After Memphis: The Gritty Heart of Modern Heartland Rock
After Memphis is an American rock band known for its raw, soul-infused sound that bridges classic heartland rock with contemporary alternative edge. Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, the group achieved notable commercial success with their 2018 album River City Revival, which charted on the Billboard 200 and spawned a certified Gold single.
Early career
Formed in 2012, the band's founding members—vocalist/guitarist Jack Sawyer and drummer Leo Vance—began crafting songs in a rented warehouse space in the city's Over-the-Rhine district. Their self-released 2014 EP, Queen City Blues, caught the attention of regional college radio and led to a development deal with the independent label Rustbelt Records in 2015.
Breakthrough
The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of their sophomore album, River City Revival, on Rustbelt Records. The lead single, Steel and Neon, became a staple on rock radio formats, eventually earning a Gold certification in the United States and propelling the album to a peak position of 67 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Key tracks
Steel and Neon — This Gold-certified single defined their anthemic sound and became their first major radio hit.
Kings of the Rustbelt — A fan-favorite album track that encapsulates their blue-collar lyrical themes and driving guitar work.
Two Lane Highway — Featured in several major television series soundtracks, significantly broadening their audience.
Midwestern Skyline — A slower, soulful ballad that showcases the band's dynamic range and songwriting depth.
Burn It Down (feat. Lissie) — This 2021 collaboration brought a powerful female vocal dynamic to their established sound.
Following their breakthrough, After Memphis maintained a steady output, releasing Hard Luck Stories in 2021. They have collaborated with artists like singer-songwriter Lissie and shared stages with acts such as The Record Company and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, solidifying their place in the modern heartland rock scene.
Fans of the heartland rock genre will also appreciate the work of similar artists. The Record Company shares a similar foundation in blues-rock and raw, energetic production. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats delivers the same potent mix of soulful vocals and raucous, horn-driven rock. The War On Drugs explores a more atmospheric and expansive take on the American rock tradition. Black Keys exemplifies the gritty, minimalist blues-rock approach that also influences After Memphis.
The music of After Memphis is a regular feature on classic rock FM stations seeking a modern edge, as well as on alternative rock radio stations and dedicated online rock radio streams. Their anthemic singles and deeper album cuts receive consistent airplay across a spectrum of independent music radio stations that champion guitar-driven rock.
Listeners can discover the authentic heartland rock of After Memphis through the radio stations featured on onairium.com. Tune in to hear their catalog, from the breakthrough hit Steel and Neon to their latest album tracks, playing on rock stations across our network.
