“Rising stars of the UK Americana scene” – The List

“Delightful” – Blues Matters

“Brilliant Rootsy Vibes!” – BBC Bristol

The challenges of forming a band mean that most split up before they even leave the practise room. True Strays met in a sandpit when they were in playgroup and have seen many a great band fall by the wayside. But despite many previous band break ups and hard knocks, Joe James and James Cameron are using these personal experiences to fuel their latest endeavour with greater urgency and honesty than ever. Life’s too short to hide yourself and give up on your dreams. Based on friendship, honesty and hardwork, True Strays is the culmination of a life times ambition.

True Strays make sounds for an America that didn’t quite exist. Influenced by the blues of Willie Dixon, the calls for justice of Bob Dylan and Neil Young, the dirt of QOTSA and the sonic brilliance of Alabama Shakes. Not just brainless rockers, the music is concerned with zero hour contracts, the destruction of the National Health Service, climate chaos and the mental health epidemic. True Strays are using the rights and wrongs of the past to paint a brighter hope filled future. For Joe and James, writing songs and creating a sound that is believable, real and authentic is at the heart of what they do. Their shows, always melting barriers between audience and band, end in a riotous crowd singing hoedown.

True Strays have been the soundtrack for late night lock ins, pool party break ins, festival headline mayhem, Sofar Sessions, caleidhs, crowd surfing and Extinction Rebellion occupations.

From sand pit beginnings, the band have completed countless UK tours winning fans old and new, supported bands as diverse as My Baby and Elles Bailey, been jump started by Keith Allen, played by BBC Introducing and BBC Radio, played their first European dates, survived 70+ festival shows at prestigious festivals like Green Man, Boom Town, Larmer Tree and Shambala, been featured on the Spotify Nu-Blue playlist, and even curated their own venue for 5 years at the now legendary Fieldview Festival.