The Red Clay Strays, a country-rock band hailing from Mobile, Alabama performed a sold-out show downtown at Raleigh's Red Hat Amphitheater, on a humid August night. The band, which consists of members, Brandon Coleman (lead vocals, guitar), Drew Nix (electric guitar, vocals, harmonica), Zach Rishel (electric guitar), Andrew Bishop (bass), John Hall (drums) and Sevans Henderson (keyboard and organ) began in succession of a former cover band under their new name around the year 2016. With their first self-release of their debut album Moments of Truth in 2022, the group didn't begin to make their monumental traction until a year later.
When one of their earlier live performances of "Wondering Why" on TikTok went viral, the band made strides in the music scene and eventually signed with RCA records. This hit became their first song to enter the Billboard Hot 100, and is still their most popular today. During this, they began touring larger American venues and embarking on their first European tour as well.
Since, the group has continued to gain traction with the release of their second album, Made by These Moments, in July of 2024, and was even featured in the Twisters soundtrack with their song, "Caddo County."
Opening up the night was solo act Wilder Woods. Bear Rineheart is the lead singer of rock band Needtobreathe and launched his solo endeavor in 2019. A difference to his earlier sound, this act produces a softer-rock and folk vibe.
It is said he draws inspiration from Bruce Springsteen and The Black Crowes, which is evident in their rich tones and rooted story-telling. The acts name is based off of Rineheart's two sons, which is telling to his family life, and he played an ode to them during his performance.
Rineheart was immediately able to capture the likeness of the crowd with his stage presence and talent. The crowd favorite was his addition of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, "Mary Jane's Last Dance," to the setlist which allowed everyone in the crowd to participate.
Wilder Woods by @ashleyymck
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Despite a couple of technical difficulties from the speakers at the start of the show, the band was able to laugh it off and recover with an incredible, soulful show. Hailing from their roots of a country-rock genre (which lead singer, Brandon believes they fall closer to the latter), The Red Clay Strays would have blown the roof off, that is if we weren't already outside.
This sold-out crowd produced numbers I had never seen inside this venue. Crowds congregated from the pit, all the way back to the lawn. Filling every seat, aisle, and anything in between. Those that couldn't secure tickets watching from outside the gate, on every level of the parking decks, and even from the balcony's of the surrounding apartments to catch an earful of their Ramblin'.
The energy that The Red Clay Strays produce in their performance is unmatched, with comparison aesthetic-wise to Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and The Allman Brothers. Seeing them live feels almost like you've been transported through a Time Machine and into a universe where everyone is immensely talented. The show is explosive, powerful, and full of southern charm.
With a packed setlist and encore full of more than four songs, the performance blended the perfect amount of new and old to keep up the momentum all night. Performing their crowd favorites of "Wondering Why," "Ramblin,'" and "Wanna be Loved" the crowd threw themselves into every beat.
Regardless of age, musical knowledge, or background, everyone can find joy in The Red Clay Strays. The band is teeming with an utter love and passion for the music they create, which is something you don't always see in this day. The song introductions recalling the lead singer's struggles and backstory to the band make the shows even more intimate. If you're looking for a band that is all grit, perfectly humble, and just as real as the rest of us... The Red Clay Strays are surely the one for you.
The Red Clay Strays by @ashleyymck
See The Red Clay Strays Live
