Artist Spotlight – Brand New Box of Matches

By: Marsha Channell

For the month of May, I am excited to have Brand New Box of Matches as my Artist Spotlight. Brand New Box of Matches is a newer duo making their way into the bluegrass world. As Elizabeth Sherman and Ryan Hardison both had music in their lives before, it wasn’t until a few years ago when they started becoming noticed.

Ryan was that typical high school boy jamming on the electric guitar and playing in a punk rock band with some friends. After graduating college and moving to Knoxville, TN in the summer of 2000, Ryan began learning the banjo. It was only natural following in love with bluegrass and wanting to play the banjo as he always loved listening to Doug Dillard, banjoist for The Dillard’s aka The Darlings, on the Andy Griffith Show. Taking lessons with Ed Wing at the Pick N Grin music shop engaged Ryan into a deep learning of the foundations of the bluegrass banjo.

Learning a great deal about Earl Scruggs made winning tickets to a concert at the age of 18yrs old so much “cooler”. Yep, that’s correct, that concert was an Earl Scruggs concert and Ryan was invited behind the venue and had his Foggy Mountain Banjo cassette tape signed by the, one and only, Earl Scruggs. Keeping focus on the banjo, Ryan started studying other greats like JD Crowe, John Hartford, Sonny Osborne and many others. All the enjoyment Ryan found in the banjo, he began to learn how to play the guitar and mandolin on his own.

Elizabeth, on the other side of the duo, grew up singing in church and learned how to play the piano in her teen years. Couple years after 2000, Elizabeth met Ryan and that is when she discovered the upright bass after attending numerous bluegrass jams. Elizabeth has true admiration for Mike Bub’s bass playing style along with the slap bass playing style of Joe Fick’s. As for her vocals and first admiration, Elizabeth looks to a well-known and powerful gospel singer, Karen Wheaton. She remembers, as a teenager, looking up to her as a powerful singer and one that commanded everyone’s attention by her voice.

Becoming a duo, Elizabeth and Ryan knew that gaining the audience’s attention was very important. Elizabeth and Ryan were influenced by Karen Wheaton and John Hartford because they both had strong performances, lots of entertainment, meaningful songs and etc. Ryan especially liked how John Hartford, as a solo performer, could captivate an audience through both beautiful songs right along with performing comedic songs as well. Another artist that Elizabeth looked up to and admired was Loretta Lynn. She would have loved to been able to sit down and discuss how Loretta balanced family life with her performing life and her overall passion for singing.

Having that moment of “we had what it took to entertain large audiences” came during a festival in downtown Knoxville. During the festival, the crowd gave great reactions to their show-dancing and sing along songs. Watching a couple waltzing to the Tennessee Waltz through the Market Square and smiling at each other was another moment that Brand New Box of Matches will never forget and only hope that, that couple will also talk about that moment years from now.

Similar to most bands, the Brand New Box of Matches would love to venture across the waters and play in other countries. So far, they have had the privilege to perform via Zoom for radio stations in Ireland and England but again, would love to travel abroad and play on stage. Here in the states, Ryan and Elizabeth love playing at Boones Creek Opry in Johnson City, Tennessee and Rosine Barn in Rosine, Kentucky. Both venues have outstanding audiences and is obvious that they come to listen to bluegrass music.

Yes, Brand New Box of Matches may be a newer bluegrass band to the genre but having the excitement of recording two original albums and having their songs aired on radio charts is the same as all the other bands you have heard for years. Hearing from fans from all around the world telling them that they love their music puts Ryan and Elizabeth on top of the world.

If Elizabeth and Ryan could share advice with other up-and-coming bands, they would suggest: show up early, stay late and visit with fans, don’t argue with the sound guy, and remember that you’re not everyone’s cup of tea. Don’t ever get discouraged if it seems people aren’t drawn to your music, that is why there are so many kinds of music out there. Be you!

Rapid fire questions –

What is your favorite Holiday and why?

Ryan – Thanksgiving, I love eating turkey and gravy. I’d like to find some excuses to eat it throughout the year.

Elizabeth – Thanksgiving – love spending time with family.

If you were not part of the music scene, what would you be doing?

Ryan – woodworking and instrument building. I actually build banjos. If I wasn’t playing shows, I’d still be building banjos. You can see my work at www.hardisonbanjos.com

Elizabeth – woodcarving and gardening. I still try to do a little bit of gardening now, but I had to put woodcarving aside for a while to focus on music.

What is your favorite sport and team?

Ryan – I really enjoy watching baseball when I have time. Historically, I’ve been a bit of a Chicago Cubs fan, but I don’t follow them as much now.

What your favorite kind of ice cream?

Ryan – I like vanilla quite a bit, but Cookies & Cream ice cream is pretty good, too.

Elizabeth – would have to be a vanilla malted custard shake from Andy’s.

What is your favorite snack food on the road?

Ryan & Elizabeth – salami, cheese and Ruffle chips. We ran out of crackers one night after playing a show. Elizabeth thought, we should try the salami and cheese on top of a Ruffles chip. Ever since, it has been our favorite and don’t even worry about buying crackers anymore.

Do you have a hobby outside of music?

Ryan – banjo building and other woodworking.

Elizabeth – well, it’s still kind of music, I’m very much interested in Appalachian dance styles, specifically flat footing. I’ve taken a few lessons, and Ryan even made me a dance board to practice on.

What is your favorite movie line?

Ryan – don’t really have a favorite movie line but I’m always quoting Seinfeld.

Announcements:

Make sure to keep your eyes and ears open for Brand New Box of Matches where you get your music. They are working on an album and will be releasing singles throughout the year. All songs on the album have been written by Ryan Hardison and Elizabeth Sherman. The first single that was released (Feb 2025) was ‘Cold Tonight Here in Georgia’. Just last month on April 11^th, Brand New Box of Matches released ‘Pretty Blue Eyes’.

You can check out www.brandnewboxofmatches.com for all their merchandise and tour schedule.