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Buddy Red is bringing a mischievous streak to his next chapter. The Atlanta singer, songwriter, and guitarist released “Sexy” on Oct. 23, introducing another side of his songwriting ahead of his debut studio EP, Bad News, due Nov. 20, 2026.
For this release, Buddy’s involvement reaches well beyond the microphone. He wrote and produced the track, played drums, bass, and guitar, and made his directorial debut with its accompanying music video. Together, the song and visual offer a look at an artist taking an increasingly hands-on approach to how his work reaches listeners.
A Playful Song With Complicated Feelings
Buddy’s musical influences span psychedelic rock, funk and Delta blues, drawing from artists including Pink Floyd, James Brown and Jimi Hendrix. On “Sexy,” that foundation supports a song about attraction and the frustration that can accompany it.
“This song isn’t necessarily happy. It’s a naughty song,” Buddy explains. “A song for those that hate playing by the book when it comes to what it means to ‘love.’ This song is for those that eventually feel: ‘Love is overrated anyways.’”
Although Buddy built the recording himself, a chance studio visit from fellow Atlanta artist David Ryan Harris helped bring additional direction to the session.
The work also extended beyond one single. Songs including “Sweet Lil Mamas” and “Questions” began developing during the same session, with Buddy starting at the drum kit before adding guitar and bass.
“I’m hoping that this single does its job of preparing listeners for my debut EP, ‘Bad News,’” Buddy says.
After establishing those instrumental foundations, he took the recordings home. That was where his personal feelings began finding their way into the writing, connecting the project’s sound with the experiences behind it.
Behind the Camera for the First Time
The “Sexy” video brings viewers into the recording studio, following Buddy as he works through drums, bass, guitar, cowbell, and vocals before joining friends in another room.
Taking responsibility for the visual introduced a new challenge.
“I was a bit nervous once I realized it was all up to me to make this vision come alive, so I wrote out my plan on paper,” he recalls.
To match the raw aesthetic of Bad News, Buddy used an old Digital8 video camera. Its limitations became part of the finished video’s character.
“The glitchy footage was no filter! My camera is genuinely falling to pieces internally, so it’s a miracle the footage was extracted!”
The result carries that informal studio setting into the release, pairing the song’s playful premise with footage of Buddy making music and spending time with friends.
Watch Buddy Red’s “Sexy” music video.
Building Toward Bad News
“Sexy” follows previous singles “1958,” “Sold His Soul,” and “I Gotta Feelin’,” as well as Live At Stubbs, the live EP documenting Buddy’s SXSW appearance earlier this year.
With Bad News, the focus turns to his debut studio EP and the combination of songwriting, production, and instrumental work shaping it. The project continues his exploration of personal experiences through blues-rock, with “Sexy” providing an early introduction to its sound and attitude.
November Appearances
Buddy’s announced November schedule includes:
- Nov. 19 — Origins Impact Awards, Nashville: Buddy is nominated for Best Emerging Artist.
- Nov. 21 — Boone Theater, Kansas City: His Kansas City debut follows the EP’s release.
- Nov. 25 — Eddie’s Attic: Another opportunity to catch Buddy onstage during release month.
He also plans to return to Folk Alliance and SXSW in 2027.
Listen to “Sexy” and pre-save Bad News through Buddy Red’s official release pages.
Follow Buddy Red: Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok
The post Buddy Red Gets ‘Sexy’ Ahead of ‘Bad News’ EP appeared first on The Hype Magazine.
