The Potters Hand: The Grit and Soul of Modern Blues Rock

The Potters Hand is a dynamic blues rock band from Memphis, Tennessee, known for their raw, soul-infused sound and electrifying live performances. The group achieved mainstream recognition with their 2018 album Riverbed Revival, which debuted at number 12 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart and spawned several radio hits.

Early career

The band was formed in 2012 by lead vocalist and guitarist Elijah Vance and drummer Marcus Cole, who met while studying music at the University of Memphis. Drawing from the city's rich musical heritage, they honed their craft in local juke joints before self-releasing their debut EP, Clay & Dust, in 2014. This independent release caught the attention of regional label Delta Sound Records, which signed the band and released their first full-length album, Testify, in 2016.

Breakthrough

The Potters Hand's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with their sophomore album, Riverbed Revival. Released on the mid-sized independent label Riffstone Records, the album's lead single gained rapid traction on rock radio. Riverbed Revival was eventually certified Gold in the United States, selling over 500,000 copies and establishing the band as a formidable force in the contemporary rock scene.

Key tracks

Burning Willow — This gritty, slide-guitar driven single became the band's first Top 10 hit on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

Testify — The title track from their debut album remains a fan-favorite and a staple of their high-energy live set.

Riverbed Revival — The anthemic title track showcased their evolved songwriting and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance.

Clay Heart — A soulful ballad highlighting Elijah Vance's powerful vocals and the band's dynamic range.

Memphis Line — This collaboration with legendary session musician Lester "Bones" Jones paid direct homage to their city's storied musical legacy.

Following their breakthrough, The Potters Hand toured extensively, sharing stages with major acts and performing at festivals like Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits. Their third studio album, 2021's Iron Bell, debuted at number 8 on the Billboard 200, proving their commercial consistency. The band has since engaged in notable collaborations, including co-writing sessions with Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb and a featured performance on blues artist Ruthie Foster's 2023 album.

Fans of The Potters Hand's authentic blend of blues and rock also enjoy the work of similar American artists. The Black Keys share a foundational love for raw, garage-blues energy. Gary Clark Jr parallels their mastery of modern guitar-driven blues and soul. Grace Potter delivers a comparable powerhouse vocal performance within a rock context. Rival Sons matches their commitment to vintage rock sound with contemporary production.

The music of The Potters Hand maintains strong rotation across a variety of radio formats featured on this website. Their hits are regularly played on mainstream rock FM stations, while their deeper album cuts find a home on independent music radio stations and dedicated online blues rock streams. This widespread airplay underscores their broad appeal within the rock genre.

Listeners can discover the powerful blues rock of The Potters Hand through the radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to hear their certified Gold tracks and latest releases featured across our curated network of rock and alternative radio stations.