Biography

One word... AUTHENTIC!
"People will be able to relate to a lot of our songs because they’re honest and come from a place that’s real."

Dixie Still’s journey began two years ago, when Gaston County native Matt Branch created the band. In just two years the band has evolved from a hometown band playing local music, to presently the two-time Carolina Music Award-winning, Nashville recording vocal group consisting of Matt and Holly Branch, and their best friend Stephen Robertson.

Stephen and Holly joined Matt in November of 2012 to begin production on a Nashville recording under the direction of Grammy award winning producer, Mark Fain with Black River Entertainment. The record features the talents of Nashville's finest engineers and musicians including Brent King, Ritchie Robinson, Bryan Sutton, Pat Buchannon, Lynn Williams, Gary Smith and David Johnson.

"I was recently introduced to the music of Dixie Still by my good friend Mark Fain. What I hear is a fresh new sound of songs and tight harmony vocals that separates them from other acts. They are a perfect fit for fairs, festivals and opening act opportunities." ~Chuck Lipps, VP (Rick Modesitt & Associates, Inc.

The dynamic trio began performing and touring in 2013 regionally, mostly in the Southeast alongside One Stop Entertainment out of Charlotte, NC. The response from audiences from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL, Cornelia, GA to right up the road in Gastonia, NC was overwhelming and it was amazing to see how the crowd of listeners related to Dixie Still's original and unique music and lyrics. On August 1, 2013, Dixie Still released their first, highly anticipated single, titled “I Fell For Memphis.” The single is being played on radio stations in Tennessee, Minnesota, Ohio, Georgia, Oregon, Florida, South Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia, Texas, Utah and their home state of North Carolina. In May 2014, the wait was over and the full album, "Rumor" was officially released at a hometown concert in Belmont, NC at Stowe Park. SOme fans drove as far as two states away to attend the concert!

"For me its "home". Country music is my favorite and these guys bring it all with their smooth tones, but yet a little rough on the edges. They are completely balanced in their harmonies, but mostly, I love how thei songs with "their" voices, take me somewhere. They take you back to all sorts of real memories. Some are sad, some are great, and some just make you want to fall in love, whether it be your first time or all over with the love you have now. See... its real music with real lyrics and like I said, its HOME!" ~Jennifer Aldridge Boheler (Dixie Still Fan Kings Mountain, NC)

With their southern roots and desire to help others, the trio decided to dedicate the song titled, “Dark Horse” off their newly released album to those who suffer from Cystic Fibrosis. They are dedicating time and energy to raise awareness and money to help children and patients within Cystic Fibrosis Carolinas Chapter. They partnered with The Fuzzy Peach in Boiling Springs, NC in August 2013, to host a Meet-and-Greet in an joint effort to honor a Cleveland County girl who is battling cystic fibrosis and donated a portion of the proceeds to “Madison’s Hope.”

　

MEET THE BAND

HOLLY ROBINSON BRANCH - Holly Robinson Branch is from the small-town of Bessemer City, NC and some may say she was born singing. Holly started singing at the age of 7 in local churches in her hometown, and is the youngest artist in the history of Gospel music to debut a song in the Top 40 charts, at the age of 13. Her success continued as did her career as she was nominated for the Horizon Artist of the Year and Soloist of the Year at The Diamond Awards in Nashville in 1992. Branch’s talent doesn’t stop there, the was the founding member of the full-time Southern Gospel trio, “3 For 1” who had 8 Top 40 Huts and was credited with 3 Gospel Music Fan Award nominations. In addition to her role with Dixie Still, Holly currently manages, produces, and performs backing vocals for Son Sound Studios, Inc. in Bessemer City, NC.

MATT BRANCH - Matt Branch is originally from Stanley, NC and began singing at the young age of 8 at the church where his father was the Pastor. From Southern Gospel, to country and southern rock, Branch has assisted in the formation of three performing bands over the past 13 years, in which he played various instruments, and was highlighted as the lead singer. His talent has been showcased in various venues where he has won multiple talent competitions. Matt has Opened for American Idol finalist, Bo Bice and Broken Bow recording artists, Crossin' Dixon. In addition to performing with Dixie Still, Matt currently works as a studio producer and A&R Director for Son Son West Records. Matt and Holly have three children, Nevaeh (10 years old), Rylie (6 years old), and Preston (5 years old.)

STEPHEN ROBERTSON - Stephen Robertson is from the good ol’ town of Mount Airy, also known as “Mayberry USA.” His career has led him to many opportunities to work with other well-known artists. Robertson sang professionally with three vocal groups, one of which he traveled full-time. He has also been featured on various televisions and radio shows, as well as CD releases. Stephen is married to wife Brandi and their daughter Bailey just celebrated her 5th birthday in July 2013.

DIXIE STILL BAND - Dixie Still is backed by some of the best musicians in the Carolinas and quite possibly the country in our opinions. Band leader and long-time professional studio musician and audio engineer Chris Payne handles all the lead guitar work as well as some utility instrumentation. Our bass player, Joey Powell hails from Lake Wylie, SC and also provides duties as our road manager. Joey will amaze you with his talent keeps us in the pocket night after night! Percussion extraordinaire, Ricky Gentry of Mint Hill, NC is the final piece of the puzzle. Ricky's personality always keeps us in good spirits and his abilities are matchless!



What Others Are Saying About Dixie Still

"Holly and the guys have the tools to become a main-stream country act. Good vocals, good music, and a little bit of sassiness. Our listeners really liked Dixie Still"

- Boss Frog, Program Director/Afternoon Drive, FROGGY99! Parkersburg, WV



"I just got my Dixie Still CD and I haven't stopped playing it since! Their harmonies are tight and their songs tell beautiful stories with that authentic country feel but with just enough of a bit of a rock sound that gets your heart pumping. They have a bit of a Lady Antebellum feel crossed with Big & Rich. Holly's voice has such an incredible tone with a pureness that allows the story she tells to pierce through... and Matthew and Stephen will melt you with melodies. There is a reason this group won Best Country Band at the Carolina Music Awards. I am hooked!"

- Holly Firfer-Arnold
CNN Anchor/Reporter