RICK MONROE AND THE HITMEN

Rick Monroe and the Hitmen begin a powerful new chapter with the release of their hard-hitting single “.45,” taken from their upcoming album Southern Tea Bags. The track marks the first official release on their newly launched label, Asylum 1212 Records, created in partnership with TLG/Virgin Music Group and distributed through Virgin Music Group.

Produced by Brandon Britton and Rick Monroe and The Hitmen, “.45” delivers everything fans have come to expect—raw energy, grit, and groove—with an even sharper edge.

“.45” isn’t your polished pop-country fare—it’s a six-gun soul-stomper, kicking off with a snarling guitar hook that feels like revving a ‘72 Chevy under a blood-orange sunset. Monroe’s gravelly drawl cuts through like a switchblade. Backed by The Hitmen’s rhythm section—think thunderous drums and wailing solos—it’s got that addictive, foot-stomping groove that demands to be cranked.

STREAM “.45”: https://ffm.to/rmth-45

The launch of Asylum 1212 Records marks a bold step forward for Rick Monroe and the Hitmen as they expand their creative control and global reach.

Monroe shares, “This new label, association and single are an exciting new milestone for our band and ability to expand our music worldwide. We look forward to this new energy and creativity bringing our unique sound to as many listeners, viewers, streamers and music aficionados as will have us!”

The Band has also launched a new Exclusive VIP Fan List: https://fans.rickmonroe.com/vip-list

The birth of the Hitmen. For years Rick Monroe has been a solo artist hiring players as needed and doing the Nashville shuffle of interchangeable bands, but during covid everything changed. In 2020, Rick and the band, with Bobby Perkins & Alan Beeler, were set to have an amazing year starting off with a West Coast tour when the world shut down. Instead of everyone going their own way, they all stuck together and started streaming live shows from their basements, garages and living rooms. At the same time Rick and Alan Beeler started a standing Tuesday writing meeting which eventually became the bulk of their current album. Through some mutual friends, Rick met Malcolm Springer and they decided to track a few songs and see how it went. Once in the studio it was obvious that this was quickly becoming more of a band situation and when Malcolm brought Jason Bohl in, the sound finally came together. Rick joked one night about how the band was killing it and bam- someone said “The Hitmen”- and that was that.

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Rick Monroe and the Hitmen’s latest single, “Wounds” is a gritty, soul-stirring track that showcases the band’s ability to blend raw emotion with polished craftsmanship. Co-written by Jared Weeks (Saving Abel), Scott Wilson (Saving Abel), and Alan Beeler (RMHM), the song carries a weighty authenticity, likely born from the seasoned perspectives of its creators. The collaboration feels seamless with each contributor adding depth to a narrative that’s as much about scars as it is about resilience.

“Wounds” comes out of the gate strong, collecting seven adds on impact, earning the #3 MOST ADDED spot on the SMR Chart and the #6 MOST ADDED position on the Mediabase Activator Panel.

The real standout here is the guest feature from Billy Morrison, know for his work with Billy Idol and # 1 collab with Ozzy Osbourne “Crack Cocaine.” Morrison’s presence injects a jagged edge to the track, his signature style cutting through the mix with a snarling intensity that complements Monroe’s weathered vocals. It’s a pairing that works, balancing grit with a touch of rockstar swagger.

Behind the scenes, the production is elevated by Barry Pointer’s mixing and David Donnelly’s mastering. Donnelly, a Grammy-winning maestro whose resume boasts icons like Aerosmith, Motley Crue and Red Hot Chili Peppers, brings a pristine finish to “Wounds.” The sound is expansive yet intimate – every chord and lyric lands with clarity, a testament to his expertise (highlighted by his 61st Grammy win for Best Immersive Audio Album and two Latin Grammy nods).

“Wounds” isn’t just a song; it’s a sonic gut-punch that lingers. It’s the kind of track that feels equally at home in a dimly lit bar or blasting through a car stereo on an open road. Monroe and his crew, bolstered by this all-star line-up, have crafted something that doesn’t just play – it demands to be felt. If this is a preview of what’s to come, Rick Monroe and the Hitmen are carving out a lane worth watching.

STREAM “Wounds” at https://ffm.to/woundsrmhm

Upcoming Tour Dates:

May 23 @ Dirty Boots Augusta in Augusta, GA
May 24 @ Dirty Boots Augusta in Augusta, GA
May 30 @ Red Rock Saloon in Madison, WI
May 31 @ The Vault in Rockland, WI
June 6 @ Red Rock Saloon in Milwaukee, WI
June 7 @ Bristol Republic in Columbus, OH
June 8 @ Music City Bike Fest in Nashville, TN
June 12 @ Wild Goose Saloon in Parker, CO
June 13 @ Legends Pubhouse in Chickasha, OK
June 14 @ Rawk the River Festival in Tahlequah, OK
June 15 @ The Cotillion in Wichita, KS
June 18 @ The Majestic in Fort Smith, AR
June 19 @ Red Flag in St. Louis, MO
June 20 @ JD Legends in Franklin, OH
June 21 @ The Vinyl Lounge in Nashville, TN
June 22 @ Tooneys Music in Mccaysville, GA
July 12 @ The Cabin in Park City, UT
August 2 @ Uintah Basin in Celebration in Roosevelt, UT
August 4 @ The Knuckle Saloon in Sturgis, SD
August 6 @ The Knuckle Saloon in Sturgis, SD
August 7 @ Sturgis Ralley in Sturgis, SD
August 8 @ Sturgis Ralley in Sturgis, SD
August 9 @ Sturgis Bike Rally in Sturgis, SD
August 21 @ Bikes on 100 Block in Council Bluffs, IA