Broken Wire BIO’s.
Tremendous vocals and harmonies, one lady and four men that make a perfect match; mashing and driving instrumentalists with the perfect time of a pounding bass, Broken Wire is all of the above, and a lot more
Broken Wire is not just a band, but a family. A band that has not been together that long, but a band full of compassion, skill, and love. This, one woman, four men group has all grown up around a strong backgrounded base of traditional music out of the mountains of South-Western Virginia, what some would call, “The Galax Sound.” But they also rappidly push a new, contemporary set list full of driving instrumentation and compelling vocals that will blow you away.
Courtney Burroughs Courtney grew up in Stoneville, NC, and began playing the fiddle at age 11. Very early on, music played an important role in her life. She played many shows with her family’s gospel band and entered many local competitions. Her influences include Jim Van Cleve, Alison Krauss, Ron Block, Sonya Isaacs and Bobby Hicks. Since joining Broken Wire, she has continued to make music an important entity in her life and hopes to share that passion for music with audiences everywhere.
Dustin Pyrtle- Dustin lives in Westfield NC. He became interested in the guitar at age 5, while watching his father play. Being a great nephew to Lou Reid, bluegrass music has always been a huge part of Dustin’s life. He has played with many local musicians for the past few years, including Benny Lawson and Friends, Double Overtime and Kopper Kanyon. Prior to meeting the members of Broken Wire, Dustin developed his own band, Dustin Pyrtle and New Generation. Both bands performed at the Rex Theater in Galax Va and this is when Dustin had the honor of hearing the young talented, energetic band. Dustin left his band which consisted of his father Anthony, his uncle Randy Pyrtle and friend Tom Costner to join Broken Wire. Major influences included Russell Moore of IIIrd Tyme Out, Keith Pyrtle of Kopper Kanyon, Mountain Heart, Lou Reid and Carolina, Terry Baucom, Grasstown and Blue Highway.
Nick Keen- He grew up in the small town of East Bend, NC and began playing the mandolin at age 10. After getting a solid start under the guidance of his father Mike Keen, he began studying with multi-instrumentalist Jody King. He also joined his fathers gospel group Rose Of Sharon. In the past, Nick has been seen on stage with Ernie Thacker, Ronnie Bowman, Melonie Cannon and Darrell Webb guitar player for Rhonda Vincent and the Rage. Nick has competed in many competitions most recently he competed at Merlefest and won second. Nick recently received a citizenship award from the mayor for his involvement with work in the community through music. If you would ask Nick who some of his musical influences are, he would tell you Adam Steffey, Ronald Inscore, Darrell Webb, Jody King and his Dad Mike Keen, this is only to name a few. Nick would also tell you that the one that has the most influence in his life is his Heavenly Father. He knows without a doubt where his talent comes from. Nick wants to thank his uncle Barry and all the musicians who has encouraged him on his musical journey. He thanks his parents for there love and prayers and to the other parents in the band he says thanks for the love and support and the many words of encouragement that you have given Broken Wire. To his dearest friend Jesus Christ he gives all his praise and thanks for all that he has done and continues to do in his life
"Nick Keen is one of the most talented young musicians in bluegrass today." -Darrel Webb, guitar player for Rhonda Vincent & The Rage.
Asa Gravley- Currently resides in Hillsville , Va. He received his first guitar at age 12. At age 13 he met multi-instrumentalist Josh Pickett. Josh also was his guitar teacher. Rapidly he began to progress and with Josh helping him along the way he quickly began to become a master of the guitar. On March 12, 2004 he joined a band called the Galax Little Leaves. They competed at many local fiddlers conventions, many of which he placed and won in the guitar competition. With this band he had the honor of gracing the stages with artists such as IIIrd Tyme Out, Clay Jones of Mountain Heart, Jeff Parker of the Lonesome River Band, Ron Stewart of J.D. Crowe and the New South, The Kenny and Amanda Smith Band, Sierra Hull, Ryan Holladay, and many more. He would like to thank foremost Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior for giving him the gift of music and would also like to thank his parents Gary and Penny Gravley for all their support.
Houston Caldwell- He is now 15 years old and resides in Galax, VA. Steve Barr was his 1st banjo teacher and Jody King was his 2nd. During that time period Houston joined a band called the Galax Little Leaves. He has performed on stage with greats such as Ralph Stanley, Rhonda Vincent, Blue Highway, Kenny and Amanda Smith, Wayne Henderson, Lou Reid and Carolina, IIIrd Thyme Out, Bluegrass All-Star Band, Earl Scrugss and many more including a “Youth Juvenescence” with youth greats such as Sierra Hull, Cory Walker, Ryan Holladay, Austin and Christian Ward and also many more. Houston especially want’s to thank Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior for his talent, his parents, Kenneth and Tess Caldwell along with his sister Hayden Caldwell.
"Houston Caldwell is one fine banjo player. He is well on his way to becoming one of the big cats in banjo world."-Jason Burleson, Blue Highway
Debbie Robinson, National Council For the Traditional Arts, Vice President of the Crooked Road
“Anyone who may be concerned that traditional bluegrass music may no longer resonate with today’s youth need only to hear this band. These young players are turning heads everywhere they go. They’re young, energetic, and tremendously talented. Although they are fairly new on the bluegrass band scene, each member is grounded by a deep traditional foundation that has been instilled within them from the many great traditional musicians of this region. They’ve taken the music that they cut their teeth on and given it a real edge. Broken Wire has gotten off to a great start, and are creating a buzz in the bluegrass world. They’re definitely a band to watch!”
Wesley Easter, Eastwood Studios, Engineer and Producer
"Major Label Signing Material"
Layout by CoolChaser
