A HUSBAND and wife duo who “followed their hearts” to become full time musicians at the turn of the year are bringing the blues rock sound to the dale this weekend.
Aaron and Grace Bond, who perform as When Rivers Meet, will play at Stainton Village Hall on Saturday, October 12.
Aaron said since taking the plunge, the Essex-based pair were “absolutely loving it” , having released a series of singles throughout the year and maintained a busy touring schedule, the highlight of which was an appearance in front of 3,000 people at the Cambridge Folk Festival.
“Even though we are not really folky, we went down really, really well,” he said.
When Rivers Meet has been quite some time in the making. Aaron explained: “We have both been singing for years. When we met, Grace was in a Meatloaf tribute band and did a lot of big festivals.
“I was singing in local rock bands when we were living in Norfolk. We moved to Essex about 11 years ago and decided to do something together a couple of years ago.”
The couple continued to hold down day jobs – Grace as a PA and Aaron in a variety of roles from running his own tiling firm to working to support those with autism – and initially started out as an acoustic duo.
“This year, we decided to quit the day jobs and really concentrate on the music,” added Aaron.
“We realised the acoustic stuff was not really working. I got a Gibson Les Paul and we decided to follow our hearts and go rocky-blues. That was in January and it has just taken off since then.
“It was a case of going in wholeheartedly.”
Initially, they planned to release a single a month throughout the year. That goal hasn’t quite been reached, however, four tracks are now available on an EP titled The Uprising and a fifth single is planned for release later this month.
“It is about momentum. What is suiting us is releasing a single every month or two to keep that momentum going. All of the singles have been played worldwide and on BBC Introducing,” said Aaron.
He promises gig-goers at Stainton an evening of original material along with a “few surprises” on the night.
After visiting the dale, the duo will continue to tour into the new year, with a gig at the Great British Rock and Blues Festival, in Skegness, among the early highlights for 2020.
Tickets for the Stainton gig are £10 in advance available from Sean Williams on 07952 925542 or Jane Teasdale on 01833 638348, or £12 on the door. Anyone who attended the Adrian Nation gig at Stainton Village Hall can purchase a ticket for £5.
