About Memphis Kee

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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.”

2024 has already seen Steamboat MusicFest and will soon include headlining shows at BBQ Austin, getting things started again for Jason Boland and the Stragglers, then the bands first national tour headed threough 11 cities in 10 states. The boys hit the studio in late Febuary to record two singles at the famed Yellow Dog Studios to create magic once again with producer, Adam Odor. Stay tuned!

Reviews and Featured Playlists

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Memphis Kee's album Wimberly was reviewed by Saving Country Music receiving a very positive "1 1/2 Guns Up".
Saving Country Music

Memphis Kee's song Anabelle off the new album Wimberly was added to Saving Country Music's top 25 playlist #107 on 10/28/2022.
Saving Country Music

The bands first album Wimberly was reviewed by Alternative Root.
The Alternative Root

Memphis Kee earned the #18 spot on Swedish Country Music blog In The Circle's "Best Albums of 2022".
In The Circle

The Amp reviewed Memphis Kee's first full-length album Wimberly.
The Amp

Memphis Kee's cover of the Ryan Adams song Come Pick Me Up is currently on the Farce The Music "Reboot" Spotify playlist.
Farce The Music

The band played the single Anabelle from the new album Wimberly on the Fox 7 Good Day Austin's music segment, the first full band to do so since returning from the pandemic.
Good Morning Austin

Come Pick Me Up, the only cover on Memphis Kee's new album is currently featured on the BMI Texas Ten playlist.
BMI Texas Ten

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Accolades

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