Band Out of Mobile Alabama Carrying the Torch For the Next Generation of Rock n' Roll

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer 

If it hadn't been for a worldwide pandemic, the Red Clay Strays may have started their epic rise in the music world back in 2020. However, the band out of Mobile, Alabama who are professed Christians admit that the good Lord does everything according to His perfect will, with none of the members taking their most recent success for granted, which began to steamroll sometime in 2023.

Fast forward two years later, and the Red Clay Strays are one of the hottest bands in the country, playing to sold out audiences everywhere. Most of their current notoriety stems from a variety of factors including a strong online following, word of mouth, their single 'Wondering Why' blowing up on TikTok, the popularity of their second studio album 'Made By These Moments' (2024), and the 2025 ACM Award for 'Best New Group'. Safe to say the Red Clay Strays are on fire. 

Caught the Strays on their 'Get Right Tour' performing before a capacity crowd at the Amphitheatre aka 'the Amp' in St. Augustine, Florida (Aug 20) and there are only two words to describe their show, 'freakin' amazing'. Although I didn't get the chance to talk to all 4.7K plus concert goers, the dozens of fans I did chat with were from the Carolina's, Georgia, various parts of Florida, as well as a couple from Mississippi. Several added they've seen the band at least three times in 2025 alone.

Perhaps you're wondering what all the allure is about. While lead singer Brandon Coleman admits the band leans more towards straight ahead rock n' roll, the Red Clay Strays have been labeled, bluesy, folk, country, and gospel. Having dipped their toes in various music pools, it's evident their reach is wide ranging, attracting a fan base from 16 to 76.

Covering 20 numbers including a four song encore that felt much like a tent revival, the Red Clay Strays have developed into a really cool live band. With a video backdrop and two additional large screens either side of the stage, everyone in the amphitheater had an up close and personal experience with the band.

With 10 singles released since 2019, and only three receiving significant radio airplay, hardcore followers of the Red Clay Strays were able to sing along to every song throughout the two hour concert. They opened the show, wasting no time with the 'Wasting Time'. A couple songs later 'Ramblin' proved the Strays are definitely steeped in southern rock.

The lone time Coleman surrendered the mike is when guitarist Drew Nix who is one of the band's principle songwriters sings lead on 'Between the Lines', a song about wondering what happens when a relationship ends and not everyone understands what went wrong. We've all been there.

'Drowning' and 'Devil In My Ear' off their current release are hard driving guitar songs dealing with emotional issues, such as overcoming the battles we face in life like loneliness, depression, and hopelessness. The band followed with 'Sunshine' which provides a more positive message.

'Wondering Why' off their first album 'Moment of Truth' continues to be their highest charting single (#10 US Rock), and an overall crowd favorite. The band played the song just past the midway point with Coleman adding they usually saved it for the finale, so concert goers wouldn't leave right after. However with their recent push, they feel comfortable offering up the song early, knowing fans will stay until the the final guitar lick and drum kick. He wasn't wrong.

Before exiting the stage the band closed with 'On My Knees' which was an awesome segue to the four song encore. Upon their return Coleman stated that not everyone in the crowd may hold the same Christians beliefs the band members do, adding while they don't get overly preachy, the Red Clay Strays sing songs that mean something to them, and they make no apologies for it.

Resounding applause and amen from the crowd echoed Coleman's remarks with the guys offering up 'Will the Lord Remember Me' and 'God Does' before closing the show with the more soulful 'Wanna Be Loved', leaving the sold out crowd with 'No One Else Like Me'.

One of the more humbling yet amusing stories Coleman offered up is when the band first played the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. It was 2021 and they had the honor to open for country superstars Alabama (only fitting). Coleman recalled they rolled into town, an unknown band with very little money and had to sleep on their bus in the parking lot. He added, they've come a long way. Oh, but by the grace of God!

While critics like to label Coleman as the next generation's young Elvis Presley or Johnny Cash, aside from his look and unbridled energy he doesn't get the comparisons. Coleman has his own distinct voice, and the band have their own distinct sound. Are they a tad country? Yes. Are they a tad blues? Yes. Are they every bit southern rock n' roll? Hell yes! 

Why are the Red Clay Strays so popular today? Maybe they've been blessed by a higher power, and that's a faith train that would be hard for anyone to derail. Truth is the Red Clay Strays are one of a few bands welcoming the return of grass roots rock n' roll, and the revitalization of southern rock with a hint of blues.

If they continue on the path they are currently on, these guys will be around for a long long time. With fans following them and attending multiple shows, it's safe to say they just might be the southern rock version of the Grateful Dead or Phish. Catch these guys if you can get a ticket. If you can't, make sure to listen to their music. It's refreshing.

Side note: If you're ever in St. Augustine and one of your favorite bands or artists are playing the amphitheatre then I encourage you to go. At just under 5K seats, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre aka 'the Amp' is voted the number two amphitheatre in the country, coming in second to the Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach, Alabama which just happens to be one hour southeast of Mobile, home of the Red Clay Strays, and a venue the band played three sold out shows earlier this summer.

South Carolina low country fans can catch them when they perform Friday October 10th as part of Darius Rucker's  annual Riverfront Roundup. For more on their tour schedule overall visit https://www.redclaystrays.com/tour

Want more reason to love the Red Clay Strays. Their Get Right Project is partnering with Fandiem, a fundraising platform that activates the power of the fan community to impact positive change. Together they are offering fans a chance to win a custom signed guitar from the band, with proceeds benefitting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Penelope House, helping to save lives and provide critical support for those impacted by suicide and domestic violence. To donate visit https://fandiem.com/sweeps/win-a-red-clay-strays-custom-signed-gibson-guitar?