You’ve probably heard it while scrolling through TikTok or during that one scene in a Netflix movie that made everyone a little uncomfortable. The bass hits, the voice gets raspy, and suddenly you’re nodding along to a song about pure, unadulterated rage. It’s catchy. It’s gritty. But for a long time, people actually had no idea who sings I See Red, leading to a weird game of internet telephone where every powerhouse female vocalist from Pink to Bishop Briggs got the credit.
The real answer isn't a Top 40 pop star. It’s a rock duo from Athens, Georgia, called Everybody Loves an Outlaw.
They aren't exactly household names in the way Taylor Swift is, but for a moment in 2020, they were the most Shazamed artists on the planet. The song didn't just "kind of" go viral. It exploded. We’re talking about a track that climbed the Spotify Viral 50 charts in dozens of countries simultaneously. And honestly? The story of how it got there is way more interesting than just a lucky break. It involves a "spicy" Polish film, a husband-and-wife creative team, and the kind of organic momentum that record labels try—and usually fail—to manufacture.
The Mystery of the Voice: Everybody Loves an Outlaw
So, who are they? Everybody Loves an Outlaw is primarily composed of Bonnie Sims and her husband, Taylor Sims. Bonnie is the one providing those visceral, soul-shredding vocals that had everyone searching for the track.
If you listen to their other work, you’ll notice they usually live in a space that’s a mix of bluesy rock and Americana. But "I See Red" was different. It was darker. It felt dangerous. The song was originally released in 2018 on an EP titled Epitaph, but it sat in relative obscurity for two years. It was a "sync" placement—a term used in the industry when a song is licensed for film or TV—that changed their lives forever.
Why People Thought it Was Someone Else
The confusion about who sings I See Red didn't happen by accident. Bonnie Sims has a vocal texture that is incredibly reminiscent of a few major stars. When the song first started trending, the internet was convinced it was:
- Pink: Because of the grit and the "don't mess with me" energy.
- Bishop Briggs: Due to the dark-pop production and heavy stomps.
- Dorothy: Given the blues-rock aesthetic.
The reality is that Bonnie Sims is a seasoned musician who spent years playing mandolin and singing in bluegrass and Texas-heritage circuits. That raw, projected power comes from years of performing live without relying on heavy studio magic. It’s authentic. You can’t fake that kind of gravel in a voice.
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The "365 Days" Effect: How a Movie Created a Monster
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the Polish erotic drama in the room. 365 Days (365 Dni) hit Netflix in 2020 and became an instant, albeit controversial, sensation. It was frequently compared to Fifty Shades of Grey, but with more yacht scenes and significantly more "I See Red."
The song plays during a pivotal, high-tension moment between the leads, Massimo and Laura. The sync was perfect. The lyrics—"Did you really think I'd pull up and quit?"—matched the toxic, high-stakes energy of the film perfectly.
The Surge
Within days of the movie's release, the song was everywhere.
- Spotify streams jumped by millions in a single week.
- TikTok creators began using the "I See Red" audio for "villain era" reveals and revenge-themed makeup transitions.
- The band went from a local Georgia favorite to having listeners in Poland, Brazil, and the UK.
It’s a classic example of how a single 30-second clip in a movie can bypass the entire traditional radio promotion system. Suddenly, it didn't matter if the band had a massive marketing budget. The fans did the work for them.
Breaking Down the Lyrics and Sound
What makes "I See Red" so addictive? It’s not just the movie tie-in.
The song is a masterclass in tension and release. It starts with a simple, driving beat and a bluesy guitar riff. Taylor Sims’ production keeps things sparse enough that Bonnie’s voice is the undisputed star. When she hits the chorus, the instrumentation swells, mimicking the feeling of blood rushing to your head when you're angry.
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Wait. Let’s look at the actual sentiment. It’s a revenge song. It’s about catching someone in the act of betrayal. "I see red, red, oh red / A gun to your head, head, to your head." It’s hyper-dramatic, bordering on cinematic noir. That's why it works. It taps into a universal human emotion—betrayal—and turns the volume up to eleven.
