“Nothing I Wouldn’t Do (For You),” the new single from Andy Thomas, opens with a melodic, atmospheric guitar intro echoing the easy drift of the Flying Burrito Brothers while the vocals brush up against the clarity and structure of ‘90s country radio. When Dori Freeman enters, she first slips into a high, close harmony, subtle but essential. When she steps forward into a lead vocal, she moves from support to center, giving her voice a distinct footing in the song.
The track arrives ahead of Thomas’ forthcoming album Highway Junkie, produced by Dave Schools, bassist of Widespread Panic. Across the record, Thomas draws from a period marked by instability, hard-earned wisdom, and the ongoing work of sobriety. “It’s crazy when you set everything aside and put your mind to something,” Thomas says. “I’m a hard worker, and this album is a product of that.”
Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Thomas has built his reputation as a guitarist and bandleader across the East Coast, whether fronting his own project or contributing as a sideman. The movement between roles and places translates to Highway Junkie, a record rooted as much in reflection as it is in forward momentum. “I’ve known for a long time that I was wired for this life,” he says. “[The road and the stage] feels like home for me. I love playing, traveling, and getting the inspiration to write — it’s where I feel most at peace.”
If much of the album traces an ongoing push forward, “Nothing I Wouldn’t Do (For You)” offers a more fixed point. Written shortly after meeting his girlfriend, Dana, the song came together quickly, even if its final form took longer to surface. “Ah, the love song. The ‘fooled around and fell in love.’ I haven’t written many of them, but this one kind of wrote itself,” Thomas says. “It came to me right after I met my girlfriend, Dana. It took me a while to pair it with the right music, but like the theme of the song, the answer was right in front of me the whole time.”
After recording a demo at home as a Christmas gift, a bit of unexpected encouragement pushed the song further. “About a month later, she had a run-in with a psychic who went on about a song and a duet with a female singer. I took that as a sign and ran with it.”
That instinct led him to Freeman. “Dave Schools introduced me to Dori Freeman out of Galax, Virginia. She brought the female counterpart to life and completely blew this vision out of the water.” Thomas adds, “This one’s very special to me, and is for that person you’d do anything for.”
Catch Andy Thomas on the Road:
April 3 – The Broadberry – Richmond, VA*
April 28 – Cafe Eleven – St. Augustine, FL
April 29 – The Funky Biscuit – Boca Raton, FL
May 2 – The Green Parrot – Key West, FL
May 3 – Terra Fermata – Stuart, FL
Aug. 8 – Smoke & Irons Music Festival – Bartlett, IL
Aug. 28 – Athens Summer Concert Series – Athens, NY
* With Sam Morrow
