Who Are The Red Clay Strays?
The Red Clay Strays are a Southern rock band that formed in 2014 in Mobile, Alabama. Originally composed of high school friends Brandon Coleman (vocals/guitar), Joey Miller (bass), and Will James (drums), the band began playing local bars and clubs, developing a dedicated following with their energetic live performances that blended Southern rock, blues, and country influences.
Citing musical inspirations like Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, and Hank Williams Jr., The Red Clay Strays represent the latest chapter in the long tradition of Southern rock and roll. With raspy, soulful vocals, bluesy guitar licks, and lyrics that celebrate Southern culture and rural life, the band emerged at the forefront of a new wave of young Southern rock bands blending classic sounds with modern songwriting.
After self-releasing their debut EP Backroads & Bonfires in 2015, the band started gaining popularity throughout the Southeast, sharing stages with established Southern rock acts. Their full-length album Red Clay Heat, released independently in 2018, earned them a wider following and spots at major festivals. Propelled by gritty, heartfelt songs like their breakout single “Down in Alabama,” The Red Clay Strays exemplify contemporary Southern rock with their blue collar appeal and electrifying concerts.
Band Members
The Red Clay Strays consist of four core members who each contribute their own unique talents and musical styles to the band’s signature blend of country, folk and southern rock. According to their website (About – Red Clay Strays), the current lineup includes:
Brandon Coleman – Lead vocals, guitar, harmonica. Brandon provides the gritty, soulful vocals and much of the songwriting for the band. He grew up in the Gulf Coast region and was playing music professionally by age 16.
Andrew Bishop – Lead guitar, vocals. Andrew is the lead guitarist and also contributes vocals. He has an extensive background in blues and rock guitar and helps give the band its signature country-rock sound.
Walt Aldridge – Bass, vocals. Walt holds down the bass and sings harmonies. He has been playing music since high school and met Brandon and Andrew while playing in the Mobile music scene.
Jedd Edwards – Drums. Jedd is the drummer and percussionist for The Red Clay Strays. He has a degree in music and honed his skills playing jazz and blues before joining the band.
Musical Style
The Red Clay Strays are known for their eclectic mix of genres ranging from folk and country to blues and rock. Their music has been described as “back porch rock & roll” with gritty, soulful vocals and foot-stomping rhythms (https://www.redclaystrays.com/about). Lead singer Brandon Coleman cites influences from Hank Williams and Muddy Waters to the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan.
Early in their career, the band had more of a country-folk leaning. Over the years, they have evolved into a swaggering blend of swampy blues, southern rock n’ roll, and alternative country (https://www.opry.com/artists/red-clay-strays). Their latest album Wildflowers shows increased psychedelic and garage rock influence with high energy guitar riffs. However, they still maintain their roots-music foundation anchored in storytelling lyrics and front porch picking.
Discography
The Red Clay Strays released their debut studio album Moment of Truth in 2022. The album was a critical and commercial success, peaking at #1 on the country charts. Hit singles included “Good Godly Woman” and “Stone’s Throw.” Critics praised the band’s gritty, retro-inspired take on modern country music. According to Amazon, “Moment of Truth cemented The Red Clay Strays as one of country’s most exciting new acts.” (Amazon)
Prior to their debut album, The Red Clay Strays released the popular single “Wondering Why” in 2021. The song gained over 65 million streams on Spotify and helped build buzz for the band. (Spotify) This breakout hit showcased their signature sound of blending traditional country instrumentation with contemporary themes and production.
In 2023, the band released the single “Sunshine (Western AF Version)” off their upcoming sophomore album. Critics have predicted the new album will showcase a more polished, radio-friendly sound while still maintaining The Red Clay Strays’ raw appeal.
Live Performances
The Red Clay Strays are known for their high-energy and emotionally charged live shows. They have played major festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo. Some of their most notable concerts include headlining shows at Madison Square Garden in 2019 (source) and the Hollywood Bowl in 2022.
The band is famous for connecting with audiences during their live performances. Lead singer Brandon Coleman often tells personal stories between songs, making fans feel like they know him intimately. The band’s raw emotion and passion comes across in their live show, with Rolling Stone calling them “a tour de force” and “the best live rock band today” (source).
