The New Pilot Mountaineers are an "Old Time String Band", which was originally formed in Surry County, North Carolina. Steve and Rick both live in Surry County, North Carolina, at the foot of Pilot Mountain. While Sandy and Charlie both live in Floyd County, Virginia, at the foot of the other Pilot Mountain. The style of music played, known as "Old Time" is defined as traditional folk music of the Appalachians and rural South, heavily influenced by Celtic and African traditions. In an "Old Time String Band", the fiddle is the lead (melody) instrument and is blended and balanced with improvisation in varying degrees playing rhythm, melody, and harmony most often by clawhammer