no steel guitar. What the hell are these guys doing?
March 29, 2026 @ 6:46 am
Mike’s own words:
“I’m trying to evolve it and gain more fans who have not had an opportunity to hear us. I’m worried about the moment we announce it from stage, and if we’ll get booed. But honestly, I am ready to rip the Band-Aid off. I want to say, ‘This is how we’re going into the future. Join us, and do this thing with us. Let’s take it to the masses like we never have before.’”
March 28, 2026 @ 9:47 pm
Mike and The Moonpies was one of the greatest names of a country band ever! Should have never changed the name! At the very least do like the Reed Southall Band and just call yourselves The Moonpies! Silverada is the dumbest name change ever!
March 29, 2026 @ 5:14 am
I loved the mike and the moonpies name is reason i started listening to them…..i will still listen to silverada buy my new favorite ban is ellis bullard who has kyle ponder in drums from the moonpies …met the moonpies whole doin a slot at nasvhille palace yeats ago ..all were great people. …no steel sucks but great band
March 29, 2026 @ 5:43 am
I really like the vibe on Highway Man, looking forward to the rest of it. I do miss Zach a lot, being a big steel guitar fan, but they seem to be adapting well.
My Nephews have seen them live in Austin many times recently and said they still sound great!
I like pretty much all their albums, do like the country sound more but l also think ‘Cheap Silver’ recorded at Abbey Road was one of their best!
March 29, 2026 @ 6:48 am
Country ain’t country without a steel guitar. very disappointed.
March 29, 2026 @ 8:17 am
So Johnny Cash ain’t country? Okaaaaay!
March 30, 2026 @ 8:19 am
No, he’s a folk/rockabilly artist, not a country artist. But he, like so many others, took refuge in Nashville when first rockabilly/folk wave died out in the late 50’s.
But, sure, steel isn’t essential.
March 31, 2026 @ 1:55 pm
He is barely on the fringes.
There is a reason why the cliche goes, “I don’t like country music but like Johnny Cash.”
And before you weep, I have hundreds of Cash songs in my playlists.
March 29, 2026 @ 8:15 am
A great song as you would expect. However more than two years on, I think it’s safe to say that the name change didn’t do what they had hoped that it would, and any thought that the Moonpies name was the thing holding them back has been proven to be incorrect.
March 29, 2026 @ 8:26 am
I think we can all agree the name change did not have the effect they intended. But they’re men, they made their bed, and now they’re willing to sleep in it. It is what it is.
March 29, 2026 @ 8:20 am
I do love the steel guitar but there are many good country bands without one. I will miss it in their music. I quite enjoyed their last album (quite different to those preceding it in my opinion) and I like the new single. If they stay the same, they stagnate and at best do not not grow and at worst disappear. To grow, they need to evolve. They seem to be evolving. I hope they grow. They deserve to.
March 29, 2026 @ 12:31 pm
I’m still baffled by the stupid name change.
March 29, 2026 @ 1:16 pm
I like the new song, and I never had an issue with the name change. It does seem like they may be aiming for a slightly more mainstream presence—at least in the sense of reaching a broader audience, selling more records, and playing larger venues. Maybe even stepping into the space that Turnpike has occupied now that they’ve clearly pushed past the mainstream barrier.
Hearing “Heaven Passing Through” on XM radio The Highway the other day was really the only thing that gave me that impression.
That said, I don’t blame them at all. From everything I’ve seen, their artistic integrity still comes through in everything they do, and that’s ultimately what matters most.
March 29, 2026 @ 2:47 pm
Mikey Moonpie, Moonpie Cougar Mellencamp, Dixie Moonpies, The Moonpie Experience featuring Mike, Lady Moonpie, Hootie and the Moonpies.
March 29, 2026 @ 3:18 pm
Great band and could care less of whatever they call themselves. Many bands have forgettable names imo. Miss Zach a lot and what he brought was great. That said, I couldn’t be more stoked to catch them out west here this week.
