Full Cord and Billy Strings collaborate on second single How a Muse Gets By.

Michigan music glides along as longtime friends Full Cord and Billy Strings release their second single, How a Muse Gets By on August 7, 2026. The track marks the second release from a special two-song 7-inch vinyl record set to debut at the Ionia Freak Fair on August 28.

Loping bluegrass rhythms with joyful, seductive lyrics and an ethereal-toned jam session are the ingredients for How a Muse Gets By. Songwriter Brian Oberlin lopes along on mandolin while guitarist Eric Langejans sings and offers his always solid rhythm. Also singing is fiddler Chase Potter who delivers one of the greatest fiddle solos recorded in 2026. Banjoist Max Allard and bassist Todd Kirchner keep the bounce going throughout the song while guitar wizard Billy Strings plays a sweet-toned solo in the jam session. This track would not have its sweetness without the magic touch of engineer Glenn Brown.

"How a Muse Gets By feat. Billy Strings, was first written and intended as an instrumental fiddle tune called Chasing the Nines, which is in honor to the great Johnny Gimble who would often improvise by using the nine as a pivot note. Soon after I wrote this melody, the lyrics arrived unannounced and definitely have a John Hartford style bounce.  The lyric content was first a challenge I put out to a couple of my song-writing friends. They didn't oblige so I tried my hand at the challenge; which is the question, What do Muses do when they are not Musing people? The answers are endless but in this case the moon, universe, Michigan beaches and a lovely lady are prevalent." - Brian Oberlin