EPK

Eastern Kentucky native, Justin Ratcliff, is looking to continue expanding his reach within the Appalachian region & beyond.

Hailing from Greenup County, Kentucky, singer-songwriter Justin Ratcliff is carving out a lane all his own in the modern music landscape. Often referred to as the Appalachian Kurt Cobain, Ratcliff blends the haunting soul of mountain music with the raw emotion and grit of 90s grunge. The result is a sound that feels both nostalgic and entirely new.

Ratcliff’s voice—smooth, yet tinged with a rock edge—serves as the perfect vessel for his thought-provoking lyrics. His songs dig deep, unearthing themes of struggle, identity, and resilience with a poetic clarity that resonates long after the last note fades. Whether he’s playing a quiet acoustic set or delivering a more electrified performance, there’s an undeniable authenticity in everything he does.

What sets Justin Ratcliff apart is his refusal to follow trends. His music isn’t crafted for algorithms—it’s crafted for people. For those who crave something real, something that speaks to the soul. In a world filled with imitation, Ratcliff offers originality. In a region rich with musical heritage, he brings a fresh voice rooted in tradition but reaching far beyond it.

Keep an eye on this one. Justin Ratcliff isn’t just playing music—he’s telling stories the world needs to hear.

Since releasing his debut album in early 2023, venues in Kentucky, Ohio, & Indiana have seen Justin bring his fervent style of songwriting to their stages. He draws inspiration from personal experience & has meaningful context behind the lyrics written. He has played in spaces such as:

  • The Burl - Lexington, KY

  • The Green Light - Nashville , TN

  • Alley on Main - Paintsville, KY

  • The Hideaway - Johnson City, TN

  • The Pump House - Greenup, KY

  • Kilpatrick’s Tavern - Hohenwald, TN

  • Al’s Bar - Lexington, KY

  • The Possum Saloon - Bright, IN

  • The Twisted Cork - Lexington, KY

  • Maiden City Brewing - Cynthiana/Paris, KY

  • Proud Mary BBQ - Richmond, KY

  • Tipsy Cow Bar - Georgetown, KY

  • The Train Station - Corbin, KY

  • The Landing - Portsmouth, OH

  • The Stables on Poppy Mountain - Morehead, KY

  • Neon Nights - Nicholasville, KY

  • Frank-N-Steins - Portsmouth, OH

  • Old Habits on the River - Winchester, KY

  • Broadway Barrels - Lawrenceburg, KY

  • Toad’s BARn & Grill - Stanton, KY

  • Dicey Riley’s - Frankfort, KY

  • Whitelocks - Aurora, IN

  • The Art Station - Hazard, KY

  • Prohibition - Chillicothe, OH

  • American Legions

  • Lions Club Events

  • Farmer’s Markets, Flea Markets, etc.

  • Festivals such as:

    • Ballads & Brews Fest - Cynthiana, KY

    • Festival of the Horse - Georgetown, KY

    • Kentucky Moto Fest - Clay City, KY

    • Snuggleween - Winchester, KY

    • Lazy Turtle Fest - McKee, KY

    • Homegrown Music & Arts Festival - Nicholasville, KY

    • 4:20 Riverstock - Williamsburg, KY

    • Raised on Blacktop Fest - Cynthiana, KY

    • In Bloom - Lucasville, OH

    • Fall Awakening - Nicholasville, KY

    • Old Fashioned Days - Greenup, KY

Justin has recorded promotional videos with:

  • Appalachia Untold

  • Dead Street Sessions

  • Behind The Barn Radio

  • Rodburn Hollow Sessions

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Justin is represented by Branstetter Music Management. You can find all of his info at branstettermusicmanagement.com

Manager - Tim Branstetter

606-595-2272

tim@branstettermusicmanagement.com

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—> Solo acoustic (Justin Ratcliff), Duo, or full band (Rat & The Holler Cats)<—

  • Up to 4 hrs solo//5+ hrs duo.

  • Can bring sound.

  • Benefits free of charge.

  • $ - (solo) $100/hr First 2 Hrs, $50/hr After.

    • Flexible rates local to Lexington//Ashland KY area.

    • Minimum $300 if 80mi+ from Lexington//Ashland KY.

    • *30-Day notice preferred for Full Band

  • $$ - (duo) $150/hr First 2 Hrs, $100/hr After.

    • Minimum $500 if 80mi+ from Lexington//Ashland KY.

  • $$$ - (full band) Contact for rates.