Redd

When Redd performs live, expect to see upright bass, mandolin, and guitar. Redd also typically dresses semi-professional with folk-fashion inspiration--unless the occasion requires formal. Redd offers an eclectic sound of Americana Folk while telling ill fated dad jokes in between tunings.

The band typically performs for three hours with a break--or two, depending--in between. They've performed so long together now that their pee schedules have synced up.

Americana Folk Band from Knoxville, TN

If Janis Joplin and Norah Jones had a baby–that would be the sound of Redd–coupled with sounds from the Tennessee hills.

Redd formed in early 2021 in Knoxville, Tennessee, amidst the pandemic, and have been going strong ever since. In 2021 alone, Redd performed roughly 200 shows. During this time, Redd Daugherty participated on Season 19 of American Idol under her government name Christina Daugherty, and she placed top 40.

The band formed when bassist Will Ross met Redd Daugherty at the Union Place Chris Marshall Open Mic and Jam.

To quote Will, “[Redd] had a sweet, disarming voice that melted the crowd.”

Redd had similar feelings: “I was initially intimidated by Will’s playing, because I thought he was too good to play with me, but we melted our sounds together like butter once we started playing. And then gigging became a breeze.”

Redd and Will were a duo for most of 2021, and their band name was that–lackluster and uncreative–“Redd & Will”–it’s okay, you can laugh. Due to the pandemic and most bars and coffee shops being closed due to safety, Redd and Will got their start with busking on the streets of downtown Knoxville, primarily on Gay Street and Market Square.

When asked about Redd’s singing style, she says, “It took me a few good months to really understand how to sing in an open, outdoor space. I used to sing like a bird–quiet, chirp like–and no one could really hear me unless I was in front of a mic. But once Will took me busking over the summer months, I really learned how to sing with my abdomen. I also took some singing lessons from Cayce Stoops, and that was game changing. I didn’t know I could access a growl or rasp safely until I dove into practice.”

But, Redd and Will knew something was missing from their duo, and that was Gavin Gregg. Gavin’s mandolin play style fills up gaps that Will and Redd struggled to fill during live performances, and he adds complexity where it’s lacking.

Gavin says, “It felt immediately right when I hopped in to join them. We weren’t even able to have a practice together for the first gig.”

Gavin and Will both came from Big Country’s Empty Bottle as well as different bands and projects before forming Redd.

So, what’s on the horizon for Redd, the band?

2022 holds great opportunities. Redd will be in the studio composing their first collaborative album, and they hope to tour in different states and areas–of course dependent on COVID safety and restrictions. They’re excited to bring joy to listeners, meet new people, and grow their audience.

Redd provides their own PA and all equipment unless the venue is larger or requires different equipment. During typical events and gigs, the band uses a PA, bass amp, and two vocal microphones--one for Redd (lead vocals) and one for Gavin (harmonies). The band is flexible based on venue needs.