The formation of Matt Stell & the Crashers was an unlikely one. Stell began playing music as a sophomore in college. He played guitar at house parties and social events around campus, becoming a fixture at such gatherings. Eventually Stell took his act to the Snorty Horse Saloon where he befriended the owner of the bar, Steve Greene. Greene introduced Stell to numerous musicians from Southwest Missouri and surrounding areas, including current Crashers lead guitarist Adam Freitas. Stell and Freitas began playing acoustic shows around the area and continued doing so for over two years.
This acoustic duo enjoyed some success, but it became apparent that Stell needed a full band to create the kind of music he wanted. “I enjoyed playing acoustic, and still do sometimes. But I really needed the energy and creative options that a full band lineup affords.” So Stell and Freitas began to seek out other musicians more actively. Steve Greene and the Snorty Horse proved again to be a valuable resource. Sound engineer Joey Rowlett, already a noted bass player with groups like the John D. Hale Band and Grammy® Award winning artist Shaggy, was the perfect fit.
Stell, Freitas, and Rowlett played together whenever they could find a drummer, but it wasn’t until a chance meeting with Matt Richardson in a small town bar that a band was formed. “We played with a few people, but nobody really fit into what we were trying to do. But one night we were playing in Clever, Missouri and there just so happened to be a drum kit set up. A fellow came up and very politely asked us if he could sit in with us for a song or two. He did and almost instantly we knew we had our man.”
Stell, Freitas, Rowlett, and Richardson formed Matt Stell & the Crashers and began playing everywhere from Texas and Oklahoma to Southern Missouri to Central and Northwest Arkansas. Their touring schedule has them playing all over the Mid-South and opening for the likes of Eli Young, Cross Canadian Ragweed, the John D. Hale Band, and Jason Boland when they aren’t headlining their own shows.
Josh Rogers and Justin Rusinowski both spend time drumming for the Crashers when schedule conflicts occur. The band doesn’t miss a beat, so to speak, with either of these talented musicians in the lineup.
On any given day, MS&C can be found touring the country in support of Stell’s debut album, The Sound and the Story, regionally released in the Fall of 2008. The record’s national release is set for May 2009. The record has enjoyed rather extensive airplay from radio stations in Central Arkansas, Western Kansas and across Southern and Central Missouri.
One things for sure; despite their early success, the Crashers are just getting started. “We have big plans for this band, and we’re not afraid to play with anyone anywhere to prove that we can create and entertain with the best the South and Midwest have to offer.” Watching Stell and the boys realize this dream will make for a wild ride.
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