SAN ANGELO, TX — In the heart of Oklahoma's vibrant Americana scene, few bands embody resilience and raw talent quite like The Damn Quails. What began as a casual weekly jam session in 2010 at The Deli in Norman has evolved into a staple of the Red Dirt and Americana genres, marked by heartfelt songwriting, relentless touring, and a fanbase so devoted they've earned the nickname "The Covey." Now, after a tumultuous journey of legal woes, a hiatus, and a powerful comeback, the band is set to deliver a special acoustic trio performance tomorrow night, reminding fans why their music continues to resonate across the heartland.
Fronted by songwriter and lead singer Bryon White, The Damn Quails first captured attention with their 2011 debut album, Down the Hatch. The record's lead single, "Fool’s Gold," propelled the group into heavy touring, introducing White's distinctive "Okie" style—blending folk-rock twang with introspective lyrics—to audiences nationwide. Joined by longtime members like bassist Caleb Shirtum, drummer Aaron Hernandez, and keyboardist Ian Clark, the band's early lineup also included co-founder Gabe Marshall and multi-instrumentalist Kevin "Haystack" Foster, creating a sound that drew from Oklahoma's rich musical heritage.
But success came with setbacks. Shortly after Down the Hatch's acclaim, the band faced a nightmare: their small record label imploded, sparking management disputes and years of legal battles. For a time, The Damn Quails couldn't even claim ownership of their music, name, or likeness. Undeterred, they hit the road harder than ever, building "The Covey" through sheer grit and live performances. "Night after night, the band made friends and fans across the country," as one account recalls, often without merchandise or new releases to sustain them.
The ordeal culminated in a 2015 settlement, freeing the band to crowdfund their sophomore effort, Out of the Birdcage, via a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised nearly $55,000. Produced by David Abeyta of Reckless Kelly and released on their own Swomp Fyst Records, the album symbolized liberation. Yet, the toll of endless touring weighed heavy, leading to an unexpected hiatus in June 2016. Apart from sporadic live shows, the Quails went quiet—until 2022, when White rallied the group for a burst of creativity.
Enter Clouding Up Your City, their third album and a testament to lessons learned over 13 years and "a million miles." Recorded in just four days under the production of former bandmate John Calvin Abney—a acclaimed solo artist and collaborator with fellow Oklahoman John Moreland—the album captures a live-in-the-room energy that's both fresh and urgent. Abney's touch lets White's gentle tenor shine over uncluttered arrangements, with contributions from musicians like drummer Giovanni Carnuccio III and Foster on bass.
The record veers from stomping country-rock anthems to tender ballads, exploring themes of lost love, road-weary reflections, personal demons, depression, and addiction. Standouts include the title track, "Mile By Mile," and "Punxsutawney Rambler" for their Okie folk twang; softer cuts like "Harm’s Way," "Golden Sands of Leyte," and "Peace In The Valley (King Of The Hill)" evoke Celtic folk influences. The closer, "Good Times?!," strips it all back with harmonies and introspection on missed connections.
Leading the charge was the single "Monsters," whose upbeat rootsy groove belies darker lyrics drawn from White's recurring dreams of being chased by torch-wielding villagers—a metaphor for his struggles. The accompanying video, directed by Scotty Galaxy for Riverman Productions, is a riot of humor: White sings into an axe, drives against surreal backdrops, and sets a salvaged piano ablaze in a "Viking funeral." Carnuccio III described the shoot as primal fun, culminating in tacos after a day of destruction. White called the track's banging intro "one of the coolest things I’ve ever managed to make a reality" with the band's help.
Bryon White fills us in how the idea behind the tune before the live rendition. of "Rattlesnakes (Through the Cotton)" from The Damn Quails' second album 'Out of the Birdcage.'
Critics have hailed Clouding Up Your City as a "heartland jewel," praising its nostalgic vividness and mix of styles. WMOT Roots Radio called it a "warm, rich record" full of small-town imagery, while Americana UK noted its live-audience appeal, predicting fans would sing along joyfully. Performances on outlets like WMOT's Finally Friday From Home, featuring "Monsters," "Peace In The Valley," "Someone Else's City," and "California Open Invitation," showcased the band's dynamic range.
Building on this renewed energy, The Damn Quails released a live album in 2024, recorded at Lubbock's iconic Blue Light venue. Titled Red Dirt, Blue Light LIVE, the 19-track record captures the band's electrifying stage presence and serves as their fourth full-length release.
With past troubles behind them, The Damn Quails are embracing the future. Tomorrow, July 31, they'll present a very special acoustic trio set at the Arc Light Bar & Grill inside the Clarion Hotel, starting at 9 p.m. It's a intimate nod to their jam-session roots, promising the smiles and stories that have defined their career. As White and company continue "making towns and putting smiles on faces," this Oklahoma outfit proves that true Americana spirit never truly fades—it just waits for the right moment to take flight. Advance tickets to the special unplugged performance by the Damn Quails are available in Stubwire.
The Dead Quails headman Byron White
Subscribe to the LIVE! Daily
Required
Post a comment to this article here: