Shelby Means Packs Up the “Suitcase Blues” and Heads Down a New Road

“I had driven out of Nashville hundreds of times as a touring musician, but this time I was packed up and moving to a different city,” says songwriter, singer, and bassist Shelby Means.

Known for her dynamic work with world-class string bands like Della Mae and the GRAMMY-winning Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Means is now stepping into the spotlight with her debut solo album, Shelby Means. The bittersweet memory of leaving Nashville is captured in her latest single “Suitcase Blues.” (IV-PR, 2025)

Backed by an all-star lineup—Billy Strings on harmony vocals, along with Bryan Sutton, Michael Cleveland, Ron Block, and Sam Bush—the track offers a poignant twist on the classic road song.

“Bryan, Michael, Ron, and Sam brought incredible life and depth to the recording,” Means shares. “Already a very strong collaboration with the band, I was honored that Billy Strings agreed to sing harmony. His voice and energy mixing with mine and the sentiment of the song paint a vivid picture of chasing down a dream on the open road.”

Musically, “Suitcase Blues” rolls forward on a moody chord progression, its trepidation mirrored in the interplay of fiddle and banjo, with tasteful flourishes on guitar and a brief, emotive mandolin solo. The lyrics tell a story many touring musicians know all too well:

“I don’t know when I’ll be back
I gotta go with Cackalack Jack
It’s a lonesome road that I choose
Packing up my suitcase blues”

🎧 Listen now: Stream or purchase “Suitcase Blues.”
📀 Explore more music: Check out previously released singles — “Farm Girl,” “Streets of Boulder,” and “Million Reasons.”
🛒 Pre-order the full album: Shelby Means arrives May 30. Pre-order now.
💾 Want to pre-save on Spotify? Click here.

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🎶 Catch Shelby Means on Tour

May 23 – WMOT Finally Friday @ 3rd and Lindsley – Nashville, TN
June 4 – The Ramkat & Gas Hill Drinking Room – Winston Salem, NC
June 6 – Midwood Guitar Studio – Charlotte, NC
June 7 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC 🌟 Album Release Show
June 25 – The 5 Spot – Nashville, TN 🌟 Album Release Show
July 4 – Soundcheck Summer Music Series – Pinedale, WY
July 6 – Hot House West – Salt Lake City, UT
July 13 – Means House Concert – Laramie, WY
July 17 – Big View House Concerts – Westcliffe, CO
July 18 – Music on the Green – Telluride, CO 🎤 with Maya de Vitry
July 25 – RockyGrass – Lyons, CO 🎤 with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
August 22 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC 🎤 with Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
October 18 – Henderson Bluegrass – Henderson, NV
October 20 – WoodSongs – Lexington, KY
October 22 – Red Barn Radio – Lexington, KY

📍 See all tour dates online.

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🌾 About Shelby Means

Shelby Means was born in the bluegrass of Kentucky and raised on the high plains of Wyoming. With nearly two decades of experience across bluegrass, folk, rock, Americana, and country, she’s one of the most respected upright bassists in the roots music world.

During her years in Nashville, she was a core member of the GRAMMY-nominated Della Mae, bringing her magnetic presence and deep rhythmic pocket to stages across the globe. She’s since toured nearly 30 countries as a musical diplomat and collaborated with some of the genre’s finest artists.

Now based in Charleston, SC, Means also performs with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, earning her first GRAMMY with the group’s 2023 release, City of Gold. Her accolades include multiple IBMA awards for her work with both Della Mae and Golden Highway.

With her upcoming solo debut, Means opens a new chapter—blending tradition with individuality, heartache with hope, and musicianship with soul.

From NPR to the Grand Ole Opry, Telluride, Bonnaroo, Newport Folk, and beyond, Shelby Means is forging a path that’s both grounded and boundless.

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