GASOLINE & MATCHES NAMED ‘DUO OF THE YEAR’ AT THE BRITISH COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION AWARDS!
GASOLINE & MATCHES NAMED ‘DUO OF THE YEAR’ AT THE BRITISH COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION AWARDS!
After a whirlwind year, Birmingham based duo Gasoline & Matches take the crown for ‘Duo of the Year’ at The British Country Music Association Awards. Consisting of Sally Rea Morris on lead vocals & guitar, and Steven J Marks on lead guitar and vocals, they have proven they mean business since exploding onto the UK Country Scene earlier this year. With their debut single ‘Fool’s Gold’ reaching Number 1 in UK ITunes Country Chart in January, a headlining performance at The Hard Rock Café London and a five date Californian tour in the bag, Lyric Magazine quickly recognised them as ‘Artists to Watch 2018’. With their impressive blend of Fleetwood Mac-esque harmonies, Brad Paisley infused guitar solos and energetic live performances, they were shortlisted for Best Country/Folk Act in Birmingham Music Awards 2018 and have now walked away with the title ‘Duo of the Year’ at the 2018 British CMA Awards, fighting off stiff competition from The Shires and Ward Thomas.
“Although we have both actively been involved in music our whole lives, this is the first time we’ve felt part of something bigger. The energy, support and community that is growing around the country for Americana and Country music is overwhelming.” Sally said. “It’s so important as an unsigned artist to support other musicians, so to be recognised by some of our peers and our audience is a massive achievement for us.”
The duo initially met back in 2011 when their paths crossed in a guitar shop in Birmingham. Shortly after meeting, Sally was due to move to America, so they decided to write, record and perform just a handful of shows together before she left. Upon Sally’s return, it was a matter of weeks before the duo reconnected and formed Gasoline & Matches. Enlisting the help of experienced producer Gavin Monaghan and the more recent addition of Jamie Clayton on bass, Ben Marshall on keys & banjo and James Randle on drums for their studio & live performances, it has allowed the duo’s sound to develop and bring the songs alive. They have already grabbed the attention of critically acclaimed Nashville song writing legend Phil Vassar, who invited the duo to share the stage with him on his April tour. They also performed on the mainstage ahead of The Vamps, Jessie J & Kaiser Chiefs at PetLife.
With their undeniable chemistry on stage and their single recently airing on BBC Introducing West Midlands this explosive duo are setting UK Country alight! If you haven’t had chance to catch them, make sure you reserve a seat at their next instalment of their regular night “Nashville Sounds In The Round” co-hosted by Your Life In A Song at The Kitchen Garden Café, Kings Heath, Thursday 21st February, £10 adv. or £12otd, Advance tickets available now on wegottickets.com and in the café.