Exclusive Premiere: The Dryes Deliver A Toe-Tapping Anthem With New Single, ‘Sawdust’

‘The Voice’ alumni co-wrote the song alongside Michael Farren and their late friend, Kyle Jacobs.

By

Melinda Lorge

| Posted on

July 20, 2023

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9:00 am

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Photo Courtesy The Dryes

The Dryes announced their newest single, “Sawdust.” The song doesn’t become available until Friday (July 21), but readers of Country Now are getting the first listen in this exclusive lyric video premiere.  

Written by The Dryes with Michael Farren and the acclaimed duo’s late friend Kyle Jacobs, “Sawdust” serves as the ultimate boot stomper featuring a two-step style rhythm and slapping guitars as the married couple made up of Derek and Katelyn Drye, sing about the ways in which southern and western states are unique. Despite the cultural differences in places like Texas, Louisiana, and the Carolinas, the vocalists are here to remind folks that dive bars in each state share the same dust on the dance floors. 

Heading into the energy-filled chorus, The Dryes then challenge folks to get their boots out on the dance floor and have some fun, as they serve up the step arrangement in the anthemic lyrics. 

Track Drops On Friday, July 21

SAWDUST Cover Art
SAWDUST Cover Art

Scoot them boots swingin’ low / Slide those hips do-si-do / To the left to the right / Sippin’ tipsy but we’re all in line / Dive bars dance songs you just name the place / The sawdust is still the same,” Derek takes the lead on the chorus before Katelyn joins in with stunning harmony on the second verse. 

By the second verse, the talented duo are namechecking states like Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Arizona, people together with a message that “no matter where you’re from, get on out there cause a scene.”  

Drawing from their personal experiences, The Dryes were inspired to pen “Sawdust” after visiting countless dive bars around the country. The pair opened up about the message behind the track telling Country Now they hope the tune brings fans “joy” when they hear it. 

Lyric Video

YouTube video

An Anthemic Single

“This song is a reminder to ourselves and for our fans to never lose sight of joy, to get out there and dance, be yourself and cause your own kind of scene wherever you’re from,” The Dryes shared. “Sawdust is inspired by all of the dive bars that we’ve been to around the world. It is a greasy Texas two-step mixed with a little bit of rock n roll. That combination states the common goal…to cut loose and find a good time, no matter where you’re from!”

“Sawdust” follows The Dryes’ recent Mother’s Day tribute “Mama’s Do,” as well as their previous performances at CMA Fest and Carolina Country Music Fest. The track also serves as the lead single from The Dryes’ forthcoming EP Beers & Hallelujahs, slated for release in the fall of 2023. 

The Dryes; Photo by Sean Hagwell
The Dryes; Photo by Sean Hagwell

The Dryes, known for their irresistible melodies and passionate storytelling, launched their career in 2018 with their debut single, “Amen.” In 2022, they competed on NBC’s The Voice, where they represented Team Blake and made it to the Knockout Rounds. In between that time, The Dryes continued to pour their hearts out in songs by releasing music that speaks to their real-life marital highs and vulnerable lows. Other releases that follow “Amen” include “War,” a heartfelt ballad about Derek’s experience following his mother’s suicide when he was a child, and the more light-hearted tracks “Dolly Would” and “Take You Dancin,’” showcasing different sides of themselves as a duo. 

Fans can look for the accompanying music video for “Sawdust” to arrive on Friday (Aug. 4). In the meantime, be sure to check out the lyric video for “Sawdust” in the clip above. 

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Melinda Lorge

Written by

Melinda Lorge

Melinda Lorge is a Nashville-based freelance writer who specializes in covering country music. Along with Country Now, her work has appeared in publications, including Rare Country, Rolling Stone Country, Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, Wide Open Country and more. After joining Rare Country in early 2016, Lorge was presented with the opportunity to lead coverage on late-night television programs, including “The Voice” and “American Idol,” which helped her to sharpen her writing skills even more. Lorge earned her degree at Middle Tennessee State University, following the completion of five internships within the country music industry. She has an undeniable love for music and entertainment. When she isn’t living and breathing country music, she can be found enjoying time outdoors with family and friends.