The Steel Woods are a country rock band from Nashville, Tennessee, that combines elements of southern rock, bluegrass, Americana, and blues. The band was formed in 2016 by Wes Bayliss and Jason "Rowdy" Cope, who met through their mutual friend and business partner Derek Stanley. Bayliss is the lead singer and multi-instrumentalist, while Cope was the lead guitarist, songwriter, and co-producer until his death in 2021. The band's current lineup also includes Johnny Stanton on bass, Tyler Powers on guitar, and Isaac Senty on drums.
The Steel Woods have released four albums to date: Straw in the Wind (2017), Old News (2019), All of Your Stones (2021), and On Your Time (2023). Their music is influenced by legends such as Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Led Zeppelin, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, and features original songs as well as covers of classics by Tom Petty, Merle Haggard, Black Sabbath, and others. The band has also collaborated with artists such as Gregg Allman, Amanda Shires, Brent Cobb, and Warren Haynes.
The Steel Woods are known for their authentic and soulful sound, as well as their energetic and passionate live performances. They have toured extensively across the US and the UK, supporting acts such as Cody Johnson, Cody Jinks, Whiskey Myers, Blackberry Smoke, Miranda Lambert, and Dwight Yoakam. They have also played at festivals such as Stagecoach, CMA Fest, and Outlaw Music Festival. The band has received critical acclaim from outlets such as Rolling Stone, Billboard, and American Songwriter, and has earned a loyal fanbase of rock and country lovers.
The Steel Woods are one of the best rock bands of our time, delivering bluesy, countrified, hard-rocking tunes with a dark edge and plenty of face-melting attitude. They are a band that honors the roots of their genre, while also pushing the boundaries and creating their own unique sound. They are a band that makes you feel like you are in the heart of Dixie, with their catchy hooks, soaring vocals, and groovy rhythms.