Specializing in a twangy, earnest brand of Americana he famously dubbed “dirt emo” in 2018, singer-songwriter Ruston Kelly made good on the term’s promise last year with the release of Dirt Emo, Vol. 1, a collection of heartfelt covers by mallcore mainstays like Dashboard Confessional and Saves the Day. It followed a solid debut full-length, Dying Star, an album that chronicled Kelly’s thorny journey to sobriety. Kelly—who, it must be noted, is married to current Music City queen Kacey Musgraves—returns to Athens for a 40 Watt show Thursday evening, with support from L.A. roots-pop quartet Valley Queen.
Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.