Sometimes a song sneaks up on you. Other times, it practically writes itself the minute you read the news. That’s exactly what happened with No More Stickers — my latest bluegrass foot-stomper straight outta the hills of New Hampshire.
If you’ve been following the headlines, you’ve probably seen it: New Hampshire is ditching mandatory car inspections for most vehicles. To some folks, it’s a victory for personal freedom. To others, it’s a recipe for bald tires, rusty frames, and chaos on the backroads.
As a songwriter — especially one who’s spent plenty of time roaming those piney roads myself — I couldn’t resist turning that debate into a bluegrass banger.
A Song Born from the Granite State
I grabbed my fiddle and banjo and let the New Hampshire spirit lead the way. The result? A 100 BPM mountain jam with all the ingredients: rolling banjo, wailing fiddle, upright bass, and vocals with that unmistakable Yankee edge.
The lyrics pretty much tell the story as it unfolded:
"Out in Granite State, where the pine trees sway,
They’re tossin’ out inspections, startin’ New Year’s Day…"
Of course, I had to throw in the voices from both sides — the libertarians hollerin’ for freedom, the worried mechanics warning of busted ball joints, and even the car dealers wringing their hands over safety.
Recording the Track
For this one, I wanted it to sound raw, lively, and full of that back-porch energy. I laid down the melody and chords on mandolin first, then brought in a friend to tear it up on banjo. The fiddle part practically wrote itself — a little lonesome, a little playful, just like a New Hampshire backroad.
The upright bass keeps it steady, like the hum of tires on old country roads. I kept the mix simple, so the vocals, fiddle, and banjo all have room to shine — and that rural feel stays front and center.
A Song with a Wink
At its core, No More Stickers is a fun, fast bluegrass tune. But like a lot of folk music, it carries a little commentary under the surface — about freedom, safety, and the constant push and pull that makes New England what it is.
Whether you’re cheering the decision or nervously checking your brakes, this one’s for you. So kick up some dust, tap your foot, and maybe give your old sedan a once-over… just in case.
🎶 No more stickers, let the wheels spin free…
Listen to the track here: https://tinyurl.com/WhyNoMoreStickers
Thanks for listening — and as always, stay safe out there… potholes and all.
— Adam Sweet