Memphis Kee

Formed in 2020, Austin-based Memphis Kee draws on the influence of songwriters like Hayes Carll, Robert Earl Keen and Evan Felker (Turnpike Troubadours) to spark visceral, relatable reactions from listeners. Since the release of their debut EP ‘6th & Jacinto,’ Memphis Kee have been making a name for themselves on the live circuit with their propulsive performances in which they pull from a diverse catalog of raucous barroom country, classic stories of love and loss and even gritty old-school murder ballads. Memphis Kee keeps the crowd listening to every thoughtfully placed word sung over the groove of what they lovingly refer to as, “Shred Dirt” music - country rock that has been battered in the scarlet soil of the Red Dirt music scene pioneers (Jason Boland, Cody Canada, Reckless, Kelly, etc.) bookended by the blues and soul hued influences from Kee’s hometown of Memphis, TN. Band members include Memphis Kee (lead vocals, rhythm guitar); Spencer Carlson (lead guitar, vocals); Paul Pinon (drums); Joey Sisk (bass) and Jake Waylon (mandolin, keys, guitar, vocals). The release of their full length record, “Wimberley” marked a turning point for the band. Recorded over 6 days at the renowned Yellow Dog Studios, they teamed up with Grammy award winning producer, Adam Odor to create a record that ended up on many Best of the Year lists, in Texas, the United States, and internationally. Consisting of 9 originals and one cover, the record is a perfect collection of what Memphis Kee is about. They were joined by Texas music scene heavyweights, Mike Harmeier of Mike and The Moonpies and Cody Braun of Reckless Kelly and the results were the cover of Ryan Adams’ “Come Pick Me Up” bringing on accolades like being named the 13th Best Song of the Year by Country Music France. Media outlets such as Saving County Music, Whiskey Riff, and The Amp penned glowing words about the album, with Saving County Music placing it on their “Essential Albums List” for 2022 and saying, “Memphis Kee out of Austin is looking to revitalize that approach of taking the robust songwriting of guys like Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt, and applying it to music that’s just as much akin to grunge as country.” With Whiskey Riff stating that, “its only a matter of time before Memphis Kee is a household name.” 2023 is already shaping up to be another big year as they have some marquee names to share stages with and tours booked through Texas, Colorado, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Kentucky, and Illinois.