Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 9, 2026

The Apache Relay

The Apache Relay was an American folk-rock band based out of Nashville, Tennessee. The band consisted of Michael Ford Jr (singer/guitarist), Mike Harris (guitar), Brett Moore, Steve Smith (drums), Kellen Wenrich (fiddle) and Ben Ford. The band's name originated from a race-competition scene in the movie Heavyweights.

Last revised
Jun 9, 2026
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The Apache Relay
OriginNashville, TN
GenresFolk rock
Years active2009 (2009)–2015
LabelDine Alone Records (Canada)
Members
  • Michael Ford Jr
  • Mike Harris
  • Brett Moore
  • Steve Smith
  • Kellen Wenrich
  • Ben Ford
Websitetheapacherelay.com

The Apache Relay was an American folk-rock band based out of Nashville, Tennessee. The band consisted of Michael Ford Jr (singer/guitarist), Mike Harris (guitar), Brett Moore (mandolin, organ), Steve Smith (drums), Kellen Wenrich (fiddle) and Ben Ford (bass and vocals).1 The band's name originated from a race-competition scene in the movie Heavyweights.2

History

Formed in a dorm at Belmont University, they released the concept album 1988 in 2009 under the moniker "Michael Ford Jr. & the Apache Relay", later dropping the frontman's name for their follow-up 2011 album American Nomad.34 They opened for a number of Mumford & Sons tour dates, appeared at numerous music festivals, and a song from the album, "Power Hungry Animals" was used in the 2013 comedy film The Way Way Back.5

In 2014 they released the single "Katie Queen of Tennessee" from their eponymous 2014 album The Apache Relay.6 They also recorded a cover of the Bruce Springsteen song "Cover Me" for the Dead Man's Town: A Tribute to Born in the U.S.A. compilation album.7

Discography

Title Details Peak chart positions
US Heat
8
1988
  • Release date: 2009
  • Label:
  • Formats:
 —
American Nomad
  • Release date: 2011
  • Label:
  • Formats:
 —
The Apache Relay
  • Release date: April 22, 2014
  • Label:
  • Formats:
 43
"—" denotes releases that did not chart
References

References

  1. "Nashville rockers swagger into the UK". Sussex Express. January 17, 2015. Archived from the original on February 8, 2015. Retrieved February 8, 2015.
  2. Lynch, Joe (August 21, 2012). "You need to know: The fervent folk-rock of Apache Relay". Fuse. Retrieved February 1, 2015.
  3. "The Apache Relay bio". Billboard. Retrieved February 1, 2015.
  4. "Album Stream: The Apache Relay - The Apache Relay". Paste Magazine. April 15, 2014. Retrieved February 1, 2015.
  5. "The Apache Relay's Time Is Here". Huffington Post. April 21, 2015. Retrieved February 1, 2015.
  6. "Apache Relay Build Up 'Katie Queen of Tennessee' - Song Premiere". Rolling Stone. January 23, 2014. Retrieved February 1, 2015.
  7. "Dead Man's Town: A Tribute To Born In The U.S.A. Due Out This Fall". American Songwriter. July 7, 2015. Retrieved February 8, 2015.
  8. "The Apache Relay Album & Song Chart History - Heatseekers Albums". Billboard.
External links