We all start somewhere. If we put in the work, we can make a name for ourselves. Bobby Hancock and Tim Stelmat – as Whiskey Pines – have done that. The two have each been playing for more than 20 years. Stelmat began as a drummer, a path his father walked before him, and Hancock’s road started with the four strings of a bass. These days you can see them at some of the biggest events in the Sandhills and for high-profile clients, but a decade ago, they were grinding on the circuit, trying to get any gig they could.

The scene was much smaller in the 2000s, but there were well-known acts paving the way, like musician Nathan Davis, who was highly regarded by his contemporaries. It may have been smaller, but Davis and others proved that Moore County had a depth of talent. “There was so much soul and heart in every act around town back then, and it’s something we strive to portray in every show we play,” says Stelmat.

Many musicians find a space, a community, sometimes bandmates at open mic nights. Around the time Whiskey Pines formed, there wasn’t an open mic scene in Moore County like there is today, but Stelmat and Hancock would offer free gigs, leave demos and even play impromptu for whoever would give them a chance, and they began to grow their audience. The two have also grown as musicians and managers. Stelmat handles some booking for the duo, while Hancock leverages his expertise in tech to expand the band’s marketing. Life has brought them challenges. Busier schedules leave them less time to practice, so they try to push themselves during gigs and still bring passion to each performance.

They can’t pinpoint a tipping point that brought them notariety, but when they look back they appreciate the experiences and connections that they’ve built along the way. Whiskey Pines is now the established band, much like Davis in their early days, and have seen the area’s venues multiply and younger talent begin the climb. To them, it’s an opportunity for those outside of the tight-knit music community to recognize that the area “is well rooted with live music.”

“We have been very fortunate in the past few years. We appreciate everyone who continues to come out and see us.” That support has shown itself through recognition of 1st place in the annual Best of the Pines contest for the past four years in a row.

Whiskey Pines still plays the local venues like those that gave them a chance, and “have the utmost appreciation for the businesses,” Stelmat says, “without them, there wouldn’t be much of a music scene.” They always welcome people to come up and say “Hi,” at their shows.