The Technical Side of the Performance
Musically, the song relies on a minor key progression that feels "heavy." It uses a classic stomp-and-clap rhythm that feels grounded in Southern Gothic tradition. Bonnie’s vocal range in the track moves from a controlled, almost whispered threat to a full-throated belt. That dynamic shift is what triggers the "earworm" effect. You aren't just listening to a melody; you're listening to a story arc.
What Happened to Everybody Loves an Outlaw?
A lot of people think they were a "one-hit wonder" created specifically for a movie soundtrack. That’s actually not true. The duo has a deep catalog of music that leans more into the Americana and roots-rock side of things.
Following the success of "I See Red," they signed a deal with Columbia Records. They released more music, like "Still On It" and "Wildflower," which showcase their versatility. While nothing has reached the astronomical heights of "I See Red," they’ve built a sustainable career off the back of that one viral moment. They are a "real" band—they tour, they write their own stuff, and they have a distinct identity outside of the 365 Days franchise.
The Reality of Viral Fame
It’s a weird spot to be in. When one song becomes so much bigger than the creators, the creators often get lost. For a long time, if you Googled "who sings I See Red," you’d get pages of results about the movie before you ever saw Bonnie or Taylor’s names.
They’ve had to work hard to reclaim their identity. They aren't just "the band from that movie." They are a duo that’s been grinding in the music scene for over a decade. Bonnie Sims, in particular, has become a bit of an icon for independent vocalists, proving that you don't need a polished "pop" sound to dominate the global charts.
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Common Misconceptions About the Song
People get a lot wrong about this track. Let's clear some of that up right now.
"It's a cover of an older song."
Nope. It’s an original. People often confuse it with other songs titled "I See Red," like the one by Split Enz (a New Zealand rock band from the 70s) or the song by Thousand Foot Krutch. They are completely different tracks. This version is 100% Everybody Loves an Outlaw.
"The singer is British."
Understandable, given the soul-rock vibe often associated with the UK scene (think Adele or Amy Winehouse), but Bonnie Sims is as American as it gets. Her roots are firmly planted in the Colorado and Georgia music scenes.
"It was written for the movie."
Again, no. The song existed for two years before 365 Days ever used it. It was just a very, very lucky sync placement.
How to Support the Actual Artists
If you love the song, the best thing you can do is look past the TikTok clips. Check out their live sessions. Seeing Bonnie Sims perform "I See Red" live—often with just an acoustic guitar or a small band—is a reminder of why the song went viral in the first place. The power isn't in the production; it's in the lungs.
They continue to release music under their own name and as part of other projects (like Bonnie & Taylor Sims). If you’re into that swampy, bluesy, "kick-down-the-door" style of music, their deeper discography is a goldmine.
Actionable Steps for Music Fans
If you've been obsessed with this track and want to find more like it, or if you're a musician looking to understand why it worked, here is what you should do:
- Explore the Genre: Look into "Dark Americana" or "Blues Rock" playlists. Artists like Gin Wigmore, Elle King, and Kaleo inhabit a similar sonic universe.
- Support the Duo: Follow Everybody Loves an Outlaw on platforms like Bandcamp or Spotify. Streaming pays fractions of a cent, so if you really want to support them, buy a shirt or a digital album.
- Analyze the Sync: If you’re a creator, study why "I See Red" worked so well in 365 Days. It wasn't just the lyrics; it was the "pulse" of the song matching the editing of the scene.
- Check the Credits: Next time you hear a song you love in a show, don't just search the lyrics. Use Shazam or check the end credits immediately. Artists often lose out on thousands of fans because people can't find their names.
The mystery of who sings I See Red is a testament to the power of the modern internet. A husband and wife from Georgia managed to capture the world's attention with a song about fury, all because the right music supervisor at the right time decided their song fit a specific vibe. It’s proof that in the 2020s, a great voice can’t stay hidden for long, even if it takes a spicy Netflix movie to bring it to light.