The Red Clay Strays
Upcoming Event
All Events
About The Red Clay Strays
Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, The Red Clay Strays – Brandon Coleman (lead vocals, guitar), Drew Nix (guitar and vocals), Zach Rishel (guitar), Andrew Bishop (bass), John Hall (drums), bonded as young, working-class men raised on Lynyrd Skynyrd riffs. Anchored by Coleman, whose voice channels country gold and old-school rock ‘n’ roll soul, the Strays cut their teeth with gigs on sticky barroom floors. After meeting while touring with Elle King in 2023, Sevans Henderson, an Oklahoma native, joined the band on the road to play keys in February 2024.
With a sound straddling fiery Southern rock riffs, tender-hearted soul music, and tried-and-true country crooning, the Strays rose from backroad Gulf Coast gigs to become one of the most sought-after acts in country and rock circles. The band self-released their debut album, Moment of Truth, in 2022, featuring the breakout single, “Wondering Why,” which propelled the band into the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs Chart and inside the top 20 of the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart. The album also helped earn the band the win for ‘Emerging Artist of the Year’ at the 2024 Americana Honors & Awards.
The success of Moment of Truth led to the Strays inking a deal with RCA Records and enlisting Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb to produce their latest studio album, Made by These Moments. Cut at Cobb’s home studio in Savannah, Georgia, the album received universal acclaim upon release, marking the band’s first entry in the Billboard 200 and bowing in the top 10 of the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart and helping earn them their first CMA nomination for ‘Vocal Group Of The Year’ and a Billboard Music Award for ‘Top Country Group.’ The band celebrated the release of Made by These Moments with performances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, CBS Saturday Morning, and NPR’s Tiny Desk, in addition to taking the album on the road with their sold-out ‘These Moments Tour,’ bringing their magnetic live show across the globe, including a three-night headline debut at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, during which they recorded their first live album, Live At The Ryman.
The Red Clay Strays
Raised in the red dirt of South Alabama, The Red Clay Strays carry the spirit of Southern rock and country storytelling. The group — Brandon Coleman, Drew Nix, Zach Rishel, Andrew Bishop, John Hall, and Sevans Henderson — built their sound on gospel-tinged vocals, gritty guitar work, and a strong sense of place.1
Their major-label breakthrough, Made by These Moments, reached number 9 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and number 29 on the Billboard 200, showing their growing national reach.2 As their audience has expanded, so has their reputation as one of the most compelling new voices in country-rock.
Find The Red Clay Strays tickets at AXS to experience their powerful sound in person.
The Red Clay Strays' Background
The Red Clay Strays came together in Mobile, Alabama, united by shared influences and a love for Southern rock tradition.1 Frontman Brandon Coleman’s voice, equal parts country soul and rock ’n’ roll edge, quickly became the band’s anchor as they honed their craft across the Gulf Coast.
Their self-released debut album, Moment of Truth (2022), marked a turning point.1 The project introduced Wondering Why, which climbed into the top 10 of Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart and the top 20 of the Hot Country Songs chart.1 That momentum led to a deal with RCA Records and a collaboration with producer Dave Cobb on Made by These Moments.2
The Red Clay Strays' Awards
Industry recognition followed as the band’s profile grew, with honors spanning country and Americana circles. Their accolades reflect critical appreciation and commercial success.
- Academy of Country Music Awards – New Duo or Group of the Year (2025): The band received this award in acknowledgment of their breakthrough impact within country music.2
- Americana Music Honors & Awards – Emerging Artist of the Year (2024): The group earned this distinction following the success of Moment of Truth.2
- CMA Awards – Vocal Group of the Year Nomination (2024): The band secured its first CMA nomination, underscoring its expanding influence.2
The Red Clay Strays' Biggest Hits
The Red Clay Strays have built their catalog around songs that feel timeless and deeply personal. Their recordings blend Southern rock drive with reflective country songwriting.
- Moment of Truth (2022): The band’s debut album introduced Wondering Why, a breakout track that charted in the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs and top 20 on Hot Country Songs.1
- Made by These Moments (2024): Produced by Dave Cobb, the album debuted at number 9 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums and number 29 on the Billboard 200. It featured the song Moments and broadened their national presence.2
- Wondering Why (2023): The song gained viral momentum and became one of the defining tracks of the band’s early rise.1
See The Red Clay Strays Live
On stage, The Red Clay Strays bring a mix of raw energy and tight musicianship that reflects their Southern roots. Their performances feature soaring vocals, layered guitars, and a genuine connection with the crowd.
Find The Red Clay Strays tickets at AXS to experience their blend of rock and country live.