Pepsi 'Southern Original' - Raelyn Nelson Band

Each week, 95.3 The Bear and Pepsi will spotlight 'A Southern Original' featuring an up and coming country artist and delve into their music and history.

I figured the best way to start this feature off was with a rocking little country band from Nashville that has some of the most legendary roots in country music. Hopefully, with that comment you've figured out that Raelynn Nelson has a famous grandfather named Willie, or 'Papa Willie' as she lovingly refers to him.

Taking a page from Willie, Waylon, Cash, and Paycheck's unwritten "Outlaw Handbook," Raelyn Nelson Band are doing their own thing with an alt rock leaning, rowdy approach to country music. As a matter of fact it's hard to classify them either way so let's don't. Let's just call it music and move on.

My favorite track on their self-titled EP is a song called 'Get a Room', the last cut on the record. This one hits like the opening of 'I Fought the Law' but more like The Clash version than the original Bobby Fuller Four version. The driving drum beat sets the tone while the chang-a-lang strumming of the guitar helps to count the song into a rhythm awaiting the arrival of Raelyn's voice, innocent but commanding. The song sings of two lovers who need to "get a room before we get arrested."

Of course you'll not be able to miss 'Moon Song' which is Raelyn's chance to sing beside her very famous grandfather. Honestly the most country track, 'Moon Song' is like an upbeat, honky-tonk lullaby if that makes sense. Her sweet voice coupled with the steady strumming of her ukelele makes it the perfect soundtrack for Sunday morning coffee with the person you love.

Before leaving you two tracks to discover on your own, I'll close with a short review of Raelyn Nelson Band's first single, 'Do You.' It's a signature love song/party anthem if there has ever been such a thing. A bouncy ode to individuality and the prospect of love, the appeal of 'Do You' is the springy guitar riffs and anthemic chorus, cheering, "But I wanna be with you and I want you to want me to. Do you?"

All in all, I'm a fan. Raelyn Nelson Band have a musically adorable appeal and are smart in their placement of memorable riffs and lyrics.

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