Nashville, TN (2.16.09) BRAND NEW STRINGS has just been named the WINNER of the 2009 International Band Championship by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA). The competition was held over the weekend during the 35th Annual SPBGMA Bluegrass Music Awards and 26th Annual National Convention and Band Championship at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville.  This newly formed band are also recent winners of the Smoky Mountain Fiddler’s Convention and the Cumberland River Bluegrass Festival band competitions as well.

The group has been busy recording their highly anticipated upcoming new album set for release this year. Their Album Producer and Grasstowne band member, Steve Gulley said,  "I've known most of the members of BRAND NEW STRINGS for long time and am proud to call them my friends. They are a great new band with a fresh new sound that commands your attention. Real bluegrass from the real deal. These guys know the music and it shows!”

BRAND NEW STRINGS includes: Randall Massengill (guitar and lead & harmony vocals), Tim Tipton (bass), Mike Ramsey (mandolin and lead & harmony vocals), Stuart Wyrick (banjo and harmony vocals) and Matt Leadbetter (Resophonic Guitar and harmony vocals).  “We were thrilled to receive such a warm welcome from fans and honored to be chosen the winner of the SPBGMA Band Competition. We look forward to announcing a lot of news in upcoming weeks, so stay tuned for more on BRAND NEW STRINGS!" said Tipton.

More information on BRAND NEW STRINGS can be found at: www.myspace.com/brandnewstringsband or www.hoperiverentertainment.com