Singer-songwriter Rich Clark introduces listeners to the world of his independent music project Wayward Sparrow with the release of the new single, “Wayward Sparrow,” arriving April 10, 2026. This track will be the first glimpse into Clark’s forthcoming album, Devil By My Side, slated for release in June.
Self-described as a creator of “whiskey lamentations and hymns of the hopeless,” Wayward Sparrow embraces the power of stripped-down storytelling. Clark’s music leans heavily into deliberate sparsity, often relying on little more than voice, acoustic guitar, and raw atmosphere.
The single “Wayward Sparrow” stands out on the upcoming record as its most rhythmically driving track. Inspired by the desire to write a bluegrass-influenced song. In its narrative tradition, the lyrics tell the story of an innocent young girl who accidentally wanders down the wrong path – something of an age-old theme delivered through Clark’s reflective and understated style. Subtle vocal harmonies add texture and a touch of sonic “ear candy” while still keeping the storytelling front and center.
Despite lending its name to the entire project, the song’s connection to the title is mostly circumstantial. When it came time to name the project itself, Wayward Sparrow simply felt like the strongest and most fitting choice.
The single also embodies the project’s independent spirit. Each song on the forthcoming album Devil By My Side was self-recorded and self-produced by Clark. Early in his musical journey, he chose to invest his time learning the craft of recording and put his resources into the equipment needed to bring his songs to life on his own terms.
“I create music mostly for myself because I enjoy writing,” Clark says. “That said, I hope people connect with these songs as something made passionately and genuinely – something they want to return to and listen to again.”
Devil By My Side represents a long-held personal milestone for Clark. While he has made multiple Americana releases under different monikers, he never felt that the performances captured did the songs justice until now.
“Wayward Sparrow” will be available on all major streaming platforms on April 10, 2026. The full album Devil By My Side is scheduled for release on June 26, 2026.
