Ruston Kelly is a self-described “bastard disciple of Kurt Cobain and Townes Van Zandt" -- a combination that might seem odd, but for the singer-songwriter, it totally works. Need proof? After making his mark as a songwriter and independent artist, Kelly signed with Rounder Records in late February.

As a songwriter, Kelly's songs have been recorded by Tim McGraw and Josh Abbott Band; as a solo artist, he released his Halloween EP in 2017 and is at work on a full-length project. To learn more about the guy who loves Slayer and cowboy hats in equal measure, flip through the photo gallery below.

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