Chicken Grass: The Southern Rock Revivalists

Chicken Grass is a dynamic American southern rock band known for its gritty, blues-infused sound and high-energy live performances. Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, the group achieved mainstream recognition with their 2018 album Gravel & Grace, which debuted at number 12 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart and spawned several radio hits.

Early career

Formed in 2012 by frontman J.D. Clay and lead guitarist Mike "Sawyer" Evans, Chicken Grass built a loyal following through relentless touring across the Southeastern United States. Their self-released debut EP, Dustbowl Heart, arrived in 2014 and caught the attention of independent label Rustic Records, which signed the band the following year.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough came in 2018 with the release of their sophomore album, Gravel & Grace, on Rustic Records. The lead single, "Whiskey Bent," became a staple on rock radio, propelling the album to sell over 500,000 copies and earn a Gold certification from the RIAA.

Key tracks

Whiskey Bent — This charting single defined their signature blend of slide guitar and soulful vocals, becoming their first Top 10 hit on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

Gravel & Grace — The album's title track showcased their songwriting depth and earned critical praise for its storytelling.

Delta Smoke — A fan-favorite live track known for its extended blues-rock jam and Evans's searing guitar solos.

Long Haul — This 2021 collaboration with country-rock legend Lucinda Williams expanded their audience and demonstrated their cross-genre appeal.

Following their breakthrough, Chicken Grass solidified their status with 2021's Ironweed, which debuted at number 8 on the Rock Albums chart. They have since collaborated with artists like The Steeldrivers and shared stages with major acts, consistently praised for their authentic and energetic approach to the southern rock genre.

Fans of Chicken Grass often appreciate the raw, guitar-driven sound of The Steeldrivers, who share a similar foundation in bluegrass and blues. The storytelling swagger of Blackberry Smoke mirrors Chicken Grass's modern take on classic southern rock. The gritty vocal delivery and dual-guitar attack of Whiskey Myers aligns closely with their musical ethos. Listeners also find common ground with the anthemic rock of Zac Brown Band, particularly in their blend of country instrumentation with rock energy.

The music of Chicken Grass maintains a strong presence on radio, featured in regular rotation on classic rock FM stations, alternative rock radio stations, and dedicated online rock radio streams. Independent music radio stations across the South have championed the band since their early independent releases.

Listeners can discover the powerful southern rock of Chicken Grass through the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to stations available on onairium.com to hear their catalog of hits and deep cuts from across their career.