VALLEY COUNTRY: Highway 7

Technically, half of Highway 7 aren't from the Rio Grande Valley, they're from Canada, but they're here now, and they're bringing the RGV their modern brand of country music.

Natalie and Kelly Haime are sisters - Natalie is the lead singer and Kelly sings harmony and serves as the songwriter.

"Being able to sing something that means something to somebody is amazing," said Natalie.

The band is still evolving since they don't have a permanent drummer or bass player, but their core is solid. They try to put on a fun and original show.

"We don't want to be generic," said Natalie. "That's our biggest fear." 

Since: 2008
Hometown: Ottawa, Canada
Where do you live now: Edinburg
Upcoming show: Sunday, Nov. 16, 5 p.m. at Dodge Arena in Hidalgo for the Vipers Fan Fest
Who do they sound like? Miranda Lambert + Carrie Underwood  Highway 7
Influences: Reba McIntyre, Dixie Chicks, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Hank Williams, Jr.
Who's in the band and what's their role:
Natalie Haime, 24, lead singer.
Kelly Haime, 21, harmonies and songwriter.
Miguel Trevino, 20, lead guitar, plays a Babylon guitar.
Greg Garza, 22, rhythm guitar, prefers Fender guitars. 

Check out this song by Highway 7. "Blame It On Me" - 2,185 MySpace plays - To hear the sisters harmonize on a great break-up song, listen to this one. Sad, sweet, but still upbeat.

Favorite country song? Natalie - "Shameless" by Garth Brooks; Kelly - "The Greatest Man I Never Knew" by Reba McIntyre

What brand of jeans do you wear? Natalie - Silver or Lucky brand; Kelly - BKE brand; Greg and Miguel both wear Levis.

Do you wear cowboy boots? The girls both wear ‘em, but not the guys.

A cowboy hat? No one sports a Stetson.

How big is your belt buckle? Natalie is the only one with a belt buckle, but it not traditionally country - it's super sparkly.

How thick is their accent? The only accent present is a slight Canadian one, and only in their "ou"s (i.e., "about", "out").

What was the best concert you've seen? Natalie's favorite concert was a Dixie Chicks one because it was a small audience and venue, giving it an intimate feel. Reba McIntyre will always be Kelly's favorite performer. "The concert I saw, she had people acting out her songs on stage while she sang," gushed Kelly.

Do you have a pre-show routine? The girls kinda force the guys to do a hands-in, shout "Go, team!" or "Get ‘er done!" and then they take the stage.

Favorite beer? Being from Canada, of course Natalie and Kelly would give the import, Molsen, which is hard to find, as their answer for favorite beer. Garza keeps thinks simple with Bud Light and Trevino, well, he's just 20 years old.

COWBOY CRED 2 out of 5 cowboy hats

How does a Valley crowd differ from a regular country crowd? "People seem to want to two-step down here, but we're more of a "come and watch us" kind of band," said Natalie.

What is your dream gig? Both girls exclaimed, "Grand Ole Opry!" Then Natalie remembered with envy when Carrie Underwood was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by Garth Brooks.

What do they offer that other bands don't? According to Kelly and Natalie, variety and a fun show.