Sarah and Justin, also known as Striking Matches, are a fierce duo of everything holy. They have fire, passion and a whole lot of talent.
Recently signed to I.R.S. Nashville, they are hungry for success. Two of their tracks titled “When The Right One Comes Along” and “Hanging On A Lie” have been featured on the ABC hit series Nashville. They have toured with artists such as Train, Vince Gill and Hunter Hayes. Their music is a pure blend of country, rock and soul. Their determination and passion drives them to make some of the best music that has ever graced my ears. Striking Matches is pure artistry at it’s finest, see for yourself.
1. How did you two become ‘Striking Matches?’
The name kind of came out trying to be a little too clever with words like “two”, “pair, “match” and somewhere in there one of us said striking matches and it just fit. It was evocative of what we do live, exciting and a little volatile. It just felt natural.
2. What artists influenced you growing up?
Sarah: We both grew up listening to alot of different music. Both of us listened to classic rock like Led Zepplin, Chicago and Steely Dan. I listened to a lot of James Taylor and Joni Mitchell. I got really into country after finding a Dixie Chicks record in my mom’s car and dug into everything from there, from modern country to classics like Patsy Cline.
Justin: I always was really into guitar players like Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed. Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan and Eric Clapton were a few other favorites of mine growing up.
3. What artists do you currently listen to?
Sarah: I’m always listening to different stuff. Sometimes it’s Allison Krauss, sometimes it’s pop music. I have so many friends with records out that I love listening to too!
Justin: Frank Sinatra and Ryan Adams have been on top of my playlist. I listen to Frank’s “In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning” every time we fly.
4. Do you have a favorite place to perform?
Definitely the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. There’s just no place like it!
5. If you could tour with any artist, who would you pick and why?
John Mayer would be SO awesome. We’re both huge fans and we would just want to jam with him!
6. Do you have a favorite song to perform?
Justin: Our song “Make A Liar Out Of Me” is always really fun. We also do a cover of “Crossroads” and that’s a blast too.
Sarah: We have a new song on the record called “Never Gonna Love Again” that I just love singing and playing. I love the groove to it but I’ll always have a soft spot for “When The Right One Comes Along.” No matter where we play that song, I see the first time we played the Opry in my mind.
7. What can people expect at a Striking Matches show?
You can expect high energy and a lot of guitar playing at any Striking Matches show. We put everything we’ve got into every performance and leave it all on the stage. So you can expect to also see some sweaty matches 🙂
8. In your opinion, what’s the greatest thing about country music?
The fans! We’ve been so blessed to have so many amazing fans around the globe that have been with us since the very beginning and we’re so grateful to them for going on this journey with us.
9. What can fans expect from you guys in 2015?
Well first and foremost our record and definitely a few videos! 2015 is already off to an awesome start and we’re so excited to be on the road!
10. What would you want the world to know about Striking Matches?
We are songwriters. We write about our lives, experiences and the experiences of others we know. We hope to convey that through our music. Our hearts and souls are poured out on this record. It was recorded live and we like to think of it as an auditory photograph, one of a moment in time. We cannot wait for the world to hear it! Also, we love coffee.
Their debut album which was produced by T Bone Burnett is set to release March 24,2015. For more information on Striking Matches you can visit www.strikingmatches.com.
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