February 21, 2025 — “‘Do What You Want’ was a really fun song to write,” says Nashville’s hit-penning songwriter and independent artist Erin Enderlin. She’s talking about award-winning, female-forward sextet Sister Sadie’s new single, a country waltz that’s a sizable, yet characteristic change of pace from its predecessor, the bluegrass-tinged love song, “If I Don’t Have You.” “We’re all just tiny dots on a planet, spinning around a sun, in a gigantic galaxy for a tiny blip of time. When I zoom out and look at it that way, it makes the things I spend so much time worrying about seem pretty silly. This song is about keeping that perspective.”
Adds the group’s co-founder and reigning International Bluegrass Music Association Fiddle Player of the Year Deanie Richardson, “‘Do What You Want’ came from [Sister Sadie singer/guitarist] Dani Flowers, Erin and myself sitting around talking about life. How hard it can be; how we have so many expectations put on us, especially being women; how we are all divided. No matter what you do, someone is going to have something good or bad to say about it. So don’t worry about what everyone thinks: ‘Just Do What You Want.’”
“This was a very fun and somewhat therapeutic song to write,” she adds with a laugh. “Maddie Dalton, being the youngest in the band, was the perfect voice for this one.”
Indeed, bass player Dalton’s winsome soprano is the perfect vehicle for delivering“Do What You Want,” which punctuates two brief verses that outline those expectations with a cheerfully defiant chorus:
You’re damned if you do, you’re damned if you don’t
And you’ll never be happy if you don’t do what you want
And as far as I know you’ve only got one life to live
When you’re dead and buried six feet in the ground
Well, you won’t be worried like you’re worried now
So do it or don’t, you might as well do what you want
And while an appropriately loose-limbed accompaniment that enhances the group’s acoustic bluegrass instrumentation with honky tonk piano, electric guitar and drums is present right from the start, the proceedings get even more raucous on the final chorus — when, after a pointed bridge (They told me that music was a waste of time/But I’m not stuck in an office and hating my life), the entire ensemble cuts loose with a gang singalong final chorus.
“I absolutely love this song and I’m super happy I’m the one that got to sing it,” Dalton enthuses. “I relate to it, as I’m sure so many other people will, too. I’m just excited for the whole world to hear it!”
“Do What You Want“ is streaming in Dolby Atmos spatial audio on Apple Music, Amazon Music and TIDAL. Listen to it HERE.
About Sister Sadie
Sister Sadie is a groundbreaking, all-female bluegrass band that has become a force to be reckoned with in the genre and beyond. Formed serendipitously during a one-off jam session at Nashville’s legendary Station Inn, the group’s undeniable chemistry transformed a casual collaboration into a full-time powerhouse. Today, Sister Sadie is celebrated for their electrifying performances, stellar musicianship and the seamless blend of tradition and innovation they bring to bluegrass music.
The band is composed of six supremely talented musicians — that’s fiddle player Deanie Richardson named as IBMA’s Fiddle Player of the Year in 2024; SPBGMA’s 2024 Banjo Player of the Year Gena Britt (banjo/vocalist); 2024 IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year Jaelee Roberts (guitar); Dani Flowers (vocals and guitar); bassist Maddie Dalton, winner of one of IBMA’s Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year Awards in 2023; and mandolinist Rainy Miatke — each with a rich history of individual achievements that elevate the collective magic of Sister Sadie. Together, Sister Sadie has released three critically acclaimed albums. Their debut, Sister Sadie (2016), introduced their masterful musicianship to the world, while Sister Sadie II (2018) solidified their reputation as one of the leading acts in bluegrass. That release was a watershed moment, earning a GRAMMY nomination for “Best Bluegrass Album.”
The band has also claimed the IBMA Vocal Group of the Year award three times (2019-2021), highlighting their exceptional harmonies and innovative arrangements, as well as Entertainer of the Year in 2020.
In 2024, Sister Sadie released their long-awaited third release, No Fear, marking a triumphant return for Sadie, blending their bold artistry with the energy and resilience that have defined the group through the years. From “Diane,” a spirited country cover debuted at the IBMA Awards in 2023 to the chart-topping, Ashley McBryde-written “Willow,” No Fear has proven that Sister Sadie is stronger than ever, showcasing deep artistry and a fearless spirit that makes them a leading voice in bluegrass today — and ultimately presented the band with their second GRAMMY nomination, once again for “Best Bluegrass Album.”
Whether performing at the Grand Ole Opry, headlining major festivals or recording award-winning albums, Sister Sadie exemplifies the spirit of bluegrass while pushing its boundaries. Their commitment to storytelling, technical prowess and heartfelt performances ensures they remain at the forefront of the genre.