Simply powerful. With so much talent out there today, it’s hard to separate yourself from the rest of the pack. Nowadays, it seems like many artists are looking for a leg up over their peers, using everything from social media trends in an attempt to go viral to stirring up drama with fellow artists to get more ears on their music. While social media gimmicks might pay off in terms of short-term success, bands such as The Red Clay Strays are building something much different and ultimately much more important. Since their debut in 2022 with Moment of Truth, which contains the smash hit, “Wondering Why,” Red Clay has all but flown up the ranks in the alt. country scene. Between frontman Brandon Coleman’s killer vocals, the flawless blend of country and southern rock influences and the sheer musical talent present from each of the five members, the Alabama band has proven themselves as one of the best in the business over the past three years. However, their impact goes far beyond their quality music. While listening through their discography, it shouldn’t take too long to conclude that they’re creating art not for fame or fortune but instead to make an impact on the lives of their fans and listeners. With plenty of moving tracks about faith, mental health and even political division in the country, highlighted poignantly on their new release inspired by the assassination of Charlie Kirk, “People Hatin’,” it becomes increasingly clear that Red Clay is more concerned about the fact that their fans rely on their music as an escape and outlet for their own problems. During their recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Coleman recalled the most moving example of their music making a real-world impact on their fans to date. As Coleman noted, a woman emailed his management team to tell the harrowing moment she attempted to overdose on what he described as “a lot of pills.” Wanting to listen to music as she slowly let the effects of the overdose consume her, none other than “I’m Still Fine” came on. Hearing the song and its powerful message of redemption and perseverance, she would immediately break down in tears, call her sister and get rushed to the hospital before getting her life saved by the medical staff. “We had one lady who sent us an email saying she decided to off herself, take a lot of pills. And she wanted to ‘go to sleep’ listening to music. As she was waiting there, waiting to take the big nap, our song, ‘I’m Still Fine,’ came on, and it snapped her out of it a little bit. She started crying and immediately regretted it. She got up and called her sister and told her sister what she had just did. And they rushed her to the hospital and did whatever at the hospital for someone who takes a lot of pills at once. [They] saved her life pretty much.” Reflecting on reading the woman’s harrowing, vulnerable story, Coleman would note that accounts such as that are what truly make him and the rest of the band so hungry to pursue their careers in music. “It was so moving, and that’s what really makes it worth it for us, ’cause touring is a lot. Touring sucks a lot of the times. And if we were doing it just to be popular or to be famous or to be relevant, make money, I don’t think that’s enough to keep me going… What keeps us going is those stories and seeing how our music affects people and helps them in a positive way. That’s where we get our fulfillment from.” Hearing the powerful story, Rogan would ask Coleman why he thinks their music connects with broken people. Immediately, the frontman would boldly proclaim that it’s due to the entire band having their own set of issues and struggles they’ve overcome in the past: “A lot of it came from us not feeling good.” It’s not uncommon to see signs bearing something along the lines of “Your music saved me” at concerts. And while those are always powerful to see, nothing compares to hearing some of the harrowing journeys fans have shared with artists. In Red Clay’s case, it’s another testament of just how impactful their stellar work over the past three years have been on the likes of many. Watch the full podcast here: If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741. The Red Clay Strays Tour Dates October 23 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Vega Main October 24 – Hamburg, Germany – Fabrik October 26 – Cologne, Germany – Carlswerk Victoria October 27 – Zurich, Switzerland – X-Tra October 29 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Paradiso October 31 – Paris, France – Elysee Montmartre November 2 – Antwerp, Belgium – De Roma November 4 – Glasgow, UK – O2 Academy November 6 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Academy November 8 – London, UK – Hackney Church November 9 – London, UK – Roundhouse November 11 – Dublin, Ireland – National Stadium November 13 – Belfast, UK – Ulster Hall November 23 – United Central, FL – St. Pete Country Fest December 4-5 – Las Vegas, NV –The Theater at Virgin HotelsThe post Red Clay Strays Share Powerful Story Of Suicidal Fan Who Sought Medical Attention After Hearing One Of Their Songs first appeared on Whiskey Riff.