Respected, beloved and fiercely independent, Sturgill Simpson is set to make his highly anticipated return to music this year with the release of the forthcoming full-length album, “Passage Du Desir,” under a new name, Johnny Blue Skies. The eight-song album was produced by Johnny Blue Skies and David Ferguson and recorded at Clement House Recording Studio in Nashville, TN and Abbey Road Studios in London, England.

Simpson and his band—Kevin Black (bass), Robbie Crowell (keys), Laur Joamets(guitar) and Miles Miller (drums)—will also make their long-awaited return tothe road this fall with the Why Not? Tour. Simpson’s first full tour in over four years, the extensive headline run includes stops at L.A.’s The Greek Theatre, Washington State’s The Gorge Amphitheatre, Lexington’s Rupp Arena, Chicago’s Salt Shed (two nights), Queens’ Forest Hills Stadium and Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena among many more.