Southern Avenue Find Their “Upside” in Soul, Strength, and Family
Southern Avenue have spent years proving that soul music isn’t just a genre—it’s a way of life. With their latest single, “Upside,” the Memphis powerhouse channels their signature blend of blues, gospel, and deep southern grooves into an anthem of resilience and renewal. It’s the kind of song that feels like a back-porch sermon wrapped in a velvet groove, with lead singer Tierinii Jackson’s powerhouse vocals leading the congregation.
Recorded at the legendary Royal Studios in Memphis, Upside is the first taste of the band’s upcoming album, Family, set for release on April 25. Produced by the GRAMMY-winning John Burk and engineered by Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, the track is a testament to Southern Avenue’s mastery of modern soul, offering a groove-driven escape hatch for anyone feeling life’s weight. With a buoyant bassline and airtight rhythm section, the song captures the raw spirit of classic Stax Records while keeping one foot firmly planted in the present.
Lyrically, Upside is a mantra for shaking off the baggage of yesterday. “Don’t you carry all those troubles around / Leave them bags but not your pride on the ground,” Jackson sings, her voice equal parts fire and finesse. The track’s message is simple but potent: life throws punches, but every day is a new chance to rise. It’s a sentiment that mirrors the band’s own journey—one that has seen them rise from Memphis club staples to GRAMMY-nominated torchbearers of contemporary blues and soul.
Since their 2017 debut on Stax Records, Southern Avenue has defied expectations at every turn. They’ve played alongside legends like Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, won the Blues Music Award for Best Emerging Artist, and built a following that spans festival crowds and club audiences alike. And yet, despite their growing accolades, the band remains rooted in the idea that music is, at its core, about connection. That ethos is at the heart of Family, a record born from late-night jam sessions, shared struggles, and the unbreakable bond between bandmates.
For Southern Avenue, Family isn’t just an album title—it’s a declaration. The band, anchored by sisters Tierinii and Tikyra Jackson, along with guitarist Ori Naftaly and multi-instrumentalist Ava Jackson, understands that true strength comes from unity. And on “Upside,” they wear that strength like a badge of honor. It’s the kind of song that hits like a shot of adrenaline, reminding us all to keep our heads high, our hearts open, and our feet moving forward.
Southern Avenue have always been about more than just music—they’re about spirit, survival, and the deep-seated belief that soul, in all its forms, has the power to uplift. With “Upside,” they aren’t just making a statement. They’re leading a movement.
Family drops April 25. Until then, find your rhythm, shake off the weight, and meet Southern Avenue on the Upside.
Southern Avenue Find Their “Upside” in Soul, Strength, and Family
Southern Avenue have spent years proving that soul music isn’t just a genre—it’s a way of life. With their latest single, “Upside,” the Memphis powerhouse channels their signature blend of blues, gospel, and deep southern grooves into an anthem of resilience and renewal. It’s the kind of song that feels like a back-porch sermon wrapped in a velvet groove, with lead singer Tierinii Jackson’s powerhouse vocals leading the congregation.
Recorded at the legendary Royal Studios in Memphis, Upside is the first taste of the band’s upcoming album, Family, set for release on April 25. Produced by the GRAMMY-winning John Burk and engineered by Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, the track is a testament to Southern Avenue’s mastery of modern soul, offering a groove-driven escape hatch for anyone feeling life’s weight. With a buoyant bassline and airtight rhythm section, the song captures the raw spirit of classic Stax Records while keeping one foot firmly planted in the present.
Lyrically, Upside is a mantra for shaking off the baggage of yesterday. “Don’t you carry all those troubles around / Leave them bags but not your pride on the ground,” Jackson sings, her voice equal parts fire and finesse. The track’s message is simple but potent: life throws punches, but every day is a new chance to rise. It’s a sentiment that mirrors the band’s own journey—one that has seen them rise from Memphis club staples to GRAMMY-nominated torchbearers of contemporary blues and soul.
Since their 2017 debut on Stax Records, Southern Avenue has defied expectations at every turn. They’ve played alongside legends like Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, won the Blues Music Award for Best Emerging Artist, and built a following that spans festival crowds and club audiences alike. And yet, despite their growing accolades, the band remains rooted in the idea that music is, at its core, about connection. That ethos is at the heart of Family, a record born from late-night jam sessions, shared struggles, and the unbreakable bond between bandmates.
For Southern Avenue, Family isn’t just an album title—it’s a declaration. The band, anchored by sisters Tierinii and Tikyra Jackson, along with guitarist Ori Naftaly and multi-instrumentalist Ava Jackson, understands that true strength comes from unity. And on “Upside,” they wear that strength like a badge of honor. It’s the kind of song that hits like a shot of adrenaline, reminding us all to keep our heads high, our hearts open, and our feet moving forward.
Southern Avenue have always been about more than just music—they’re about spirit, survival, and the deep-seated belief that soul, in all its forms, has the power to uplift. With “Upside,” they aren’t just making a statement. They’re leading a movement.
Family drops April 25. Until then, find your rhythm, shake off the weight, and meet Southern Avenue on the Upside.
https://www.southernavenuemusic.com/
