It may not be the big time just yet, but for one local contemporary Christian group the big time might be just around the corner.
Crutch Field sounds a little like Nickel Creek or Allison Cross and Union Station with a contemporary Christian theme in their original music.
"Our music has a little different sound. We're called 'New Grass' Blue Grass," said drummer Eric Taylor. "We're attracting some national attention."
The group started out with local artists John and Kerri Crutchfield of Iron Station along with Christian Acker, a Charlotte area guitarist. The three have been writing and performing music for many years. Then they met Erin Maynor from Huntersville. With Acker on the guitar, Erin's voice added the sound they needed to make the group complete. Their "soulful blend" of three-part harmony became a trademark of their songs.
In early 2006, John made the contact for the group to record a CD of their music on an independent label in Nashville. Their first CD was released in March. At the recording, they hired a professinal band in Nashville to enhance their music, but the four members of the group realized they needed their own band to help promote their songs and their CD.
Guitarist and mandolin player Mark Stultz and bassist Dave Wissell, both from Charlotte area, and Taylor on the drums and percussion from Lincolnton, found their place with Crutch Field to bring the entire package together.
Although they sing a few cover songs, their music is original pieces composed by the original members. they practice about once a week in a small space in the Crutchfield's home, working on refining their musical sound.
"We don't desire to be like anybody. We have our own thing we do," said Taylor. They play locally for churches, coffee houses and at area events.
now into the New Year, Crutch Field also got some great news that is sure to give them a boost in the industry. Indie Heaven, the nation's leading organization supporting independent artists in the Chritian music genre, announced that Crutch Field was selected as a finalist for two awards in the Second Annual "Momentum Awards" in the categories of Album of the Year and Country Artist of the Year. The awards will be presented at the upcoming IndieHeaven CIA Summit 2007 conference in Franklin, Tennesee at the end of march.
Although IndieHeaven is just a stepping stone for young, new artists and groups, they have noticed the talent this group has to offer. And Crutch Field hopes it will get them to the next level.
After signing on with IndieHeaven in Novemeber, the song "Pressing On" by Crutch Field has "quickly gone to number 17 on the IndieHeaven independent artists radio chart according to the press release. "The staff at IndieHeaven selected the group as a staff favorite."
"Pressing On" was also selected to be featured on a compilation CD that will soon be released to over 400 Christian radio stations across the United States.
"It's hard to get exposure here in Lincoln County," said Taylor. "we enjoy playing at churches and events around here. Recording is a secondary thing. But the feedback people say is that our music is pretty good."
The current group has only been together since August but are happy with where the group is going and their future prospects. They offer a "very subtle contemporary music style with messages of praise to God ringing clear on every song. The group's desire to share praise to God is evident in their energetic live performances," stated the press release.
Members range in age from the 30s to the 40s, and Taylor says they all have regular jobs, kids and families but they plod on working for a big break. 200 may just bring it for them.
You can help this local group win this year's Momentum awards. Just go to www.indieheaven.com and vote for Crutch Field.