Imagine the pressure: You're about to perform live in front of a crowd, backing up artists you've likely never even met, playing songs you might only learn minutes before stepping on stage. That's the reality facing the Red Bull Jukebox House Band, and they're not just surviving – they're thriving!
This November 15th, Nashville's musical elite will once again converge for Red Bull Jukebox (https://www.redbull.com/us-en/events/red-bull-jukebox-nashville), and at the heart of it all is a trio of incredibly talented musicians: Miles McPherson, Kristen Rogers, and Kelby Ray. Miles, the Music Director and drummer, Kristen, a powerhouse background vocalist, and Kelby, a versatile multi-instrumentalist, are poised to electrify the evening, providing the backbone for every artist on the lineup. They're not just playing music; they're creating a sonic experience.
This year, they'll be jamming with Treaty Oak Revival, the headlining act (https://www.redbull.com/us-en/treaty-oak-revival-to-headline-red-bull-jukebox-nashville-2025), and supporting the winner of the songwriting competition. Plus, they'll be navigating the unpredictable twists and turns of the show alongside returning host Ward Guenther of Whiskey Jam fame (https://www.redbull.com/us-en/theredbulletin/whiskey-jam-nashville-country-music). But here's where it gets controversial... the audience gets to vote live on which songs they want to hear. This means our house band has to be ready to switch gears instantly, and even accommodate surprise guests who might jump on stage!
Collectively, these musicians boast an impressive resume, having played with industry giants like Post Malone, Reba McEntire, and Paramore. They frequently collaborate on tours and recording sessions, solidifying their status as the very best that Nashville has to offer. They represent the pinnacle of talent in a city already overflowing with musical brilliance.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Miles, Kristen, and Kelby to discuss the unique challenges they face as the Red Bull Jukebox House Band. Note: Interviews have been edited for clarity and brevity.
What’s your relationship to Nashville?
Miles McPherson: I’m a really rare find — a Nashville native. I’m primarily a session drummer. Think of me as a musical chameleon, adapting to different styles and artists.
Kristen Rogers: I moved here in 2006. I’m becoming one of the grumpy native types, haha!
Kelby, you’re a Nashville native, too. Where's the best Broadway bar to go listen to a set on a random Saturday night?
Kelby Ray: It all depends on what you’re looking for. There’s so many options! I’d probably go with Legends if I had to pick one. It's a classic for a reason.
Talk a little about Nashville house bands — they're usually the best of the best, right?
Miles McPherson: Without a doubt. Some of the most talented musicians out there are holding it down on Broadway every night. They're the unsung heroes of the Nashville music scene.
What, in your opinion, makes a really great house band?
Kristen Rogers: Flexibility, definitely first and foremost. As a house band, you almost never get to rehearse with the artist. You’re using a record or a live recording. You’re just going to hope the artist does it like that live. Little mistakes happen. You have to be so attentive in that moment, paying such care to see if there is a pivot at the last minute. Especially as a singer, I don’t know any artist that sings live like they do on their records. It's about anticipating the unexpected and being ready to adjust on the fly. It's like being a musical ninja!
What are you most looking forward to about Red Bull Jukebox?
Miles McPherson: I was so excited to call up Derek Wells, last year’s director. He was like, ‘I get to play guitar while you do all the managing? Absolutely!’ I’m so excited to have him back and work together again, he’s a great friend and player.
Kelby Ray: I’m looking forward to playing music with some great people and meeting new friends. I’m excited to have the guys from Whiskey Jam hosting. I love Ward. I haven’t played at Pinnacle yet, so I’m looking forward to that!
Kristen Rogers: There is a surprise I’m very excited about that I get to play a big role in accomplishing. I’m really excited to have so many friends in Nashville, and be with these players I respect so much. It's always a privilege to share the stage with such talent.
Tell us a little about preparing for such a unique show.
Miles McPherson: As Music Director, hours and hours of work and rehearsal have gone into prep beforehand. You really hope everything is set up to run smoothly before the event. We’ve rehearsed the set list, the crowd choice possibilities — all of it, so many times. On the night of, we’ll be part of it all onstage, and there will be a lot going on then, too. The stage manager will be in my ear, cueing me for artists as they come and go off stage. It’s a lot to manage, but we’re ready for the challenge. It's an incredible event. It's like conducting a musical orchestra while riding a rollercoaster!
What’s your musical goal when backing up an artist on stage?
Kristen Rogers: It's my goal to disappear. Of course, there are spaces where you’re not supposed to do that. But in this event, I’m not going to have that deep of a technical relationship with these voices because it’ll be my first time singing with each of them. I consider it respect to show up and really be there. The voice can be underestimated as an instrument. That’s a way to bring art to the table. That’s brave. It's about supporting the artist and enhancing their performance, not overshadowing them. It's a delicate balance.
Didn’t two of you recently work together on tour with Post Malone?
Miles McPherson: Kristen has been on the Post Malone tour, but I got flown in for one show to sub in on drums while she was on the other side of the world. We were in totally opposite places for that one! It was a cosmic near-miss!
You guys have personal and group projects as a team going on, right?
Kelby Ray: Right now, I’m doing as many sessions and in-town shows as I can, and promoting The Road! Check me and the guys out Sunday nights on CBS and on Paramount+!
Kristen Rogers: A fun thing about my job is I don’t ever really know what’s next. Everything comes at the last minute. I’m always looking forward to just continuing to enjoy what I’m doing. It's the thrill of the unknown that keeps me going!
So, what do you think? Is the ability to adapt and improvise the most crucial skill for a house band, or is there something else that sets the truly great ones apart? And how much should a house band try to 'disappear' versus adding their own unique flair? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
