Believer by Blue Cactus
Blue Cactus got their start among the active honky-tonk circuit of North Carolina, developing an electrified twang that now branches out effortlessly into folk, alt-country, and psychedelic-tinged rock. Blue Cactus has supported a diverse set of artists over its eight-year history (The War & Treaty, Town Mountain, and Steve Gunn, among others), Stewart’s introspective lyricism and Arnez’s skill for lush arrangements fueling the band’s potency in studio and on stage.
On their third full-length album Believer, the duo’s sound ascends to new heights with a collection of piercing songs penned and sung primarily by Stewart, her rich voice narrating explorations of chronic illness, ruptured dreams, and the potential of hope. Praised by No Depression for their ability to paint “beautiful pictures of limitless possibility” in roots music, the duo has drawn comparisons to Gillian Welch and Emmylou Harris. On Believer, Blue Cactus continues to showcase skillful and adventurous roots music with a deeply personal heart.
Tracklist
| 1. | This Kind of Rain | 3:48 |
| 2. | Resolution | 2:25 |
| 3. | Bite My Tongue | 3:30 |
| 4. | Take All Day | 3:25 |
| 5. | Believer | 5:21 |
| 6. | Kings | 3:07 |
| 7. | Counting the Days | 1:16 |
| 8. | Paper Cup | 3:33 |
| 9. | Gone | 4:36 |
Credits
Steph Stewart - lead vocals, harmony vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion (7)
Mario Arnez - harmony vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass (7)
Erin Rae - harmony vocals (2, 9)
Brit Taylor - harmony vocals (3)
Kate Rhudy - harmony vocals (1)
Whit Wright - pedal steel (1, 3, 9)
Russ Pahl - pedal steel (2, 4), electric guitar (2, 3, 4, 9)
Taylor Floreth - drums, percussion (2, 3, 4, 9)
Jonathan Beam - bass (2, 3, 4, 9)
Ryan Connors - keys (2, 3, 4, 9)
Saman Khoujinian - synthesizers, keys (5, 6, 8)
Joe Westerlund - drums, percussion (5, 6, 8)
Sinclair Palmer - bass (5, 6, 8), violin (8)
Gabe Anderson - drums, percussion (1)
Casey Toll - bass (1)
Rich Ruth - synthesizers (4)
Travis Vance - synth bass (4)
Joe MacPhail - keys (1)
Produced by Saman Khoujinian (1, 5, 6 ,8) , Whit Wright (2, 3, 4, 9), Mario Arnez and Steph Stewart
Written by Steph Stewart + Mario Arnez
Recorded at The Whitten Coop in Nashville, TN (2, 3, 4, 9) + Small Pond Farm Studio in Pittsboro, NC (1, 5, 6, ,8) with additional recording at the Treehouse
Engineered by Whit Wright + Saman Khoujinian with additional engineering by Mario Arnez
Mixed by Derek Garten (Taylor Swift) + Saman Khoujinian
Mastered by Carl Saff
Cover Art by: Mario Arnez + Gabe Anderson
Photos by: Steph Stewart
Released by Sleepy Cat Records
License
All rights reserved.
Blue Cactus got their start among the active honky-tonk circuit of North Carolina, developing an electrified twang that now branches out effortlessly into folk, alt-country, and psychedelic-tinged rock. The duo continues to showcase skillful and adventurous roots music with a deeply personal heart on BELIEVER, out April 25, 2025 via Sleepy Cat Records.