Roo AOTD #39 The Red Clay Strays

By Daniel Karasek | March 13, 2025

All aboard the hype train for Bonnaroo 2025! Only 91 days until we are all on the Farm again, can you believe it? It’s coming up fast and we can’t wait to be dancing with all of you at Bonnaroo! Today’s Artist of the Day is the one and only Red Clay Strays. Learn more about the artist below. Don’t forget to check out all of our artist spotlights! Thank you for reading these posts!

Artist Biography

The Red Clay Strays are the embodiment of Southern soul, country rock, and raw, unfiltered energy. Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, the band came together in 2016, and since then, they’ve been crafting a sound that’s as steeped in Southern tradition as it is brimming with modern ambition. With Brandon Coleman leading the charge on vocals and guitar, Drew Nix on guitar and songwriting duties, Andrew Bishop on bass, John Hall on drums, and Zach Rishel also adding to the guitar work, they’ve become a force to be reckoned with in the Americana and country music scenes.

Their debut album, Moment of Truth (2022), was a testament to their songwriting prowess and versatility. The record captures their signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and rock-infused country, a style that immediately resonated with both critics and fans alike. It’s not just the music that strikes a chord; it’s the way they balance their roots with their aspirations, finding that perfect balance between authenticity and evolution. Tracks like “Wondering Why” shot to the top, spending a week at #1 on Spotify’s Viral 50 USA Playlist and securing a six-week run atop the Americana Singles chart, solidifying their place in the mainstream.

2024 saw the release of their sophomore album, Made by These Moments, produced by the legendary Dave Cobb. The album feels like a next chapter in their story, building on everything that made their debut so magnetic. The lead single “Wanna Be Loved” gives a glimpse of where they’re headed—bigger, bolder, and even more in tune with their expansive sound. This is the kind of album that doesn’t just tell stories, it invites you to live within them, to feel every beat and every line.

The Red Clay Strays aren’t just a band—they’re the living, breathing pulse of the modern Americana scene, carving out a space that’s all their own. With a relentless drive and an ever-growing fanbase, they’re not just made for this moment—they’re made for the long haul.