Teddy and the Rough Riders, led by the dynamic songwriting duo Jack Quiggins and Ryan Jennings, sprouted from Nashville’s alt-rock boom of the 2000s, a scene shaped by acts like Jack White and JEFF the Brotherhood.
With a sound honed on stages shared with The Raconteurs and Natural Child, the band has seamlessly blended their rock roots with Nashville’s deep country heritage, birthing a genre-bending, cosmic-Americana sound.
Their highly anticipated album Down Home—set to drop October 11th via Appalachia Record Co.—is a spirited testament to everything that made their 2022 self-titled LP a hit. It’s an electrifying cocktail of groovy country riffs and rock-infused swagger, earning praise from none other than Margo Price, who quipped that Teddy and the Rough Riders have the power to “unite the hippies and the cowboys, the bikers and the stoners.”
The first taste of Down Home comes with the release of their single “Catfish Summer,” a nostalgic, head-bobbing ode to the greatest summer of Jennings’ life. “Catfish Summer” takes us to Rockmart, Georgia, where Jennings spent weeks at his Uncle Bubba’s “hillbilly shack” by a catfish pond, far removed from his initial summer plans. Fishing, four-wheeling, swimming, and listening to his great uncle’s bluegrass band turned what could have been a childhood bummer into a high time.
This summer, Teddy and the Rough Riders are hitting the road hard, backing and opening for New West artist Emily Nenni across the U.S., Europe, and the U.K., with a spotlight showcase at Americanafest in September.
After a short run opening for Orville Peck, the band will embark on its own headlining U.S. tour from October through the end of 2024, celebrating its album release with special shows in Austin and Nashville.
Down Home is a natural evolution for the group, building on the strengths of their previous album while pushing boundaries. Sean Thompson’s fuzz guitar shines on tracks like “Bullet” and “Hippies,” where lyrics twist country conventions with playful, clever turns. The album also features modern melodies and layered backing vocals from Erin Rae and Emily Nenni, especially on the uplifting “Golden Light,” inspired by the hope of returning to music post-COVID.
Staying true to its title, Down Home roots itself in traditional country but brings some freak-flag energy to the table, too. “Catfish Summer” and “Mountain Girl” bring nostalgic, nature-driven vibes, while “Bird Has Flown” and the barn-burning “Fast Livin’” explore classic country with fresh energy. Get your pre-orders in now, and catch Teddy and The Rough Riders on the road if you can.
Pre-order Down Home by Teddy and The Rough Riders here.
Teddy and The Rough Riders: Bandcamp | Instagram | Official Website
Appalachia Record Co.: Bandcamp | Instagram | Official Website
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