(Artist Report)

Written by: Cody Denning  

Eddie 9V, born Brooks Mason in June 1996, is an American singer, guitarist, and bandleader from Atlanta, Georgia, known for his rockin blend of Southern soul, blues, rock n roll, and funk. Operating under the stage name Eddie 9V, he has emerged as a rising star in the modern blues and roots music scene. His music draws heavily from the golden era of American roots music, channeling influences like Otis Redding, Al Green, and the Allman Brothers, while infusing contemporary wit.

Eddie 9V grew up in a small town near Atlanta, where his early exposure to music came through family influences and local blues heroes. His father gifted him his first guitar at age six, one of them guitars with a built-in speaker. By his teens, Eddie was immersed in the sounds of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Freddie King, and Rory Gallagher. He cites his Uncle Brian as a key influence, teaching him how to engage audiences through humor and storytelling during family gatherings. Rejecting conventional paths like college, Eddie began performing at 15, initially with the cover band The Smokin’ Frogs and later with the blues-rock outfit The Georgia Flood. His decision to adopt the moniker Eddie 9V marked a pivotal shift, reflecting his desire to create a unique identity distinct from other blues band names. The nickname, inspired by his fiery personality and likened to a 9-volt battery, was coined during a tour with bandmates who used mobster-style accents for fun.

Eddie 9V’s music is a dynamic fusion of retro soul, blues, Southern rock, and funk, often described as “retro soul”. His guitar playing, heavily influenced by Freddie King, is raw and expressive, while his vocals carry the emotive weight of soul legends like O.V. Wright and James Carr. He emphasizes authenticity, prioritizing live, unpolished recordings that showcase the feeling and experience of a performance, leaving in minor imperfections like squeaking drum pedals or laughter. Eddie consciously avoids overproduced sounds, aiming to make listeners feel as if they’re in the room with the band. His lyrics, often laced with sharp observations of modern America, range from introspective to fanciful, as seen in songs like “Wasp Weather,” where he revels in rapid-fire, surreal imagery.

Eddie 9V’s career began on Atlanta’s live circuit, where he quickly gained attention, representing the Atlanta Blues Society at the 2013 International Blues Challenge, which took place in Memphis. His debut album, “Left My Soul in Memphis” (2019), recorded in a mobile trailer with his brother Lane Kelly, was praised for its raw rock style. This album marked his arrival as a promising talent in the scene. In 2020, he released “Way Down the Alley” (Live at Blind Willie’s), a live album capturing the rowdy atmosphere of an Atlanta performance, and the digital single “The Come Up,” which landed on Spotify’s Nu-Blue playlist. His 2021 album, “Little Black Flies”, recorded in a party-like session, hit #5 on the Billboard Blues chart and earned nominations for a 2021 Blues Blast Music Award (Sean Costello Rising Star) and a 2022 Blues Music Award (Traditional Blues Album).

Eddie 9V’s third album, “Capricorn” (2022), recorded at the legendary Capricorn Studios in Macon, Georgia, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues chart, a milestone briefly overshadowed by Bonnie Raitt’s release. The album showcases Eddie’s versatility, blending soulful tracks like “Beg Borrow and Steal” with alt-folk “Truckee” and a cover of Mac DeMarco’s “Chamber of Reflection.” Critics, including Rolling Stone and Paste Magazine, lauded its joyous, vintage sound. His latest work, “Saratoga”, the release date on this one is unspecified in our sources, however this album further explores diverse grooves, from disco-inflected harmonies to reflective soul, building up his reputation as a genre-blending innovator. Eddie also hosts the Lowest Key Podcast, where he shares stories and interviews with musicians, adding another dimension to his public persona.

Eddie 9V fronts a tight-knit band that includes his brother Lane Kelly (bass, production), Seef Anam (drums), Noah Sills (saxophone), and Chad Mason (keyboards). Lane’s role as co-writer and producer has been instrumental, with the brothers recording much of their work in a home studio to maintain creative control. The band’s high-energy live performances, often featuring matching suits for a sharp stage presence, have earned praise for their ability to get audiences dancing, as noted during a 2022 Savannah festival show opening for the great Cedric Burnside. His music has crossed oceans, with Classic Rock (UK) branding him as a standout in American roots music. His albums consistently chart well, and his tours have seen him graduate to larger venues.

While Eddie 9V’s rapid rise and authentic sound are widely praised, some critiques linger. His early work, like “Left My Soul in Memphis”, was deemed too raw by labels like Alligator Records, suggesting a niche appeal that may not suit mainstream tastes. Additionally, his self-described aversion to being labeled a “jam band” or “straight blues” artist could complicate his marketability in a genre-driven industry, though it underscores his commitment to artistic freedom. More recently Eddie 9V signed a contract with one of his hero’s and modern day legend Dan Auerbach and his label “Easy Eye Sound”, Eddie 9V expressed his excitement to work with Dan as a producer. This is a massive achievement and we believe a great blues rock home for the band.

Will keep you updated on anything new we hear, until then keep rockin and support the music! 🤘

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