It took former Tara’s Secret guitarist/songwriter Craig Chapman several attempts to bring together a band of like-minded players willing to bring to life his original songs, rather than just country covers.
In the aftermath of Covid, Craig linked up with singer/bass player Laura Holden in October 2021, both sharing their original songs and finding similar influences including Matchbox 20, Ashley McBryde, Lady A and Sheryl Crow.
Craig brought in ex-army mate Pat Wright on guitar, and Tara’s Secret band-mate Dave Deaville on keys, and they finalised the line-up with Craig Cope on drums.
The band quickly polished a set of original songs for local gigs, practicing at Dave’s farm near Stoke-on-Trent and booking gigs around Staffordshire and Cheshire. They recorded a five track EP in Summer 2022 titled You’re Melting Me which was well received, gaining airplay on local, national and international mainstream and country radio shows, and the single One Way Ticket was picked up by BBC Introducing.
The band are passionate about promoting the UK country music scene and hosted their own country and Americana songwriters night which attracted acts from near and far. In September 2023 they organised Cheshire’s first country music festival featuring performances from Adele And Andy, Chloe Chadwick, Lisa T and more.
2024 ended on a massive high with the band being nominated for UK Country Group of the Year and and performing at The UK Country Music Awards in September.
They also smashed performances at The British Country Music Association Festival in St Helen’s, Live in the Living Room Gives Back in London, and at Motorcycle Live at Birmingham NEC.
A full album is under way and due out in early spring, and Chasing Twisters hope to perform at many festivals over the summer.
