Frontman Brandon Coleman leads the Alabama‐based band The Red Clay Strays and they’re currently riding one of their strongest waves ever. Their latest single “People Hatin’” was released in October 2025. The group is also nominated for Vocal Group of the Year at the 2025 CMA Awards, signaling their major-league ascent.
Who are Brandon Coleman and The Red Clay Strays?
Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, the band features Brandon Coleman on lead vocals and guitar, alongside Andrew Bishop (bass), Drew Nix (guitar/vocals/harmonica), John Hall (drums) and Zach Rishel (guitar). Their origin lies in sticky-barroom gigs throughout the Gulf Coast, before evolving into national tours and charting singles. Their sound fuses southern rock riffs, soulful crooning and a country spirit.
Key milestones & current updates
- Their 2022 single “Wondering Why” broke through after going viral, crossing over into rock and country charts.
- They signed with major label RCA Records in 2024 and released their second studio album Made by These Moments in July 2024.
- In October 2025 they dropped the single “People Hatin’”, which has been described as an emotionally charged commentary on division and animosity in society—and signals new creative directions.
- At the 2025 CMA Awards the Red Clay Strays secured a nomination for Vocal Group of the Year, marking a major industry recognition for a band that has resisted being boxed into one genre.
- Their touring footprint has expanded: sold-out arena dates, international legs in their “Get Right Tour” and headline performances at legacy venues demonstrate their rapid growth.
Brandon Coleman’s role
Coleman’s voice anchors the band: gritty yet soulful, comfortable with rock grit and country heart alike. In live settings he emphasizes the band’s refusal to be defined purely as a “country” act—preferring to call themselves simply a strong band with southern roots and wide musical leeway.
Why U.S. fans should care
For American audiences, the story here is compelling:
- A band from the deep South rising from regional barrooms to nationwide stages;
- A mix of musical styles that blurs genre lines—southern rock meets country attitude meets soul;
- Lyrics grounded in real life: work, faith, questioning, reconciliation.
- Their latest single “People Hatin’” arrives at a moment when conversation about division and empathy in America is especially resonant.
Quick facts at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Mobile, Alabama |
| Lead singer | Brandon Coleman |
| Breakout single | “Wondering Why” (2022) |
| Major label | RCA Records |
| Latest single | “People Hatin’” (Oct 2025) |
| Genre mix | Southern rock, country rock, blues-soul |
| Industry nod | Nomination for Vocal Group of the Year at 2025 CMA Awards |
What’s next
The Red Clay Strays are showing no signs of slowing down. With “People Hatin’” gaining traction, further singles are expected, along with expanded U.S. tour dates into 2026 and possible festival headline spots. For Brandon Coleman and the band, the moment is now: bridging genres, earning recognition and turning up the volume on their story.
Wrapping up
Brandon Coleman and The Red Clay Strays are no longer just emerging—they’re ascending. With charting singles, major label backing, sold-out tours and crossover appeal, they’ve firmly entered a new chapter in American music.
Stay tuned for what comes next, and drop a comment below with your favorite track or live moment from the band.