Shannon Haley and Ryan Michaels, known as the duo Haley & Michaels, recently took home two Nashville Independent Music Awards, including the award for Best Live Performers. The duo is based in Nashville and has spent a good part of this year working on their forthcoming album. Studio work has been done with Mikal Blue (Colbie Caillat/Five For Fighting) and Warren Huart (The Fray/James Blunt).

Recently sponsored by Taylor Guitars, the duo will release a video for their first single, “The Price I Pay” the end of this year. The full-length album will be expected in the beginning of 2013.

After their last Hotel Café performance, Music Connection asserted that “The radio-ready, soon to be first single brilliantly showcases the tight, well-blended harmonies that are close to constant in their music”, and praised their “ability to appeal to lovers of multiple music genres”.

Since forming, the duo is building a strong following in California’s Bay Area where both are originally from. The two met in Nashville in January 2011 and played their first show together that December at The Red Devil Lounge near their shared hometown in the San Francisco Bay area.

Their recent touring highlights include two shows at Milwaukee’s Summerfest, and headlining performances at 3rd and Lindsley in Nashville, Club Fox in Redwood City, and an upcoming show at Hotel Cafe that will be sponsored by ASCAP.