Nashville, TN – The Andrea Roberts Agency (ARA) is pleased to announce the signing of new band, ClayBank, to an artist development deal that will include booking and management duties for the group. They will be joining The Grascals, Flatt Lonesome, Steve Gulley & New Pinnacle, Wildfire, and Volume Five on the roster of ARA artists.
ClayBank, from the mountains of western North Carolina that are steeped in the musical heritage of bluegrass, old-time and gospel music, is quickly gaining fans and causing promoters to take notice of their fast-rising popularity. Although the band was formed just one year ago (April 2015), they have become instant crowd favorites at their performances with their impeccable musicianship, rousing vocals and fun-loving stage presence.
In February 2016, ClayBank ventured to Nashville to compete for the first time in the SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America) National Band Championship where they walked away with 3rd place honors and hundreds of new fans. On March 25, 2016, the ensemble travelled to Hartsville, SC to compete in the band competition at RenoFest (an event honoring Bluegrass Hall of Famer, Don Reno) and took home 1st place honors.
ClayBank consists of youngsters Zack Arnold (15) on mandolin and vocals and Jacob Greer (17) on guitar and vocals along with Tyler Thompson on banjo and vocals and Gary Trivette on bass and vocals. The band takes their name from the community of ClayBank (near West Jefferson, NC) that is not only where they meet to hone their craft, but the place that embodies the very spirit of the music which they play. The band members are not related by blood, but are knit-tightly by their love of the music and their love for the Lord.
When asked about adding ClayBank to the ARA roster for booking representation and management, Andrea Roberts responded with the following:
When I saw this group perform live in Nashville earlier this year, I was so happy to hear a new, young band playing bluegrass music and representing the genre with such great respect and outstanding talent. Then, after getting to know the band members, I hoped that it may be possible for me to work with them because I really believe in what they are doing. I am thrilled to be helping ClayBank on their journey in the world of bluegrass. I truly feel that folks are going to love them!
ClayBank guitarist, Jacob Greer, had this to say about the announcement, “We are thrilled to be on the ARA roster for management and booking! I can’t imagine a better person to represent ClayBank than Andrea Roberts and we sincerely appreciate her confidence in us.”
Bass player, Gary Trivette added, “It is a blessing and honor for us to get to work Andrea and we are proud to be part of the ARA family!”
Make sure to keep your eyes and ears open for ClayBank. The future is looking very bright for this new band and there are sure to be more exciting announcements soon.