THE STORY 

Original Appalachian blues-rock, built on brotherhood.

Anthony Childress is an original Appalachian blues-rock band from Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia, the Birthplace of Country Music. Singer-songwriter Anthony Childress moved to Bristol in 2019 and joined a circle of musicians who had known one another most of their lives; by around 2020 they were a band. Founded in real life moments, and presented in its own unique way, Anthony calls the sound “introspective Appalachian blues-funk-rock-alternative.” 

Their catalog starts with the March 2022 single “My Great Escape”, which was followed by The Lodge Sessions, a live demo released later in July 2022. Their first studio album, The Beginning, was released in April 2024. “Go Outside” and “Hey Momma (December 31)” were singles released in October 2024 and May 2025, respectively. In April 2026, they released their new live demo iteration, The Lodge Sessions 2. With a new focus on creating, they released a studio-single, “Until Then”, in September 2026, with an intention and schedule to release more music in the near future. Anthony is also featured on Dave Eggar’s “O Christmas Tree”, as heard on the Terrifier 3 soundtrack. He also co-wrote, and is featured on, Jamie Collins’ song “I’m Sorry”. 

On stage, the band has played Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion three years running: 2024, 2025, and the festival’s 25th anniversary in 2026. They have performed on many other notable stages, including: Bristol’s Border Bash, Johnson City’s Blue Plum Festival, Bristol Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Bristol Motor Speedway, Capone’s, Beech Mountain, Ballad Health Center for the Performing Arts, LUMAC Rooftop Bar, and the WDVX Blue Plate Special. They also had a years-long Monday residency at Cascade Draft House. 

The bond between the members is what sets them apart. They are longtime friends, who also serve their communities through other projects: Anthony performs with The Dimestore Cowboys in addition to serving at Mountain View Community Church with Darrell Harmon, James Bowman plays with the gospel group Chris Holder and the Journey Home, and Chris Guffey serves in multiple capacities with The Well in Johnson City. Their closeness and service carries into their live show, and it’s why audiences and venues keep bringing them back. “I think it ultimately comes down to people, community, and relationships,” Anthony says.