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Photo by Sean Hagwell

Emerging Nashville singer Troy Akers (aka Bandit Heart) has released an emotional new single "Drive."

The track, which is inspired by "what ifs" in life, follows Bandit Heart's previous singles "Diamond" and "Don't Let Me Go," which were recently featured on Grey's Anatomy and Pretty Little Liars, respectively. 

Explaining the song's inspiration, Akers recalls being at dinner with a friend last summer. "I left my number for the server who was taking care of us. I drove home and thought about the potential," he says. "About what it would be like if someone let you take them home. She never text me, by the way. In some way, this song is about that—but I think, beyond it, it's all about the risk of abandonment when you decide to love someone. You'll drive with them all night. No matter the destination."

"Drive" is officially out on Friday (Aug. 25), but Variance is offering an early listen today. Hear it below.