Released in 2024 as part of The Red Clay Strays’ album Moment of Truth, I’m Still Fine quickly gained traction on streaming platforms, climbing into the top 50 of the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. The song was written by frontman Brandon Coleman, alongside Nashville-based songwriter Ben Haggerty, and produced by Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb, known for his work with Chris Stapleton and Sturgill Simpson.
The track tells a story of resilience in the face of heartbreak. Through evocative lyrics and a soulful delivery, I’m Still Fine captures the emotional struggle of moving on while maintaining a facade of strength. Its success can be attributed to the band’s authentic Southern sound combined with modern storytelling, which appeals to both traditional and contemporary audiences. It’s a rather sad song and, as said by Brandon himself in their tiny desk concert it was written during the covid pandemic. Since I have a thing for sad songs it feels just about right for it to have made its way into this series.
History of The Red Clay Strays
The Red Clay Strays formed in Mobile, Alabama, in 2016. Maybe that’s the reason it reminds me of Alabama Shakes? The group consists of Brandon Coleman (vocals/guitar), Drew Nix (guitar/vocals), Zach Rishel (guitar), Andrew Bishop (bass), and John Hall (drums). Drawing inspiration from Southern rock legends like Lynyrd Skynyrd, outlaw country icons like Waylon Jennings, and soul greats like Otis Redding, the band developed a distinctive sound that blends old-school vibes with modern storytelling.
Their breakthrough came with their debut album, Moment of Truth, which gained attention for its authenticity and raw energy. Known for their dynamic live performances, The Red Clay Strays have since toured extensively across the United States, sharing stages with artists like Marcus King and Blackberry Smoke.
3. Talk Nerdy to Me
Musically, I’m Still Fine is a masterclass in blending classic and modern elements. Here’s a deeper look into the song’s structure and composition:
- Key Signature: The song is written in the key of B minor, giving it a somber and introspective tone that perfectly matches the lyrical content.
- Chord Progression: It follows a classic vi-IV-I-V progression (Bm-G-D-A), a popular choice in emotionally charged songs due to its natural tension and resolution.
- Rhythmic Groove: The syncopated rhythm in the verses adds a subtle blues influence, creating a laid-back but compelling groove.
- Dynamic Contrasts: The song uses dynamic contrasts between the quieter verses and the soaring chorus, highlighting the emotional highs and lows.
- Slide Guitar Magic: The use of slide guitar, reminiscent of Derek Trucks, adds a haunting, Southern gothic feel to the track.
These musical elements combine to create a song that is both technically impressive and emotionally engaging, appealing to musicians and casual listeners alike.
4. More from The Red Clay Strays
If you enjoyed I’m Still Fine – ignore all other links and music you plan to hear and head to their tiny desk concert right now – here are a few more tracks from The Red Clay Strays that showcase their versatility and talent:
- Wanna Be Loved – A gritty, blues-rock anthem about isolation and inner battles.
- NPR’s tiny desk concert – my favorite edition of 2025 so far. just. Listen
- Devil In My Ear
The Red Clay Strays continue to impress with their ability to fuse multiple genres into a cohesive, authentic sound. Their music is a testament to the enduring power of Southern rock, country, and soul in today’s music landscape. This band reinds me of Alabama Shakes and it’s the last addition tomy playlists provided by the greatest music project on earth: The NPR’s Tiny desk concert.
