Culture
Jackson County Duo Poised For Country Stardom
By: Jeremiah Shaver | Jackson County Times-Journal
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An up-and-coming country music duo with Jackson County roots have won two Nashville Universe Music Awards.
The 2Steel Girls, a mother and daughter duo, won Entertainer of the Year and Song of the Year for “Forward,” a track from the pair’s debut album, Train Wreck (2013).
The Nashville Universe Music Awards were held on Monday, Feb. 23 at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, Tennessee.
According to Allison Steel, Nashville Universe is considered the “Minor Leagues” by the major record labels in Nashville.
“Over 12,000 music industry, artists and fans are a part of Nashville Universe,” explained Allison. “Each year, folks are nominated by members of Nashville Universe and all members vote.”
Great American County’s Storme Warren, award-winning producer Michael Knox and several others joined together to celebrate independent artists who are making waves, according to Allison.
“We won the top award of Entertainer of the Year. Can you believe that? We also won Song of the Year with our song, ‘Forward.’ Anyway, it really gets the big dudes in the music industry talking about up and coming stars,” she said.
Allison and Krystal were up for Duo of the Year. However, another duo known as The Trailer Choir won in that category.
“We were the only artists nominated for three awards,” explained Allison. “It was incredible to take two awards home when we didn’t really expect to win. We were really blown away!”
The Jackson County Times-Journal asked the 2Steel Girls about the follow-up to Train Wreck, but a release date has not been set.
“Our first single off the new CD will be released on Tuesday, April 21,” stated Allison. “The single is called ‘Mad Black Magic’ and we are so very excited for you all to hear the new music.”
The upcoming album was produced by Emmy Award-winning producer Trey Bruce and recorded at Blackbird Studios in Nashville.
“We had some incredible musicians play on the new music,” said Allison. “Nir Z, the drummer on the CD, has recorded with Genesis and Blake Shelton.”
The 2Steel Girls received their first big break when talent scouts with NBC’s The Voice asked them to audition for the show in 2012. From there, the duo made it past the blind auditions, but was eliminated in the “Battle Rounds” portion of the show.
After being eliminated from the show, the 2Steel Girls performed on Hallmark’s Home and Family show, sang on country singer Blake Shelton’s album, Cheers, It’s Christmas, and performed their single “Train Wreck” on NBC’s Today with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb.
The duo continues to work on their music and performs at different venues. To keep up with the 2Steel Girls visit 2steelgirls.com.