Over the course of an incredibly jam packed week of music at Mile 0 Fest, we got to interview several phenomenal songwriters & performers in a low-key, personal space. Starting off our 4 part series is our interview with talented upcoming artist Blaine Bailey.
Bailey is member of the Keetoowah Tribe from Lost City, Oklahoma. His notoriety skyrocketed after his songwriting was featured on FX hit show Reservation Dogs, a show about Indigenous youth living on the rez. We covered Ken Pomeroy's similar tv debut [HERE!] Both artists appeared on this year's Mile 0 Fest lineup as their first Key West debut.
"It was a great experience," Bailey said when asked about his time at the fest. "I love being out here & playing for all these awesome fans."
The fans did show up & show out for Bailey. His Hank's Hair of the Dog Saloon set was standing room serious, crowding eager listeners to this very songwriter-driven stage. Bailey's physical presence is also note-worthy. There are some people who are so genuine & full of gratitude to be in a space with so much talent, & the Baileys illuminated that kind & endearing light.
When it comes to Bailey's songwriting, his influences are clearly distinguishable in that Red Dirt meets bluesy sound he's polishing.
"Evan Felker & John Fullbright are some of my inspirations," Bailey said. "There's a few but those are the main ones." Unfortunately Bailey didn't get to see Fullbright (who was also on the bill) at the festival, but assured that he & his wife had caught the Tulsa local several times-- something we're deeply guilty of, as well & so should you!
"Here recently I've been going more honky tonk, country style," Bailey said. "Back in the day I was doing- I guess you would say- rockish' Red Dirt style? I'm trying to find that good medium between the both of them, get my certain distinct sound."
One thing we noticed about Bailey right away was his bluegrass picking. When listening to some of his recorded work, you can hear a lot of electric guitar licks to toe-tapping steel guitar. But at this acoustic showcase, he took on more of a Zach Top meets Cody Canada approach.
"If you're watching me acoustic, I do a lot of country & a lot of bluegrass pickin'," Bailey said. "If I'm playing full band, I usually play a lot more electric guitar & do a lot more rock songs. It's just a good Red Dirt show."
Bailey did tell us that he has a lot of songs "locked & loaded" for studio time & release. So we'll be sure to keep a lookout on upcoming projects coming from this evolving artist.
While we interviewed Bailey, a rooster nested at the foot of the palm next to Bailey's wife & gently crowed (actually so respectful of this rooster, the other Key West roosters are ruthless in their screaming) in what I'd like to think was appreciation for Bailey's answers. His response to what is your favorite part of Key West was "the free range chickens."
We are really excited to see where this artist's all-around good attitude, descriptive songwriting, & wonderful support system (shout out to Kelly, we see you queen!) take him. Be sure to catch Blaine Bailey at any of his upcoming shows & show him some streaming love anywhere you play music.
See you tomorrow at NOON to hear from Ellis Bullard, Mile 0 Fest's new fashion icon.
*Not pictured, the rooster directly behind the Baileys.
