Redbud band brings a mix of folk genres to the Athens music scene. Redbud started in summer 2025 and is a three-piece band that creates and covers music in the indie folk genre.
The band was founded by Cooper Tussey, a senior studying education, who started in the music scene in the band Coyote, his former roommate. Tussey is featured as guitarist and lead singer.
In addition, the band’s members are lead electric guitarist Carter Sharp, and Cooper Titus on drums and backup vocals.
Sharp, a junior studying music production and the recording industry, joined Redbud after being in Athens for the summer. Tussey invited him to play, solidifying his spot in the band and creating their sound.
“Cooper asked me to come over and jam, and I had not had a chance to play guitar in a band setting before, and I’ve played guitar for a long time, so I was excited about that,” Sharp said. “It’s been a really fun opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and try some new stuff.”
The same energy and influences from each member to create a sound that Redbud calls their own. The band’s sound is reflected in their performances as well as their upcoming music.
Redbud’s sound combines a mix of alternative, folk and indie music. Redbud combines the genres into its own, calling it rustic indie folk. Tussey says how the band labels their sound.
“We made up a genre,” Tussey said. “It was rustic indie folk, that’s what we came up with. It’s kind of Americana and folk, but we try to make it a little bit more modern feel with a little bit brighter, and something that’s a little bit more modern, younger kids will like it.”
Redbud’s setlist consists of a mix of original songs and covers. Members said that they want to have a productive, creative process when it comes to writing.
Titus, a junior studying integrated social studies education, writes music mainly with Tussey. Titus said that the process of writing songs is different for each member, but it comes together well, especially with the song "Vixen."
“I feel like there are certain songs where you can definitely tell that the structure is the focal point,” Titus said. “Whether verse, chorus or verse pre-chorus, whatever. Even with 'Vixen', I feel like that’s a lot more flow. It’s not structured correct, or however you want to say that, but still it works.”
While Tussey said Titus has more of a focus on structure, he brings in the feeling of the song. With the two combined, members find a balance to make a patterned composition.
“The feelings, emotions and vibes are kind of where the authenticity comes from,” Tussey said. “It’s like we’re not writing about other people’s experiences. It’s definitely something that we go through or something we’re thinking about.”
The band hopes to release some new music soon after performing a mix of original songs. One of their upcoming shows, called Demo Derby, is an event at The Union where the band's music will be recorded live.
*Another upcoming performance will be on Oct. 10 at The Slab in Athens. Updates on performances and new music can be found on the band’s Instagram, @redbud_the_band.
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