Ada, Oklahoma’s Gambit is proof that outlaw country music is alive and well today. This duo, consisting of Will Irwin and Chris Butler, is amassing a steadily growing fan base, a testament to this genre’s widespread appeal. Although from diverse backgrounds, this duo has always shared one common thread - the love of true traditional outlaw country music. These boys don't follow suit with the Nashville country standard of today's music, rather following closely in the musical footsteps of the golden age outlaws like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams - and even some personal endeavors as well. Run-ins with the law are only a small part of what makes Gambit true to their genre, as well as breathing life into those old country songs they love so much in their every day reality. Though Gambit has had many hardships, it has only fueled the fire to bring that experience into their own music and to their fans.
Will Irwin plays the acoustic guitar and carries the lead vocals of Gambit. He was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and moved to Ada when he was just a pup. His interests in music started with Metal, and then his mother bought him an acoustic guitar when he was 16. The first song he recalls learning was Folsom Prison Blues, a song he still plays to this day.
When he was older, his Cash-like lifestyle lead him to not being able to to play bar shows for a couple years, which is where most musicians start and stay. “I spent the vast majority of my time alone and always sober, and I think that gave me a new found respect and understanding for the genre that I already adore. So I began to further explore the Outlaw/Traditional country genre that I hope to keep alive with my music today.”
Chris Butler, born and raised in Ada, OK, brings the Mandolin to the table, as well as being able to play guitar, bass, Dobro, and banjo. Chris is punk-rocker at heart, but admits to always loving traditional country music as well. Chris has been in several different bands since he began his musical career at the ripe old age of 15, starting with the band Jim Nothing. He was also in the band Youth Uninspired with fellow HMA musician Joey House of Dirty Derringer and is currently playing with the band The Quickiez, as well as Gambit. His musical influences include The Ramones, Johnny Thunders, Johnny Cash, The Clash, and Waylon Jennings.
With Chris and Will's life experiences combined, as well as their musical ones, they were able to mold and shape Gambit into something for the ages. The honest story telling in their songs, the twang of the acoustic guitar, the hardships and heartbreaks, the slight yodel in Will's voice, the precise finger picking of the mandolin, the connection between the emotion and the melody – it all defines who they are, and what we love about them. Some could compare this duo to Willie Nelson or Wayne Hancock, but with roots built on top of metal and punk-rock music and branching out into country sub-genres, they truly are a sound of their own.
Gambit is in the line-up for Casey & Anne's Halloween House Warming Party! This is invite only!
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