Red Clay Strays Ignite Railbird Festival 2025 with Southern Soul

The Red Clay Strays stormed the Burl stage at Railbird Festival in Lexington, Kentucky, on May 31, 2025, with a swagger that felt like a summer revival. Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, this quintet, led by Brandon Coleman’s gravelly voice, turned the Red Mile infield into a juke joint. Formed in 2016, the band—Coleman (born February 14, 1992), Drew Nix, Zach Rishel, Matthew Coleman, and John Hall—blends Southern rock, soul, and country into a sound that’s raw and electrifying. Their set was a firestorm, leaving the crowd buzzing under the Bluegrass sky.

Career and Band Affiliations

The Red Clay Strays gained traction with their 2022 debut, Moment of Truth, but their 2024 album, Made by These Moments, propelled them to festival headliner status. The core lineup—Brandon Coleman (vocals), Drew Nix (guitar), Zach Rishel (guitar), Matthew Coleman (drums), and John Hall (bass)—has stayed tight, with no major side projects noted. They’ve toured with acts like Dierks Bentley and Elle King, and their Railbird duet with Shaboozey on “Wanna Be Loved” sparked cheers. No TV or film roles dot their resume, but their music’s been featured in indie films like The Last Stop. In 2025, they won an Americana Music Award for Group of the Year, cementing their rise.

Biggest Songs

• “Wondering Why” – Written by Brandon Coleman and Dan Couch, a soulful plea that’s a streaming hit.
• “No Way to Know” – Penned by Coleman and Nix, it’s a gritty anthem of uncertainty.
• “Wanna Be Loved” – Co-written by Coleman and Matt Nolan, a heartfelt ballad with crossover appeal.

Railbird Performance

The Strays opened with “No Way to Know,” Coleman’s voice cutting through the humid air like a preacher’s call. The crowd roared, and as they transitioned to “Wondering Why,” fans sang every word, swaying in the evening heat. Their energy was relentless, with Rishel’s guitar riffs and Hall’s bass driving “Devil in My Ear.” However, a brief stage lighting glitch dimmed the mood during “Drowning,” but the band powered through, unfazed. They paid homage to their roots with a cover of Otis Redding’s “Sittin’ On the Dock of the Bay,” then closed with “Wanna Be Loved,” joined by Shaboozey for a soul-stirring finale. For 70 minutes, they owned the stage, blending grit and grace.

Controversies and Connections

The Red Clay Strays have stayed clear of major scandals, though their outspoken faith has sparked minor online debates. Some critics argue their lyrics lean too preachy, but fans embrace their sincerity. Brandon Coleman’s friendship with Chris Stapleton has fueled rumors of a future collaboration, though nothing’s confirmed. No public romances have made headlines, and the band keeps their personal lives low-key. Yet, their rapid rise has drawn scrutiny from purists who question their genre-blending sound. At Railbird, though, they silenced doubters with a set that felt like a Southern sermon.

Final Notes

As the last notes faded, the crowd lingered, chanting for an encore that never came due to festival timing. The Red Clay Strays left an indelible mark, their performance a blend of heart and hustle. Photos of Coleman’s sweat-soaked grin and the band’s tight interplay are already viral, capturing a night that felt like a lightning strike in Lexington.

Related Posts

• 

  Joe Nichols Delivers a Masterclass in Country Soul at Brown County Music Center
  Joe Nichols Delivers a Masterclass in Country Soul at Brown County Music Center
• 

  Chris Janson at Brown County Music Center
  Chris Janson at Brown County Music Center
• 

  Fall lineup at Brown County Music Center in Nashville, Ind., features Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Marty Stuart, Joe Nichols and more
  Fall lineup at Brown County Music Center in Nashville, Ind., features Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Marty Stuart, Joe Nichols and more
• 

  SARA EVANS Holiday Road Tour comes to Brown County Music Center
  SARA EVANS Holiday Road Tour comes to Brown County Music Center

You must be logged in to post a comment Login