March 29, 2026 @ 8:20 pm
I started listening to them after the name change, so I really don’t care one way or another. In reading some of these comments, the people who love the Moonpies name seem to want to be able to plant a flag as the original fans…which, to each their own.
What I want to know is why they moved away from steel guitar entirely. I saw them twice last summer, about two or three months apart. The first show, they had Ditch Kurtz and he was great. I can’t say if he was on Moulton’s level, but he was very good. Next show, they had Twomey and no steel.
So they make Twomey part of the band, fine. I don’t believe they couldn’t find another steel guitar player. They might not be the most popular band in country music but they’re a great one, a band that you’d think would be able to attract a talented steel player.
To me, the story here isn’t that Moulton quit…it’s that they didn’t find a replacement for him and whether or not they really bothered trying to do so.
As an aside, if you google Ditch Kurtz, you’ll see he’s running for governor of Tennessee.
March 30, 2026 @ 8:17 am
Interesting tidbit, that changes my mind.
Zach been gone a year dunno why anyone wants to rehash that, but if Ditch walks in and says imma go play pedal politician I can sure see them saying fuck it, this steel thing isn’t really working let’s do something different.
I’m still not loving it, no steel no Steak Night, but a little more understandable.
I might be wrong… sounds about right.
March 30, 2026 @ 8:26 am
The premise of Coppola’s masterpiece “Apocalypse Now” was to ditch Kurtz.
April 2, 2026 @ 2:30 pm
Now it’s just Mike, rising up out of the water, whispering “the mainstream”.
Gross.
But also fun…
March 30, 2026 @ 2:14 am
…mike and the moonpies weren’t a revolutionary but clearly an evolutionary undertaking. mike harmeier could live with that assessment easily when presented with it a few years back at their Swiss stop of their European tour. now, they are silverada and still an evolution story – good for the curious of us. even though i freely admit that the loss of a steel guitar – and zach moulton on top of it – most often is a tragic loss. still, they sound good to me on “highway man”. particularly mike harmeier’s vocals.
March 30, 2026 @ 7:27 am
A gigantic fan of M&MP’s – Silverada. I have freaking loved their music so far and could give less than a shit about the name of a band. I will miss that steel sound ’cause it was the most righteous. But dang, Silverada still just pours out bitchin’ ass music. Just keep making music best y’all can. Never let perfect be the enemy of freaking great.
March 30, 2026 @ 7:30 am
No steel, no deal. So cheap to me…
March 30, 2026 @ 8:02 am
Sorry Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, so many more…
March 30, 2026 @ 8:12 am
That’s a bit strict, isn’t it?
Lots of great country eithout steel.
Dale Watson toured for years with another guitarist, they both played electric. Sounded pure country to me. (Personally, I use a steel slide, and it’s hard for the common listener to hear any difference at all. It’s all about the chord progress).
March 30, 2026 @ 8:07 am
The name Silverada sounds like a MOR band from the 70’s, long-haired guys with hilarious cookie dusters dressed up in denim and faux leather jackets, native style.
March 30, 2026 @ 8:42 am
I sorely missed the piano when Carbone left. Now the piano is back but Maulton left so now there’s no steel. Man, these guys are killin’ me. Can we not just have piano AND steel?
That said. The new song is nice. Just, nice. Kind of a chill, sippin’ coffee on the porch, heartland rock sound. Nicely produced, too – nice, warm, full sound. Did Adam Odor produce this?
March 30, 2026 @ 12:50 pm
So is Parker Twomey not touring with Paul Cauthen any more? If so that is disappointing, I felt he was a huge part of why Paul is so good live.
March 30, 2026 @ 1:06 pm
Parker hasn’t been touring with Paul for a couple of years now. I believe he left around Paul’s arrest in 2023, but don’t quote me on that.
March 30, 2026 @ 3:28 pm
I’m not a huge fan of their music but will be seeing them live in May mainly due to Trig’s high praise.
March 30, 2026 @ 5:22 pm
Good writing and playing from these guys. Hope they do well.