Sara Zebley and Hayley Prosser began playing music together in 2011 and writing together a year later. But it wasn't until they moved to Nashville three years ago that they became the Steel Blossoms - an obvious nod to their hometown Pittsburgh, Pa.
The decision to leave Pittsburgh more than 500 miles in the rear-view mirror has given Zebley and Prosser a lot to write about as the country-folk duo chase their dreams in Music City.
Friday night, July 28, the Steel Blossoms have a gig at Puckett's, 2 W. Aquarium Way. Don't be surprised if they stop in their set to chat with their audience.
"We love laughing and having fun with the audience," says Zebley. "We are definitely serious about our music careers but our live shows still have comedy and substance."
If you go
› What: Steel Blossoms› Where: Puckett’s, 2 W. Aquarium Way› When: 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 28› Admission: Free, but tips accepted› For more information: 423-708-8505
The duo moved to Nashville on Aug. 29, 2014 and three days later had re-branded themselves as the Steel Blossoms.
Making the move a little bit easier was the fact that the two had already made several in-roads with folks living in Nashville, one of whom was former Taylor Swift manager Rick Barker.
Barker is also the creator of Music Industry Blueprint, a development service teaching singers and musicians about the inner-workings of the music industry and how to market themselves via social media.
"The biggest thing that we learned from Rick," says Prosser, "is that this business is all about relationships, relationships, relationships.
"He also taught us how to use social media as a tool to connect with fans that don't live near us," claims Zebley. "We want to know who they are and what they like so that our music can relate to what they are going through."
That emphasis on communicating with fans and building relationships doesn't appear only on social media; it also shines through when Steel Blossoms perform live.
Both women point out that the personal touch is something they are using to separate themselves from everybody else in a very crowded music industry.
"The shows are conversational," describes Prosser. "We really focus on positive vibes and greet everyone when they walk in the doors. We are there to make them happy and we aren't afraid to tell people in the audience about our own lives and struggles."
In October 2015, Steel Blossoms released their first EP, "Year Number One," which was funded entirely by fan pre-orders. They've spent a good deal of time traveling the country performing "house concerts" for families they have met while performing in Nashville.
"This town is full of incredible musicians and thousands of people who have the same goal as you," says Prosser. "The biggest pressure is standing out."
But they are doing just that. One show at a time. One laugh at a time. One handshake at the door at a time.