On her first new single of 2026, the Americana powerhouse hops effortlessly to unexpected notes and corners
Sierra Ferrell is back with her first new single of 2026, the sinewy “Trying to Love You.” Melding country, old time. and New Orleans jazz in her signature style, the Gabriel Kelly-produced track is a psychedelic lover’s journey that slinks in slow, building into an anthemic call that evokes Jefferson Airplane as much as traditional roots sounds. At the song’s core is Ferrell’s voice; powerful, emotive, hopping effortlessly to unexpected notes and corners. Watch the visualizer below.
“Trying to Love You” has become a staple on Ferrell’s Heavy Petal tour setlists of late, which will stop next in Dillon, Colorado, on Aug. 11, followed by her second sold-out appearance at Red Rocks Amphitheater. The Nashville-based artist has been on the road behind 2024’s Trail of Flowers, which took home four awards at the 2025 Grammys including Best American Roots Song for “American Dreaming,” Best Americana Performance for “American Dreaming,” and Best American Roots Performance for “Lighthouse,” in addition to being named Rolling Stone’s country album of the year. She also made her debut on Saturday Night Live, appearing as a guest of Mumford and Sons.
Ferrell, who is known for her circus-like stage shows that meld traditionalism, burlesque, and dreamy theatricality, sees herself as a through-line between the old and new genres of music that she loves equally. At one point, she was learning to rap, and has worked with both Diplo and Roc Nation. “I just want to bridge the gap,“ she told Rolling Stone. “Open people’s eyes to a different genre, so they take a rabbit hole experience from there.”
