The Red Clay Strays are marking Valentine’s Day weekend with the release of their new single ‘If I Didn’t Know You,' available now via HBYCO Records and RCA Records. Written by guitarist Drew Nix, the track arrives alongside an official video directed by Matthew Coleman and featuring comedian Matt Rife alongside fitness influencer Mariah Morse. The release continues the band’s strong run as one of country rock’s most talked-about rising forces, pairing their signature Southern grit with a softer, more reflective emotional core.
The song itself is a tender ballad centred on love, growth and gratitude, inspired by Nix’s relationship with his wife Laurie Anne. Reflecting on the track, he explains it came from considering how profoundly one person can reshape a life, encouraging maturity, commitment and a sense of purpose. That theme carries into the video, which follows Rife’s character as he navigates loneliness before a fleeting encounter sparks hope and sends him searching for a deeper connection.
Rife, a long-time fan of the band, has spoken openly about his admiration for their music, describing how he discovered their work and quickly fell down a rabbit hole listening to their catalogue. His involvement adds unexpected star power to a video that mirrors the song’s romantic optimism, helping ‘If I Didn’t Know You' land as both a heartfelt love song and a cinematic celebration of connection, timing and the transformative power of meeting the right person.
