The beloved Nashville-based indie label Dualtone Recordsannounced the release of Keep Pressing On: 25 Years Of Dualtone, a new 17-song collection of rarities and covers celebrating the label’s 25th anniversary. Out December 4, 2026, the album brings together Dualtone artists past and present including The Lumineers,flipturn, Mt. Joy, Shakey Graves, Kathleen Edwards, and Langhorne Slim in celebration of the label’s enduring legacy and the artist-first vision established by Co-founder (ret.) Scott Robinson and the late President and Partner Paul Roper, who passed away in 2024. The Lumineers released a new song “Isabelle Fly,” and Jack Van Cleaf released a cover of Kris Kristofferson’s “Best of All Possible Worlds” along with an official video directed by Kenna Salvant. |
“In April of 2012, we had just released our debut album and were on a pretty intense run; every day seemed to involve the trifecta of morning acoustic radio performances, interviews and shows,” The Lumineers reflect. “On the humid Nashville evening of April 27th, we met an angel in the form of our label head, Paul Roper. We were about to play the Basement, below Grimey’s record shop, and Paul could see we were truly haggard. Earlier that day, we had done a long photo shoot which felt awkward. Paul appeared like a mirage in the desert, opening his trunk to us to reveal his bounty of Dominoes Pizza and a 12-pack of Stella’s. As we ate and drank, we felt looked after. And although it was a small gesture, it defined what Paul and Dualtone have done for us all these years. They do the little things and manage to always show up. It’s a rare quality in a label and a person, and I’m grateful for it. “The song ‘Isabelle Fly’ never actually took flight. It felt like some sort of failed attempt. But I’ve always loved this song anyway, and am glad it’s got a place on this 25 year compilation so we can share this song finally.” “I’m deeply honored to get to contribute to Dualtone’s 25th anniversary compilation album,” says Jack Van Cleaf. “I feel lucky to have found a home at Dualtone, alongside artists who have inspired me since I first picked up a guitar, with a team who so evidently and intentionally cares for the music they represent. Kristofferson was my gateway album into Kris Kristofferson’s music and has remained one of my favorite albums of all time. Songs like ‘Best of All Possible Worlds’ spotlight Kristofferson’s knack for humor and keen social critique in his lyrics. Recorded with good friends of mine in New York, it was a joy to perform this song that I have always looked toward as an exemplary piece of songwriting.” “Paul Roper was universally beloved in this industry,” Dualtone General Manager and SVP of Artist Development Whitaker Elledge reflects. “He was a mentor and a friend and a confidant, and losing him was devastating for all of us. But that grief also provided an incredible sense of motivation because we knew exactly how Paul would want us to carry on and keep building this place we’re all so lucky to call home.” Dualtone’s 25th anniversary celebration will kick off in earnest next week with two special events during AmericanaFest: the panel discussion Dualtone at 25: Keep Pressing On on September 16 and Dualtone's official 25th Anniversary Bash showcase on September 17.Moderated by World Cafe host Raina Douris, the panel will feature Dualtone Records Co-Founder Scott Robinson, Dualtone General Manager and SVP of Artist Development Whitaker Elledge, SVP of Promotion and Strategy Julie Muncy, The Team's Keith Levy and Dualtone recording artist Aubory Bugg. On September 17, Dualtone's 25th Anniversary Bash will take over The Basement East beginning at 7:00 p.m. as the label's official AmericanaFest showcase. The evening will feature performances by Houndmouth, Shakey Graves, The Brook & The Bluff, Langhorne Slim, Futurebirds, Abraham Alexander, Aubory Bugg and very special guests. At the 25th Annual Americana Honors & Awards that take place September 16 at The Ryman, Kathleen Edwards is nominated for Album of the Year for Billionaire, produced by Jason Isbell and Gena Johnson. Dualtone artists Shakey Graves and Langhorne Slim will also present awards during the show. Keep Pressing On marks the third anniversary compilation in Dualtone’s history, following 2016’s In Case You Missed It and 2021’s Amerikinda: 20 Years Of Dualtone. While those collections celebrated the label’s history in their own ways, Keep Pressing On arrives at a particularly meaningful moment, honoring Roper’s legacy while looking toward the future. “They say if you want to succeed, don’t follow in the footsteps of your heroes, but rather seek what they sought,” says Elledge. “We're not trying to replicate what Scott and Paul built here. We're just trying to chase the same things they were after: meaningful art, genuine community, and sustainable careers for artists we believe in. June Carter Cash once told us to ‘Press On,’ and twenty-five years in, we intend to.” Keep Pressing On: 25 Years of Dualtone Records tracklist: |
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