One of my favorite record labels over the last 20+ years is Northampton, MA’s Signature Sounds. They were the first label to sign Josh Ritter, Mark Erelli (a member of Josh Ritter’s band), Peter Mulvey, Erin McKeown, Richard Shindell, Chris Smither, Amy Rigby, Lake Street Dive, Patty Larkin, Tracy Grammer, Jeffrey Foucault, Fred Eaglesmith, Mary Gauthier, Lori McKenna and a handful of others.

Their latest signing might be arguably their best. Big Richard is an explosive and provocative bluegrass quartet from Colorado. Their sophomore album Pet speaks to this current cultural moment in America while also allaying common fears of anxiety, security, comfort, romance and beyond.

The band’s lead single “It’s Gonna Fall/Old Daingerfield” is out today and Pet is released Feb. 6. If the first single is any indication, this quartet is going places and could be an under-the-radar outfit worth paying attention to in 2026.