Between the two, the colossal credits roll in: Grammy nominations, collaborations with artists such as Alison Krauss, Lupe Fiasco, Supertramp, and Paul McCartney, and musical appearances in television and film. Both Gabe Dixon and Matthew Santos have performed in various bands and with various musicians over the years, it’s only natural that when the powerful songwriters headed out on a solo tour, they’d do it together.

By the time Gabe Dixon released his debut solo album One Spark, he already had quite a hefty musical resume. He played piano and keyboards on Paul McCartney’s 2001 album Driving Rain, performed with the likes of Alison Krauss and OAR, and his time with The Gabe Dixon Band led to a critically acclaimed album on the Concord Music Group label. But it was the release of One Spark that awakened the world to Dixon, as he had not been heard before. The music was still a piano-driven blend of pop and rock influence, but there was a certain emotional and musical clarity in the songwriting that struck listeners.

Matthew Santos has had musical ambitions long before and continuing after he was thrust into the spotlight due to his collaborations with hip-hop artist Lupe Fiasco. His unforgettable vocals on the 2007 hit “Superstar” put the song forward for a “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration” Grammy nomination in 2009. Various musicians from Rihanna to Eddie Vedder have praised his distinct vocal style. But surprisingly to many, the Chicago native’s solo tunes lean more toward folk and rock influence. Santos is currently preparing to release his fourth solo studio album, Into The Further.