Andy Thomas has worked his way up the ranks as an electrifying guitarist across the United States and abroad, whether it’s fronting his own wild-n-out project The Trongone Band or being the six-string rocket fuel for the melodic muscle car that is acclaimed Americana act Yarn.

“It’s crazy when you set everything aside and put your mind to something,” Thomas says. “I’m a hard worker, and this album is a product of that.”

There’s a heaviness when you listen to Andy Thomas’ debut album, Highway Junkie. Not only from the swamp rock meets honkytonk melodies, but also the underlying themes and hard truths of this whirlwind journey of a singer-songwriter breaking into the next chapter of his promising career. Produced by fellow Virginia native and longtime friend Dave Schools, the legendary bassist for Widespread Panic, and captured at the renowned Spacebomb Studios, Thomas’ debut album, “Highway Junkie,” connects the dots of Thomas’ troubled past and hard-fought strength of self in the present—this juncture of fiery southern rock & roll and high-octane country blues.

“You just need to count the wins and be grateful,” Thomas says. “And this album is a token of gratitude—this is why I’m doing everything I’m doing.”

Intrepid Artists Int’l wants to congratulate All of the 2026 Blues Music Award Nominees! We especially want to recognize those we represent and send a Huge Congrats out to the Intrepid nominees listed below.

Annika Chambers
Soul Blues Female Artist

Carolyn Wonderland
Contemporary Blues Album – Truth Is
Contemporary Blues Female Artist

Chris Cain
Contemporary Blues Male Artist
Instrumentalist – Guitar

Curtis Salgado
Soul Blues Male Artist

Jimmy Carpenter
Instrumentalist – Horn

Joanna Connor
Instrumentalist – Guitar

John Németh & The Blue Dreamers
Band of the Year
Instrumentalist – Harmonica
Instrumentalist – Vocals
Soul Blues Male Artist

Mr. Sipp (Castro Coleman)
B.B. King Entertainer of the Year
Contemporary Blues Male Artist

Regi Oliver (Selwyn Birchwood)
Instrumentalist – Horn

Check out the official video for the new single “The Church of Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues” from Selwyn’s upcoming album.

Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers are an award winning Southern-fried blues rock band rooted in the South Georgia pines (Tifton area). Fronted by dynamic guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader Derrick Dove, the group fuses gritty blues, soulful grooves, classic rock energy, and authentic Southern spirit for high-octane, crowd-pleasing performances.

The band has topped iTunes blues charts with multiple #1 albums and singles, including their acclaimed releases Rough Time (2023). They’ve shared stages with icons such as ZZ Top, Blackberry Smoke, The Marshall Tucker Band, The Wallflowers, Jimmie Vaughan, and more, building a reputation for electrifying live shows that blend raw passion and powerhouse musicianship. With a new album on the horizon and unstoppable momentum, Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers continue to keep “Southern Fried Blues Rock” alive while rocking audiences worldwide.

 John Primer and Kenny Neal first met at Theresa’s Lounge on the south-side of Chicago in the mid 1970’s. At that time Kenny was the bass player for Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, and Phil Guy. John was in Junior Wells’ house band at Theresa’s Lounge playing guitar for Junior along with Sammy Lawhorn. Both John and Kenny’s blues foundations were built as students at Theresa’s—learning from Junior and other blues masters is their connection.

Over the years John and Kenny both steadily progressed in their careers—often running into each other at festivals and while on tour. The two are like family with a friendship spanning over 50 years. Finally joining forces to combine their talents and styles is very exciting! They want to show the world what they can do together.

SO LOOK OUT! HERE COMES BLUES ROYALTY!