Sadie Mae

The Zoo Crew is firing up the airwaves for the Zoo Freaks with "Sadie Mae" by Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts, a rollicking track from their upcoming EP Troubled Paradise, set for release on October 16, 2025, via Gypsy Rose Records. This smitten, high-energy song, described by Maximum Volume Music, captures the band’s knack for blending punk-rock grit with catchy, heart-on-sleeve melodies. In a post on their Instagram, the band shared that the music video for "Sadie Mae," shot and edited by Alex Stiff at Suede Sound Studio, diverges from the cinematic mini-movies of their previous singles, opting for a raw, performance-driven visual that showcases their live energy. Fans on MelodicRock forums have speculated about a potential collaboration with Butch Walker, noting the song’s polished yet rebellious vibe reminiscent of Walker’s production style.

Further digging into the song’s story, Tuk Smith shared in a Punkinfocus interview that "Sadie Mae" is part of an EP designed to feel like a movie, with each track contributing to a larger narrative of chasing dreams and navigating heartbreak. The song’s lyrics, as noted on LHit, evoke a sense of longing and defiance, with Tuk’s vocal delivery carrying a raw, emotional edge that resonates with fans of classic rock and modern punk alike. A performance clip of "Sadie Mae" from a 2021 show at The Masquerade, posted on YouTube, highlights the band’s electric stage presence, with fans in the comments calling it a “future classic” for its infectious hooks and driving rhythm. The song’s inclusion on the Troubled Paradise EP, alongside tracks like “Runnin’ With The Wild Ones,” underscores its role as a pivotal piece in the band’s evolving sound.

Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts began with frontman Tuk Smith, a punk-rock maverick from rural Georgia, who formed the band after his tenure as the leader of Biters. Tuk’s journey in music started in the early 2000s, playing in various punk and rock outfits before Biters gained traction with their retro-infused rock ‘n’ roll, earning critical acclaim and a cult following. After Biters disbanded, Tuk launched his solo career and founded Gypsy Rose Records, assembling The Restless Hearts with seasoned musicians to create a sound that blends 70s glam, 80s punk, and modern rock. As Tuk shared in a Metal Planet Music interview, his goal was to craft music with substance, avoiding the “disposable” trends of today’s industry, which led to the formation of the band in Nashville, where they honed their raw, authentic sound.

The band’s early days were marked by relentless touring and a DIY ethos, with Tuk producing and writing much of their material. Their debut album, Looking for Something Special, released in 2020, introduced their high-octane style, but the Troubled Paradise EP marks a more cinematic and emotionally driven chapter, with "Sadie Mae" as a key highlight. Tuk’s experiences in the music industry, from near-stardom to setbacks, have shaped the band’s resilient spirit, as noted in a Devils Gate Music feature. Fans can keep up with the band’s latest moves through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour dates, including a November 2025 show opening for Danko Jones in London.

For Zoo Freaks eager to connect with the fanbase, communities like the Dokken/Lynch Mob Fans Facebook group occasionally discuss Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts, given their shared love for melodic hard rock, with fans posting about live shows and new releases. Additionally, MelodicRock serves as a fan hub where enthusiasts debate and celebrate the band’s output, including "Sadie Mae," often comparing it to the raw energy of 80s rock icons. While no dedicated fan websites exist solely for the band, these platforms provide a space for fans to share their passion for Tuk’s music and the infectious, heartfelt rock ‘n’ roll of The Restless Hearts.