A local band “Louis Waymore” attended the Carolina Music Awards this past Saturday, where the four musicians and their guests got to celebrate with artists from many different genres from both North and South Carolina. Much to the surprise of the Selma group, the first time nominee’s got to take away the “Best Country Group” trophy.
Erin Wise, singer/guitarist, was thrilled to join her bandmates on stage at the Duke Energy Performing Arts Center in Raleigh to accept the award. “Getting to accept this award during such a special night when artists from so many genres come together to support each other means the world to me.”
Louis Waymore was formed in early 2012 by guitarist Phil Wise, who after many years performing in area bands wanted to play a brand of country music that was closer to its roots.
“I was growing tired of the increased production of trying to perform music, and wanted to return to playing the type of songs that first excited me about guitar,” Wise said. “I had always dreamed about a more traditional sounding country band, with strong vocals. I found those vocals in former Princeton High School classmate and bassist Adam Barbour, and surprisingly a girl I hadn’t been dating very long.”
“The first time I heard her sing I knew that was the voice I had in my head,” Wise said. “I guess it’s a good thing we ended up getting married! Erin, and Adam who is just a powerhouse male country voice is really the foundation of everything we do.”
The band is rounded out by Ken Dawson of Wilson on the drums. Dawson is a longtime professional musician who has performed local and regionally for many years. “This is a great group, and it’s wonderful to be a part of such a collaborative group. Having the chance to record and perform in a group where everyone works so hard and respects each other musically and professionally makes the work so easy”
Louis Waymore released their debut album “She’s Got a Gun” late last year and has had the title track, a duet with Adam and Erin both on lead vocals, receive radio play on local stations. They will be performing at the Ice House Theatre in Selma on Friday, August 26th.
