CHUCK Ragan’s latest album, Love and Lore, marks an adventurous turn for the folk troubadour, punk pioneer, and avid fly-fisherman. Out on Rise Records, the album finds Ragan weaving his Americana and folk sensibilities with an indie rock edge, bringing fresh intensity to his signature raw and heartfelt sound.
While Love and Lore expands Ragan’s sonic landscape, what hasn’t changed is his recognisable authenticity and gritty voice—elements fans will recognize in the album’s third single, ‘One More Shot.’
This honky-tonk-inspired duet with Paige Overton, lead vocalist of outlaw country band Paige and the Overtones, captures the poignancy of heartbreak. As Ragan croons, “Hear me begging for mercy / I’d trade all the diesel in the world for you / And just one more shot,” listeners will hear the emotional core that’s been central to Ragan’s music for over three decades.
“There’s so much heartbreak that comes with this life, and I’m not just talking about myself, I’m talking about the people around me,” Ragan reflects. “A lot of these songs are about therapy and finding peace and solace in nature, on the water, and with loved ones.”
For Ragan, Love and Lore has been a long time coming. Begun in 2016, recording was interrupted by the pandemic and Ragan’s commitments to his fly-fishing business in California. “We got serious about making this album again in 2022, but I didn’t have a ton of time to devote to it,” Ragan explains. With its challenging production journey, Love and Lore ultimately took shape in 2023, revealing Ragan’s evolution as a songwriter and performer.
A respected force in both the folk and punk scenes, Ragan has built a devoted fan base through his heartfelt live performances and collaborative Revival Tour, featuring legends like Frank Turner, Brian Fallon, and Laura Jane Grace. Known for his powerful solo anthems, he’s been a fixture on stages worldwide, and his music explores the raw edges of life, love, and resilience.
Alongside his music career, Ragan is a multifaceted artist and outdoorsman, balancing life as a musician, fly-fishing guide, and author of The Road Most Travelled. His journey was also documented in Landsick, a 2018 documentary exploring his relationship with music, family, and nature.
In support of Love and Lore, Ragan will embark on an Ireland / UK tour in April 2025, bringing his new music to fans across the region. Chuck Regan featuring Todd Beene and his pedal steel plays Dolans on Thursday April 24 with special guest Brian Brody.
