Rob Baird Trades Nashville for Austin on 'Wrong Side of the River' concept LP, out May 13

Soul-hungry for creativity he couldn't find in Nashville, Memphis-born storyteller Rob Baird took a one-way ticket to Austin. Trekking through miles of self-reflection, Baird rediscovered his passion for music in the hands of producer Brian Phillips (David Ramirez, Penny + Sparrow). Now, he's ready to share his journey on the 10-track 'Wrong Side of the River' musical autobiography out May 13.

After releasing his 2012 'I Swear It's The Truth' in Nashville, Baird found himself hungry for independence. While he's always had an affection for classic country, he found himself compartmentalized in places that were leaving him emotionally empty, resulting in the urge to flee the one-size-fits-all mantra and rediscover songwriting on his own terms.

With influences as deep-welled as the Stax-era and melodies reminiscent of skipping study hall to see world-weathered bluesmen perform -- Baird knew the direction he wanted to go. After weeks on the road, he found it both lyrically and sonically at the core of 'Wrong Side of the River.'

Baird's journey takes him through songs ranging from a blues-drenched, Jack White-influenced title track to an organ-aided Jackson Browne-styled rocker "Mercy Me;" from a sentimental "Run of Good Luck" ballad to the cannon-shot stomper "Ain't Nobody Got A Hold On Me."

"In the end, it's all about music to me," Baird says. "Timing is everything, and you have to go through all the pain and suffering to figure out who you want to be and what you want to do. That's life, and this album is mine."

‘Wrong Side of the River’ tracklist:
1. Ain’t Nobody Got A Hold On Me
2. Mercy Me
3. Pocket Change
4. Run Of Good Luck
5. Wrong Side Of The River
6. Oklahoma
7. Horses
8. Mississippi Moon
9. When I Go
10. Cowboy Cliche

Rob Baird at SXSW:
Wed., Mar. 16 / 18th Floor at Hilton Garden Inn / Official SXSW Showcase
Thurs., Mar. 17 / Threadgill's - Riverside / KVET's South By St. Patty's Party
Fri., Mar. 18 / Willie Nelson's Luck, TX / Luck Reunion
Sat., Mar. 19 / Arlyn Studios / Wreckroom Slumber Party