Thee Sacred Souls’ Retro R&B Sways Railbird Festival 2025 Day 2

The Kentucky evening was cooling off on June 1, 2025, when Thee Sacred Souls hit the Elkhorn Stage at Railbird Festival. Their 4:15 p.m. set brought smooth, retro R&B to Lexington’s Red Mile, wrapping the crowd in nostalgia. Consequently, fans, now swaying under the golden light, grooved to their soulful sound. For an hour, this San Diego trio delivered a velvet vibe, lifting Day 2’s spirit.

Their performance was a blend of silky vocals and vintage grooves. For instance, they opened with “Can I Call You Rose?,” its gentle beat pulling listeners in. Meanwhile, Josh Lane’s voice carried a warm, heartfelt glow, like a Motown crooner. The band—tight and lush—kept the rhythm steady, with Alejandro Garcia’s drums popping crisp. Moreover, “Love Comes Easy” had couples dancing, its sweet hook sparking smiles. By the end, with “Will I See You Again?,” fans clapped along, lost in the retro haze.

From San Diego Streets to Soul Revival

Thee Sacred Souls formed in San Diego, California, in 2019, born from a shared love of classic soul. The core members—Josh Lane (born ~1994), Alejandro Garcia (born ~1993), and Sal Samano (born ~1994)—met in Southern California’s music scene. Lane, the frontman, started singing at 16, inspired by his mom’s Al Green records. Garcia, on drums, fell for rhythm young, drawn to James Brown. Samano’s bass came from funk bands, shaping their groove-heavy sound.

Their early gigs at San Diego bars built a local buzz. Consequently, their 2020 debut single, “Can I Call You Rose?,” went viral on streaming platforms. By 2022, their self-titled album, Thee Sacred Souls, earned critical praise, blending Motown and Chicano soul. For example, they’ve played festivals like Coachella, sharing stages with Leon Bridges. Now based in San Diego, they revive 1960s soul with modern flair, often compared to The Dap-Kings for their vintage vibe.

Bands and Bandmates

Thee Sacred Souls is the main project for Lane, Garcia, and Samano, with no major side bands noted. Their core lineup includes:

• Josh Lane – vocals
• Alejandro Garcia – drums
• Sal Samano – bass

They’re backed by touring musicians, including keys and horns, but the trio is the heart. They’ve jammed with Durand Jones but haven’t formed formal collaborations. Meanwhile, their personal lives stay private, with no news of romantic ties to other artists. For instance, Lane’s focus on soul’s emotional roots drives their image. Their brotherhood vibe fuels their music, keeping the spotlight on their sound.

Television, Film, and Awards

Their media presence is growing, fitting their rising status. They performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2022, singing “Can I Call You Rose?.” Additionally, their song “Will I See You Again?” was featured in a 2023 episode of Euphoria, boosting streams. For awards, they won the 2023 San Diego Music Awards for Best R&B/Soul Artist. Moreover, they were nominated for a 2024 Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist but didn’t win. Hall of fame inductions are far off, but their buzz suggests future nods.

Biggest Songs

Their music thrives on streaming platforms and festival crowds, with a few tracks breaking out:

• “Can I Call You Rose?” – Written by Josh Lane, Alejandro Garcia, and Sal Samano, this 2020 single has millions of streams.
• “Will I See You Again?” – Penned by the band, this 2022 track from their debut album is a live favorite.
• “Love Comes Easy” – Written by Lane and Daptone’s Bosco Mann, this 2022 song resonates with fans.

Controversies

Thee Sacred Souls have stayed clear of trouble, keeping their image clean. However, in 2023, they faced minor online flak when a festival set ran short due to a power outage. Some fans griped, but the band explained the issue was beyond their control, offering free merch. Consequently, the chatter died down fast, with most supporters unfazed. Otherwise, their focus on music and chill vibe keep them out of drama, letting their soul shine.

The Railbird Soul Groove

At Railbird, Thee Sacred Souls turned the Elkhorn Stage into a retro dancefloor. Their set felt like a 1960s soul revue. For instance, “Can I Call You Rose?” opened with Lane’s buttery vocals, pulling fans to their feet. Meanwhile, their banter—about San Diego sunsets and old records—drew smiles from the crowd. Garcia’s drums in “Love Comes Easy” popped sharp, sparking slow dances.

The stage setup was vintage—bass, drums, keys, and a horn section—but it packed charm. As a result, the crowd, a mix of soul fans and festivalgoers, got swept up, snapping photos. During “Will I See You Again?,” Lane’s falsetto soared, earning cheers from couples swaying close. Moreover, their cover of The Temptations’ “My Girl” was a crowd-pleaser, its sunny vibe lighting up the infield.

Yet, the set had a small hiccup. A brief mic feedback squeal during “Love Comes Easy” startled some, but Lane’s quick grin eased the mood. Additionally, the 4:15 p.m. slot meant some fans were distracted, grabbing drinks before headliners. Nevertheless, those locked in were hooked, grooving by the end. The Elkhorn Stage buzzed with warmth, fans raving about their smooth sound.

Their performance was a Day 2 gem, blending retro soul with festival energy. For example, Lane’s story about writing “Can I Call You Rose?” for his mom felt personal, connecting with the crowd. Meanwhile, their music carried a timeless glow, appealing to young and old. Consequently, they proved they’re a festival standout, holding their own amid country-heavy acts. Their set was a nod to Railbird’s diverse musical heart.

As they left the stage, fans lingered, swapping tales of Lane’s voice and hunting for vinyl. Their performance showed why Railbird loves bold sounds. Thee Sacred Souls brought heart, groove, and a touch of Motown magic, making the Elkhorn Stage their own. As a result, their music echoed across the infield, a soulful spark for Day 2. The Kentucky evening seemed to sway with their vibe as their notes faded.

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