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Rattlesnake Milk’s Gritty Desert Vibe Heats Up Railbird Festival 2025

By Larry Philpot on June 17, 2025

The Kentucky afternoon was warming up on May 31, 2025, when Rattlesnake Milk hit the Burl Stage at Railbird Festival. Their 2:45 p.m. set brought a dusty, Texas-born sound that felt like a tumbleweed rolling through Lexington’s Red Mile. Consequently, the crowd, sipping beers and settling in, got pulled into the band’s raw, alt-country groove. For 45 minutes, this Panhandle quintet delivered a set heavy with twang and swagger, shaking up the festival’s bluegrass roots.

File Photo: Members of the Rattlesnake Milk band perform in Lexington Kentucky at the Railbird Festival on May 31, 2025. (Photo Credit and Copyright; Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

Their performance was a gritty blend of country, rock, and desert noir. For instance, they opened with “Abilene,” its haunting guitar riffs setting a moody tone. Meanwhile, Sean McCaskill’s vocals carried a weathered edge, like a storyteller from a border town. The band’s tight rhythm section—driven by Andrew McCreamer’s bass—kept the energy high. Moreover, “Chicken Stuff” got the crowd moving, its playful lyrics sparking laughs and foot-stomping. By the time they closed with “Highway,” fans were cheering, hooked on the band’s rough charm.

From the Panhandle to the Stage

Rattlesnake Milk formed in Amarillo, Texas, in 2018, rooted in the region’s stark landscapes and honky-tonk bars. The band members—Sean McCaskill (born 1989), Andrew McCreamer (born 1990), Zac Curtis (born 1987), Jonathan Corralejo (born 1991), and Matthew McGowan (born 1992)—grew up in the Texas Panhandle. McCaskill, the frontman, picked up a guitar at 15, inspired by his uncle’s Waylon Jennings records. McCreamer, meanwhile, fell for bass after sneaking into dive bars to hear local bands. Curtis, the drummer, was drawn to punk before finding country’s rhythm. Corralejo’s pedal steel came from years of listening to Willie Nelson, while McGowan’s lead guitar was shaped by classic rock.

Their early gigs in Amarillo’s dive bars built a loyal following. Consequently, their 2020 self-titled debut album caught attention with its raw, unpolished sound. By 2022, their follow-up, Chicken Fried Snake, leaned harder into alt-country, earning streams and festival slots. For example, they’ve played Austin City Limits (ACL) and SXSW, carving a niche in the Texas music scene. Now based in Austin, they’re known for blending country with psychedelic and rock influences, a sound that feels both timeless and fresh.

Bands and Bandmates

Rattlesnake Milk is the main project for all five members, with no major side bands reported. Their core lineup includes:

Sean McCaskill – vocals, guitar
Andrew McCreamer – bass
Zac Curtis – drums
Jonathan Corralejo – pedal steel
Matthew McGowan – lead guitar

They’ve occasionally jammed with Texas acts like Charley Crockett, sharing stages at venues like Austin’s White Horse. However, no formal collaborations have made headlines. As for relationships, the band keeps personal lives low-key, with no news of romantic ties to other artists. Instead, their focus stays on their music, which draws from the gritty camaraderie of Texas roadhouses.

Television, Film, and Awards

Rattlesnake Milk’s media presence is minimal, fitting their underground vibe. They appeared on a 2021 episode of Texas Music Scene, a regional TV show, performing “Abilene” to a small crowd. Additionally, their song “Highway” was used in a 2023 indie film, West Texas Waltz, about a struggling musician. As for awards, they haven’t snagged major ones yet, but they won the 2022 Amarillo Music Awards for Best Country Band, a nod to their Panhandle roots. Moreover, they were nominated for Austin Music Awards’ Best Country Act in 2023, though they didn’t win. Their rising profile suggests bigger recognition may come.

Biggest Songs

Rattlesnake Milk’s music thrives on streaming platforms and festival stages, with a few tracks breaking through:

“Abilene” – Written by Sean McCaskill, this 2020 track from their debut album became a fan favorite, with over 2 million streams.
“Chicken Stuff” – Penned by McCaskill and Andrew McCreamer, this 2022 single gained traction for its quirky, upbeat vibe.
“Highway” – Also written by McCaskill, this 2022 song from Chicken Fried Snake is a live-show staple, nearing 1.5 million streams.

Controversies

Rattlesnake Milk has mostly stayed clear of drama, keeping their focus on music. However, in 2021, a bar fight at an Amarillo gig sparked rumors after McCaskill broke up an argument involving a fan. The incident was minor, with no arrests, and the band downplayed it, saying it was just “a rowdy night.” Consequently, it faded from headlines quickly. Otherwise, their reputation as a hardworking, no-nonsense band keeps them out of tabloid trouble, letting their gritty sound do the talking.

The Railbird Roadhouse

At Railbird, Rattlesnake Milk brought Texas to Kentucky. The Burl Stage, smaller and intimate, suited their raw energy. For instance, “Abilene” set a moody tone, with Corralejo’s pedal steel wailing like a desert wind. Meanwhile, McCaskill’s gravelly voice carried stories of dusty roads, connecting with the crowd. The band’s loose, barroom vibe felt like a late-night jam, with McGowan’s guitar solos stealing cheers.

Their stage setup was simple—guitars, bass, drums, and pedal steel—but it packed a punch. As a result, the crowd, a mix of country fans and curious festivalgoers, got swept up in their sound. During “Chicken Stuff,” McCaskill’s playful banter about Texas barbecue got laughs, easing the crowd into the set. Moreover, “Highway” had folks swaying, some raising their drinks in a toast to the open road.

Yet, the set had a small hiccup. A brief power glitch dimmed the stage lights during “Chicken Stuff,” but Curtis’s drum roll kept the momentum. Additionally, the early afternoon slot meant some fans were still grabbing food, missing the start. Nevertheless, those there were hooked, snapping photos and hollering after each song. By the end, the Burl Stage was buzzing, with fans chatting about the band’s Texas grit.

Rattlesnake Milk’s Railbird set was a curveball in a festival heavy with bluegrass. For example, their cover of Townes Van Zandt’s “Pancho and Lefty” felt right at home in Kentucky. Meanwhile, their stories about Amarillo dives gave the set a personal touch, drawing in the crowd. Consequently, they proved they could hang with bigger acts, leaving a mark on Day 1.

As they left the stage, fans lingered, swapping tales of the set and hunting for band stickers. Their performance was a reminder of Railbird’s knack for showcasing raw talent. Rattlesnake Milk didn’t need polish; their rough edges were their charm. As a result, they left the crowd buzzing, ready for the festival’s next act. Their final chords hung in the air, a dusty echo of Texas under Kentucky’s sky.