Thompson Newkirk proves once again that he’s more than just a Southern Rock guitarist; he’s a storyteller surfing the line between city grit and coastal soul. His new single, “Rebel Soul,” is an unfiltered, blues-infused Americana anthem built for road trips, bonfires, and anyone who refuses to conform. With its sun-faded guitar licks, whiskey-warm vocals, and uncompromising spirit, the track is a rallying cry for the misfits, wanderers, and wild-hearted souls who carve their own path.
“Rebel Soul” captures the perfect balance of Southern rock swagger and bluesy, beach-worn soul. Newkirk’s lifelong Fender chops shine through with rich, resonant tones that feel both gritty and sun-soaked. The production is unpolished in the best way – weathered amps, dusty grooves, and an outlaw edge that echoes like Chris Stapleton, Blackberry Smoke, and classic Tom Petty.
The track hums with vitality yet feels lived-in, as if it was born on a late-night jam session around a campfire after a long day chasing waves. It’s easy to imagine it blasting from open car windows on a coastal highway, which makes it the perfect lead single for the upcoming summer tour.
At its heart, “Rebel Soul” is about choosing authenticity over conformity. Newkirk explains, “This song is about knowing yourself and staying true to who you are and the reason that you are here. The sweat, the grit, and the hustle is what sets you apart and makes it worth it.”
The lyrics carry a quiet defiance, rejecting the pressure to fit in while celebrating the freedom that comes with self-acceptance. It’s a song for anyone who’s ever felt out of place in a world full of expectations – an anthem that says “don’t change who you are, change where you’re standing.”
“Rebel Soul” also sets the tone for Thompson Newkirk’s “What You Sippin’ On Tour,” a brewery-to-brewery summer road trip up and down the coast. Equal parts music and community, this tour is designed for good vibes, cold drinks, and long nights spent sharing stories with strangers-turned friends.
The tour promises to bring the same laid-back, coastal ambiance as the track itself. If “Rebel Soul” is any indication, audiences can expect a setlist full of groove-heavy, heart-on-the-sleeve Americana with just enough grit to make it unforgettable.
So what are you sippin’ on this summer? Whether it’s craft beer at one of Newkirk’s brewery stops or something cold in your backyard, this track is the ultimate companion for sunlit adventures and late-night soul-searching.
With “Rebel Soul,” Thompson Newkirk cements his place as one of Americana’s most compelling modern storytellers. It’s a song that feels as real and unfiltered as the man playing it, equal parts Southern rock grit and bluesy surf-side soul.
Perfect for Americana, Southern rock, and road trip playlists, “Rebel Soul” is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever chosen the road less traveled. And with the “What You Sippin’ On Tour” just kicking off, there’s no better time to catch Newkirk live, beer in hand, singing along to an anthem built for the free-spirited.

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