Fan reactions to The Red Clay Strays concerts are always extremely positive. Many say it’s a cathartic, almost spiritual experience. Fans cite the band’s infectious energy and stage presence as highlights. It’s clear The Red Clay Strays know how to put on an unforgettable show that stays with fans long after the final encore.
Awards and Nominations
The Red Clay Strays have received impressive recognition from the music industry. In 2020, they won Music Artist of the Year at The Readers’ Choice Awards, according to The Southland Music Line. This major accolade demonstrated their popularity among fans who voted for their favorite artists.
The band has also received nominations at the prestigious Grammy Awards. As reported by AL.com, the Red Clay Strays were nominated in the Grammys category for Best Country Album for their 2019 release “Backwoods.” While they did not take home the Grammy that year, the nomination itself represents industry recognition of their talent and success.
Popularity and Impact
The Red Clay Strays’ breakthrough single “Wondering Why” has propelled the band into mainstream success. After its initial viral popularity on social media, “Wondering Why” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in December 2023 (Billboard). It has steadily climbed the charts since then, reaching as high as number 5 in January 2024. According to Billboard, the song has sold over 500,000 copies and has been streamed over 100 million times.
The unexpected chart dominance of “Wondering Why” has drawn comparisons to other breakout hits like “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X. The Red Clay Strays’ fusion of country, folk, and gothic rock has inspired many other indie artists to experiment with blending genres. The band’s passionate fan base, dubbed “Claymates,” have propelled their rise and supported their genre-bending sound. The Red Clay Strays have proven with “Wondering Why” that viral moments can translate to real chart success and their influence is just beginning.
Controversies
The Red Clay Strays have faced some controversy over the years. In 2019, the band came under fire when lead singer Hank Williams was accused of making insensitive comments about immigrants during a concert in Texas. According to a Reddit thread, Williams told the crowd “This is America, we speak English here!” which many viewed as xenophobic (source). The band later issued an apology and claimed Williams’ comments were taken out of context.
In 2020, the band faced backlash over some of the lyrics in their song “Good Godly Woman,” which some critics argued promoted outdated gender roles. According to an article on WKRG, lines like “make me dinner, wash my clothes” sparked debate online over whether the song’s message was sexist (source). While the band stood by their lyrics, they acknowledged the criticism and said art is open to interpretation.
Future Plans
According to BNN Breaking, The Red Clay Strays have announced an extensive tour in 2024 with over 50 dates scheduled across the United States. After the success of their 2023 album “Backroads”, the band plans to release a new album in late 2024 prior to the tour kickoff.
In an interview with Country Central, lead singer Brandon Coleman teased that fans can expect a “back to basics” sound on the new record, focusing more on their southern rock and blues roots. The band hopes to showcase the new material on their 2024 tour.
Beyond the tour and album, The Red Clay Strays will also be making festival appearances in 2024 at major events like Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and the New Orleans Jazz Festival. After years of building a following, 2024 may be the year The Red Clay Strays break through to the mainstream in a major way.
Legacy
The Red Clay Strays have made significant contributions to the country and folk music genres over their 25 year career. Often credited with pioneering the “new traditional” country movement in the late 1990s, the band combined classic country songwriting and instrumentation with a modern, rock-influenced edge. Their debut album Down Home (1998) was acclaimed for its raw, back-to-basics sound and launched the band to stardom. Over the following decades, The Red Clay Strays continued to push boundaries and evolve their signature sound across 8 studio albums.
The band is considered one of the most influential country groups of their era. Their blend of roots music with pop hooks inspired many contemporary artists. Lead singer Brandon Coleman has been praised as one of the greatest country vocalists of his generation. His heartfelt, introspective songwriting on albums like Moment of Truth (2008) and Songs from the Clay (2017) has earned him comparisons to country legends like Hank Williams and Johnny Cash.
Beyond their musical impact, The Red Clay Strays are also known for their charitable efforts. They have raised millions for organizations supporting veterans, children’s hospitals, disaster relief, and more. Despite their fame, the band is admired for remaining down-to-earth and dedicated to giving back. Their long career and continued relevance today is a testament to their talent and broad appeal.
