The Red Clay Strays are arguably the hottest new act on the scene when it comes to Americana and rock music, but despite their ripping electric guitars and rockabilly swagger, the Alabama band are often classified as country. Lead singer Brandon Coleman can’t seem to figure out why.
“I don’t think we’re country,” Coleman says (echoing the recent sentiments of Zach Bryan). “I love country music. That’s what I was raised on. If anything, we’re Americana. And it’s funny, because actual country music like Sturgill [Simpson] and Tyler Childers get lumped into Americana.”
Case in point, the Strays — who released Made by These Moments in July — are nominated for Vocal Group of the Year at Wednesday’s upcoming CMA Awards, alongside Lady A, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, and Zac Brown Band. “It’s all these different rhythms and genres coming together to form whatever sound it is we play now,” Coleman says. “I guess it’s country? But we’re kind of all over the place.”
On Friday, the Strays’ new concert album — Live at the Ryman — emphasizes the point that they’re a true rock & roll band. The album was recorded over the group’s three-night run in September at Nashville’s famous auditorium.
“I’m still on cloud nine,” Coleman says of those shows. “I don’t know if it’s some kind of cosmic answer to it all or whatever — the history of [the Ryman], inside of the place and backstage — but it just feels good in there.”
Live at the Ryman is a mix of fire-and-brimstone vocals and swampy blues-rock that also serves as a testament to the band’s reputation as a must-see live act.
“When we decided to do this thing, we made a leap of faith and trust in God,” says Coleman, who’s never shied away from talking about the group’s religious faith. “We didn’t really know what was going to become of it. [This] success is a blessing from God and we don’t take it lightly.”
Onstage, however, it’s all about the music. On the day RS chatted with Coleman, the Strays were about to perform at the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion on the Virginia/Tennessee state line. When they took the stage at Bristol, and at the Ryman, it was as if Lynyrd Skynyrd were backing 1950s Elvis Presley, but with more snarling edge in tone and intent.
“So what do you have to say about saints?/They’re no better than the one they say the world taints,” Coleman roars in “Disaster,” a highlight of Live at the Ryman. “If you’re looking for a prophet, I’ll tell ya I ain’t/But I know when it’s gonna rain.”
“We try to put on a good show and just want to be an inspiration for people,” Coleman says, citing the band’s commitment to putting in the hours — onstage, in the studio, and in the writing room.
“You don’t lean against a shovel and pray for a hole,” he says. “You’re going to have to do the work.”
The Red Clay Strays’ Live at the Ryman is out now. The 2024 CMA Awards air live on ABC on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 8 p.m. ET.
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