The Stews Prove that Rock Music Is In Good Hands
The Stews are proving that rock is in good hands and their latest single “Used To” is another reason to believe that. . Co-produced by Will Turpin of Collective Soul at his Real 2 Reel Studios in Atlanta, the track marks the band’s first studio release since their 2024 album Chicken Fight, ushering in a new chapter for the Atlanta-based four-piece.
Built around the tension between holding onto old habits and finding the courage to move forward, “Used To” captures the complicated feelings that come with change. Sitting on a mountain of uncertainty, the lyrics, sung by Preston Hall, “Why can′t I trust / Anything I used to say? / Did I mean it anyway?” capture that uncomfortable space between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming. Its upbeat drive contrasts with the weight of its subject matter, creating an anthemic release that’s equally suited for a much-needed moment of reflection.
Musically, The Stews lean into what they do best, which is gritty instrumentation and the kind of vitality that makes their music feel built for the stage. It’s a sound that feels familiar without being stagnant, allowing the band to maintain the dynamic rock identity that first earned them a following while continuing to sharpen their songwriting.
I had the chance to catch The Stews at Lollapalooza in 2024, and it’s been exciting to watch their growth since then. Seeing a band evolve from the stage to the studio makes a release like “Used To” all the more rewarding. There’s a noticeable confidence in the way they approach their sound, balancing the unfiltered spirit of their earlier work with a more refined sense of direction.
It’s an all-too familiar feeling that change can make you question your past, even when letting go of familiar habits feels nearly impossible. “Used To” embraces that contradiction without pretending there’s an easy answer. Instead, The Stews turn the uncertainty into something loud, infectious, and ultimately hopeful. If this single is any indication of what comes next, the band’s next chapter is shaping up to be worth following.
