
Benjamin Tod returns to the spotlight with his latest solo effort, Shooting Star, set for release on October 18, 2024, via Thirty Tigers.
For those unfamiliar with Tod’s work—and let’s face it, I assume you are if you’re reading this—2024 has marked a creative rebirth for the Lost Dog Street Band frontman. Earlier this year, the band released Survived, an album I consider not just their strongest to date but easily one of the standout releases of the year.
Survived showcased a broader, more expansive sound, adding a full string band to the mix and pushing Tod’s folk and roots influences to new heights. The result was a richer, more textured album that captured the grit and spirit of Tod’s lyrics and the lifestyle he so authentically embodies. It’s hard to overstate the significance of this shift—it was the sound of an artist leveling up, stepping outside the confines of the singer-songwriter mold to craft something raw, whole, and undeniably powerful.
Shooting Star is no different. Tod has been teasing this solo project for well over a year, with promises to take his roots exploration even further—this time diving headfirst into honky-tonk. Described as a tribute to the golden eras of country music, from the 1950s onward, the album is Tod’s homage to the sound he grew up with. It’s a journey into the heart of old-school country, paying respects to the legends while also confronting the industry’s current state.
I was fortunate enough to catch the Lost Dog Street Band on their Survived tour, where Tod opened up about Shooting Star—what it means to him, the influence classic country had on his upbringing, and his frustrations with the modern country scene. He gave a short monologue about the injustices of the genre and his thoughts on essentially being denied a seat at the table. He then proceeded to, almost literally, bring the house down with the searing title track, Shooting Star, quite possibly the most badass F*** you to Music Row i’ve ever heard.
Shooting Star is one of Tod’s boldest statement yet—a defiant stand against the Nashville establishment, wrapped in the timeless sounds of honky-tonk.
Style and Influence
Final Thoughts
Album Release: October 18, 2024
Favorite Track: Shooting Star
RootsnRevelry Grade:


The Roots of Appalachian Old-Time Music: Exploring its Historical Origins
The Appalachian Mountains echo with the soulful strains of old-time music, a genre deeply rooted in America's diverse cultural tapestry. This traditional art form, born from a fusion of influences spanning the British Isles, African rhythms, and American blues,...

Clever Releases New Single: ‘Buy One Get One’
Clever, the Alabama-born singer-songwriter known for his emotive lyrics and genre-blending style, has just dropped his latest single Buy One Get One. The small-town wordsmith turned country troubadour, doesn't mince words in this earthy ballad. Buy One Get One ain't...

Vincent Mason Releases Latest Single: “Waitin’ On You To Wear Off”
Country music sensation Vincent Mason is kicking off 2025 with a bang, releasing his latest single Waitin' On You To Wear Off on January 10th. The new track, written with Colton Venner and Jack Hummel, showcases Mason's signature style that has captivated fans across...

Not My First Rodeo – Agata Karczewska – New EP Review
For those unfamiliar—though frankly, it feels almost criminal to admit it—Agata Karczewska is a Polish singer-songwriter who has been quietly but powerfully carving out her space in the folk-Americana scene. Karcewska has realeased her long awaited EP Not My First...

‘The Sun Still Rises’ – Aisha Badru – New Album Review
The Sun Also Rises is Aisha Badru’s second full-length album, following 2018’s Pendulum and four (!) EPs released since then. As a singer-songwriter from New York City, Badru brings her distinctive voice to the forefront of this record. I haven’t listened to any of...

Vincent Mason and Gavin Adcock Release New Single: ‘Almost Gone’
Vincent Mason and Gavin Adcock have just released their new single, Almost Gone. Produced by Jay Rodgers, this heartbreak anthem brings together two rising stars in a collaboration that showcases their undeniable musical chemistry. The emotionally charged track blends...

JD Clayton Releases New Holiday Classic – ‘Your Favorite Christmas Song’
For Arkansas-born singer-songwriter JD Clayton, the holiday season holds a special place in his heart. “Christmas is hands down my favorite time of year,” he shares with a warm smile. “I’ve probably watched White Christmas at least fifty times every holiday season. My...

Vincent Mason Released New Single: ‘Speak of the Devil’ (w/Review)
Vincent Mason, the rising star in country music, has just released his latest single, Speak of the Devil. At just 23 years old, Mason has already made waves in the industry, with his breakout hit Hell Is A Dance Floor racking up over 60 million streams. His raw talent...

‘In Time’ – The Lowdown Drifters – New Album Review
After nearly a decade of cutting their teeth on the gritty stages of backyards and barrooms, The Lowdown Drifters are making serious strides toward Americana roots prominence with their latest release, In Time, which dropped on October 25, 2024. Hailing from Ft....

The Lowdown Drifters Release New Album: ‘In Time’
The Lowdown Drifters have just released their newest album, In Time. This dynamic ensemble, led by the soulful and commanding Big John Cannon, masterfully weaves together the threads of country, rock, and heartfelt storytelling. The band has gained significant...
Related Articles
The Roots of Appalachian Old-Time Music: Exploring its Historical Origins
The Appalachian Mountains echo with the soulful strains of old-time music, a genre deeply rooted in America's diverse cultural tapestry. This traditional art form, born from a fusion of influences spanning the British Isles, African rhythms, and American blues,...
Clever Releases New Single: ‘Buy One Get One’
Clever, the Alabama-born singer-songwriter known for his emotive lyrics and genre-blending style, has just dropped his latest single Buy One Get One. The small-town wordsmith turned country troubadour, doesn't mince words in this earthy ballad. Buy One Get One ain't...
Vincent Mason Releases Latest Single: “Waitin’ On You To Wear Off”
Country music sensation Vincent Mason is kicking off 2025 with a bang, releasing his latest single Waitin' On You To Wear Off on January 10th. The new track, written with Colton Venner and Jack Hummel, showcases Mason's signature style that has captivated fans across...
0 Comments