At this year’s Country to Country (C2C) Festival in London, Wood Burnt Red made waves with their high-energy performances and heartfelt songs. But who exactly is this band, and what makes them so special? Based in the UK, Wood Burnt Red consists of five talented musicians: Tom Franklin, whose compelling vocals and guitar form the foundation of their sound; lead guitarist Rob Graney, whose solos leave audiences spellbound; drummer Ed Baldwin, providing rhythm and heartbeat; keyboardist Mike Mann, adding depth and texture; and bassist Russ Staples, grounding their music with a powerful groove.
A Journey Rooted in Friendship
Wood Burnt Red wasn’t just formed—it was destined. Vocalist and guitarist Tom Franklin, along with bassist Russ Staples, had been dreaming about starting a country band for years. As lifelong friends who share a passion for country music, the inspiration sparked during a visit to Long Road Festival, and the band officially came to life after a rousing session of “Countryoke” by Tom.
Reflecting on their beginnings, Russ credits Tom’s voice as a key catalyst: “I told him, ‘Your voice is made for this,’ and when he admitted he’d been thinking about it, that was the start of everything.”
The Meaning Behind the Name
The quirky name “Wood Burnt Red” stems from Tom’s obsession with barbecuing—a passion that the rest of the band playfully teases him about. For Tom, the name is a poetic nod to charcoal, representing his love of barbecues (he owns 6 and counting…) while keeping the title creative.
Breaking Stereotypes with Their Music
“Growing up, there was definitely a stigma around liking country music,” Tom explains. “It wasn’t the kind of thing that people celebrated—you’d get judged for it. But then you reach a point in your life where you stop trying to please everyone else and just embrace who you are.” That’s the spirit that defines their single “REDNECK”—a defiant embrace of individuality and self-expression.
The band describes the song as ripping off a metaphorical bandaid. It’s about throwing away societal expectations and fully stepping into your own truth, no matter how unconventional it may seem. The cathartic honesty of the lyrics resonates with listeners, many of whom share similar stories of finding themselves in unexpected genres or communities.
And who’s the most “redneck” in the band? The members are unanimous: “It’s got to be Thomas Franklin!” jokes Russ Staples, pointing to Tom’s extraordinary collection of barbecue grills. Tom, ever the good sport, embraces the label: “Yeah, I’ll take that!”
Unique Chemistry and Rock Influences
In a scene dominated by solo acts, Wood Burnt Red stands out as a close-knit band with undeniable chemistry. “We’re a family. No-one’s got what we’ve got on stage. We’ve known each other so long, we’ve got a long history of friendship.” says Tom. Their sound is shaped by Tom’s love for Southern Rock and storytellers like Blackberry Smoke, with a rockier edge that adds depth to the British country landscape. Keyboardist Mike Mann adds, “We want to rock too. We love country music, but we love to rock as well.”
Connecting with Audiences
Performing at C2C was a highlight for Wood Burnt Red, especially when fans sang their lyrics back to them. “It’s an incredible feeling to see people resonating with our music,” says Russ. The band also fondly recalls their pivotal performance at Buckle N Boots festival. “Buckle N Boots introduced us to the scene,” shares Tom. “We got to meet these amazing people, and they fully embraced us. It really felt like our first step into this wonderful world of UK country music.”
A Look at the Future
Their new single, “Drifting,” promises to be a fan favourite, offering something fresh while staying true to their signature sound. With upcoming festival appearances and plans for a nationwide tour, Wood Burnt Red has their sights set on even greater heights. “There are so many places that we want to play.” Tom reveals, “We’re looking forward to playing at many festivals this year and and we’d love to be able to do our own tour in the near future.“
From their memorable performances at Buckle N Boots and Black Deer Festival to their awe-inspiring sets at The Long Road and C2C, this band is just getting started. With charisma, talent, and a whole lot of barbecue-inspired passion, Wood Burnt Red is a name to watch in British country music. Keep an eye on their journey—you won’t want to miss a beat!
Wood Burnt Red
Wood Burnt Red is a name to watch in British country music. Keep an eye on their journey—you won’t want to miss a beat!
