Rising country star Willow Avalon is continuing her breakthrough momentum with the announcement of her new album, Pink Pocket Pistol, set for release on June 26 via Atlantic Records imprint Atlantic Outpost and Assemble Sound.

Alongside the album announcement, Avalon has released her latest single, Cardinal Sin, featuring six-time Grammy winner Jason Isbell. The new track offers fans another preview of what to expect from the forthcoming project and marks a major collaboration for the fast-rising singer-songwriter.

Speaking about the song, Avalon described Cardinal Sin as one of her most cherished creations to date.

“It’s one of my favorite songs on the record and it’s one of my favorites that I’ve ever written,” she said. “Having Jason on it was icing on the cake; I’ve loved him for forever. I have four Jason Isbell CDs in my car, another 400 in my house, and I have driven around for the last five years harmonizing with his voice and thinking how insane it would be to sing with him. I'm still so honored that it happened.”

Avalon says Pink Pocket Pistol will showcase a fresh sonic direction while staying true to the sharp storytelling that has helped define her sound so far.

“Pink Pocket Pistol is a mix of the lyricism and sassy storylines I’ve continuously written, with more darkness, mystery and a ’60s country feel,” Avalon explained. “I went in with an idea in my head, and we walked out a week later with it fully executed. Every single person in the room was on the exact same page. It felt wonderful hearing the record out of speakers after really intensive, hard work exactly what I heard in my head.”

The upcoming release also includes her previously released single Easy On The Eyes and follows Avalon’s debut album, Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell, which arrived in January 2025 and quickly established her as one of country music’s most exciting emerging talents.

The debut project earned widespread acclaim, with Taste of Country and Whiskey Riff both naming it among the best country albums of 2025. Whiskey Riff praised Avalon’s artistry, writing: “Willow is a star, with talent in spades, and who has a long future ahead of her for her pure talent and songwriting savvy that, together, make a lethal combination that puts her in a league of her own.”

Avalon’s rise has continued at pace ever since, with the Georgia native making her debut at the legendary Grand Ole Opry last year before being selected as part of the venue’s 2026 NextStage artist class.

Following sold-out tours around the world, Avalon is set for a busy summer festival season that includes her official debut at Stagecoach Festival, after making a surprise appearance during Zach Bryan’s headline set at the event last year.

Originally from Georgia and now based in Nashville, Avalon’s musical roots run deep. Raised by her mother and grandmother in a small Southern town, she learned piano in church before teaching herself guitar at age 12, turning to songwriting as a form of escape and self-expression.

Her growing profile has led to performances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, CBS Mornings, and the Grand Ole Opry, along with appearances at major festivals including Stagecoach, C2C, CMA Fest and Lollapalooza.

Avalon has also shared stages with an impressive list of artists including Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Zach Bryan, Cage the Elephant, Paul Cauthen and Charles Wesley Godwin.

With sold-out headline tours across North America, Europe and Australia, plus hundreds of millions of social media views, Willow Avalon is quickly carving out her place as one of modern country music’s most distinctive new storytellers.

Having Jason on it was icing on the cake; I’ve loved him for forever. I have four Jason Isbell CDs in my car, another 400 in my house, and I have driven around for the last five years harmonizing with his voice and thinking how insane it would be to sing with him. I'm still so honored that it happened.

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and chief editor of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.