Carrying on the strong west coast tradition of creating authentic country and western music with a sharp edge, the San Francisco based band Red Meat is dedicated to keeping honky tonk music fresh and alive. Formed in a garage in the Mission District in 1993, Red Meat takes its inspiration from the likes of Bakersfield legend Buck Owens, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Sr. and the Carter Family. They also count Gram Parsons as an influence and visually they recall the salad days of the Modesto, California-based Maddox Brothers and Sister Rose.

The sextet is comprised of a few misplaced Midwesterners who found a home for their muse in the City by the Bay. Scott Young, who supplies the country and bluegrass fiddle as well as guitar and vocals for the band, is the primary songwriter. Pedal steel player Max Butler, bassist and vocalist Jill Olson and lead guitarist Michael Montalto also contribute original material. Drummer Les James adds to the band's distinctive vocal sound while front man Smelley Kelley is not only the "vocal artist" of the group, but also the on-stage frontman.