Sha-La Music has announced the worldwide release of the new Mystic Highway Road Trip EP by US Roots Rocker DownTown Mystic, set for distribution via The Orchard/Sony Music on July 10, 2026. The EP will be available on all streaming services, with a release to US College Radio on July 21, promoted by Brandon Day/Tinderbox Music.
The Mystic Highway Road Trip EP contains six songs described as modern day rockers filled with positive vibes and energy. Tracks like 'Live' (featuring harpmeister Jerry Fierro) and 'Losing My Mind' (featuring guitar virtuoso Lance Doss) convey a message of hope in turbulent times. The EP features the same rhythm section as last year's Mystic Highway EP: drummer Steve Holley (Paul McCartney, Elton John) and bassist Paul Page (Ian Hunter, Dion). Also included is the previously unreleased unedited version of 'Somebody's Always Doin' Something 2 Somebody (Uncut Mix),' featuring keyboardist Jeff Levine on piano and B-3 organ.
The idea for the Road Trip release came from the critical acclaim of the Mystic Highway EP, as explained by DownTown Mystic writer/producer Robert Allen: 'There are so many talented reviewers out there who write with such cool insights that it blows my mind. I kept seeing reviews saying that Mystic Highway was a great soundtrack for a road trip, which I never thought about. It got me thinking, why not a summer road trip release?'
The EP was recorded at Shorefire Studios in W. Long Branch, NJ, with engineer Joe DeMaio also contributing guitar solos on 'Superstar' and 'Shadow Walk.' Mastering was handled by Leon Zervos (Crowded House, Maroon 5, Pink) at Studios 301 in Australia.
DownTown Mystic follows the success of the On E Street Remix EP, which featured E Street Band members Max Weinberg and Garry Tallent. That EP, released in April, comprised remixed songs from the 1980s recorded around the time of Bruce Springsteen's Born In The USA album. Robert Allen noted, 'Even though the remixes were of older material, the reviewers pointed out that I'm making rock music for today. Thanks to them, it seemed like the perfect time to segue from the past to the present and release some new rock'n'roll.'
DownTown Mystic has been on a roll with The Wish and Mystic Highway releases in 2025, continuing into 2026 with On E Street Remix and now Mystic Highway Road Trip. The artist is considered one of the top sync-licensed rock acts, with music featured in over 250 TV shows and films. The new EP showcases those talents. Listeners can hear the EP at this link, and view the videos for 'Superstar' at YouTube and 'Shadow Walk' at YouTube.
