RED DIRT Skinners were described as playing blues and country music in a Keighley News tweet last week.

In a return tweet the duo politely pointed out that there’s also folk, Americana, jazz and rock in their rule-breaking, award-grabbing sound.

No wonder the pair, who play the Exchange Arts Centre in Russell Street, Keighley, on Wednesday December 2, use the hashtag #WeHatePigeonholes.

Red Dirt Skinners have perfected an eclectic sound that led to them becoming the first band to succeed at both the British Blues Awards and the British Country Music Awards.

In the first ceremony, one of the musicians picked up an Instrumentalist of the Year award, while at the other the Red Dirt Skinners were voted Best New Act and People’s Choice.

Last year they were also voted by UK Country Radio as one of the top ten acts of the year.

Blues In Britain magazine has cited the band’s infectious positivity, sublime harmonies and exceptional musicianship as behind their roller-coaster rise.

They are now one of the most sought-after new acts on the British and European Country Blues scene.

The duo draw inspiration for their songs from their own experiences, including a burglary in 2010 while they were away playing a gig.

A spokesman said: “Guitars and jewellery were taken, but more frustratingly, all of their computers which contained six years worth of songwriting ideas had gone too.

“The couple somehow found a way to see the positive. A month later, they married, and shortly afterwards released an album of songs, Home Sweet Home, inspired by how they felt about the burglary.

“Home Sweet Home received nominations at both the British Blues Awards and the UK Country Radio Awards for Best Original Song.”

Sinking The Mary Rose, the third album, was released in November 2013 and was entirely funded by pre-orders from the band’s ever-growing fan base.

By popular demand the Skinners released a live album last year, a 15-track 'warts and all' CD recorded live at the Blue Lamp in Aberdeen in July 2014.

Tickets cost £8 from Keighley Musicians Centre, next door to the Exchange, Russell Street, or by visiting exchangearts.co.uk.