Canadian roots-rock band The Sheepdogs are gearing up to release their eighth studio album, Keep Out Of The Storm, set to arrive on February 27, 2026, via their own imprint, Right On Records. Bassist and band manager Ryan Gullen describes the record as setting the tone for a new chapter in the band’s journey. “These new songs feel like they set the tone for the next chapter of the band. There’s something special about discovering an album as you make it—and in the case of a full-length album, you get the space to stretch out, find the groove, and watch it all come together as a whole,” he explained.
This album also marks a notable lineup shift: it is the first record since founding drummer Sam Corbett departed earlier this year to focus on his family. Instead of filling the role with a single permanent drummer, The Sheepdogs brought in multiple musicians for the recording process. Contributors include Jordan Murphy, who previously played on the October single Nobody But You, as well as Trevor Falls, Adam Hindle, Steve Kiely, and Dani Nash. Gullen notes that collaborating with several drummers introduced “new colours and energy” to the sessions, while recording live in the room provided an immediacy and vitality to the sound.
Frontman Ewan Currie delves into the themes behind Keep Out Of The Storm, highlighting resilience and hope. “We are all trying to weather the storms in our lives, big or small, literal or figurative. That’s what living is: finding shelter, finding love, finding hope — and we find all of those in rock’n’roll,” he said. Despite the album’s somewhat somber title, Currie assures fans that it is far from gloomy. He describes it as “full of light and love and guitars that rip and sweet singing that moves you.” Listeners can expect to “dance, nod their head, [and] fall in love,” even as the record reflects life’s challenges. The album’s message is clear: storms may come, but the music offers sanctuary.
Pre-orders are now live, including special coloured vinyl and CD editions, available through the band’s official website. To mark the album’s release, The Sheepdogs will embark on a major tour, beginning with Canadian dates in March and April 2026, followed by a UK and European leg later in the year.
Reflecting on the band’s enduring career, Gullen says, “We’ve been a band for over 20 years, and pretty comfortable with who we are and how we do things. We’ve lasted this long by staying true to ourselves, doing things our way, and not chasing trends.” In an era dominated by fleeting content and moment-to-moment relevance, The Sheepdogs remain committed to one principle: music first.