A blend of Mississippi artists based in Oxford, Miss., known as The Red Thangs continues to become more prominent in the Mississippi music scene, bringing intricate-three part harmonies, catchy guitar riffs and a whimsical style of lyricism.
The story of The Red Thangs, according to lead singer Charles Adcock, developed over several seasons. Before the band began to play together, three out of the four current members, Charles Adcock (bass, acoustic guitar, vocals), Adam Ray (guitar, bass, trumpet, vocals) and Drew Shetley (drums) performed together in a previous group that ended when creative differences interfered. After work with the former band ceased, the trio formed The Red Thangs and got to work. Since then, much has changed, improvements have been made and the band members said they have loved every minute of the ride.
After The Red Thangs found its desired musical direction, the trio began to record songs and work to create a one-of-a-kind live show, as well as build up a number of fans. Blair Bingham (keys, percussion, bass, guitar and vocals), the newest addition to the band, said she was one of those fans who loved attending The Red Thangs’s shows. She said she secretly wished she was a band member every time she saw the Red Thangs perform. Her wish was granted when the band started to look for another member to help create a three-part harmony as well as a bigger sound. Bingham was asked to play music a couple of times with the band, and after only a few practice sessions, the rest of the group knew they had found a new Red Thangs addition. After playing several shows, she finally discoverd her status with the band when the members added her as a fourth addition on The Red Thangs’ Facebook page.
Charles Adcock said  the band’s music is certainly not something that could be described with one word.
“We definitely have rock and pop aspects, I guess you could call it indie-pop-rock, but then we’re not exactly that either. It’s more of a variety and we basically play what we want to hear,” he said.
The Red Thangs’ members say they believe the  friendship among the band is a very special perk. Guitarist Adam Ray said he is very thankful for the bond that has been created.
“When I got to Oxford and started looking for people to play music with, not only did I find some really good people that are easy to get along with, but they are great musicians as well. You can’t beat a combination like that,” he said.
The members of The Red Thangs are gaining popularity as musicians and said they hold high expectations for the upcoming year. Upcoming shows include a radio show in Oxford, Miss., known as Thacker Mountain Radio Show on April 11 and a live show in Oxford on April 20 at Proud Larry’s. The Red Thangs’ music can be found at theredthangs.bandcamp.com. Although the members said they cannot predict the band’s upcoming events, The Red Thangs members said they will keep up the hard work and continue improving as individual musicians and as a group.
“We’re looking forward to playing more live shows, improving the shows, performing in new places, recording some new music and doing as much as we can as loud as we can,” Ray said.