The Untrained Professionals, a high-voltage pair from Beckley and Boomer made up of Chris Huddle and Clinton Scott, have been shaking up the regional music scene since 2018. What began as a couple of casual shows quickly turned into something much bigger, and Chris and Clinton have been rocking stages together since.
They recall, “We started playing together in 2018. We were both involved in other projects and we just thought it would be fun to do a couple shows together. We quickly realized that we were on to something much bigger than we had planned for, and we’ve been together ever since.”
A Name That Fits
The duo’s name is a playful nod to their journey. Initially, they considered calling themselves “10 and 12,” a reference to their 10 fingers and 12 strings. But as they laugh, “It was pointed out to us by a dear soul that we were idiots … we had 20 fingers and 12 strings. So we scrapped that. Untrained Professionals just came out as sort of a joke, but now it actually makes total sense. Neither of us have any official musical training, but after all of our years on the road, we are definitely professionals.”
Evolving Sound
Both Clinton and Chris are self-professed metalheads, a style that influenced their early music. While the local metal scene dwindled, they adapted, expanding their sound to cover a wide range of genres alongside original tracks.
Musical Influences
The duo’s influences run the gamut of rock and metal legends:
Chris Huddle: “I went to see KISS when I was 8 years old and Ace Frehley immediately made me realize that I wanted to play guitar. I later became mesmerized by Pantera and Slayer, so the combination of those three are definitely where my style comes from.”
Clinton Scott: “I was raised on classics like Elvis and Buddy Holly. In my teen years I got into Hootie & The Blowfish and Oasis … Oasis was actually my first concert. Later I got into bands like Slipknot and Korn, but my biggest influence has to be Dad… he’s where I got the spark!”
They agree there’s little they won’t try musically, and that versatility shows in their performances.
Duo Chemistry
Their strong partnership comes from deep mutual understanding. “We mesh together really well and play off each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We know what the other guy is going to do most of the time and can have whole conversations on stage with just a look,” Chris says.
Memorable Moments
Every show is meaningful, but performing at local festivals has been a particular highlight: Tamarack Summerfest and Fallfest, The Oak Leaf Festival, The Lemonade Festival, and The Cherry River Festival are among the events that have left an impact.
“We are beyond grateful to be able to do what we do for a living. But we are most definitely honored to be a part of all the festivals that we are asked to play at,” they say.
Local Roots, Big Impact
Their community has shaped them as musicians. “Just being able to play music for a living is such an amazing experience that it shapes us into the performers that we are. Without the amazing fan base that we have, we are just two losers with guitars,” they joke.
Connecting With Fans
Rather than relying on rigid setlists, the duo adapts to each crowd. “We just want everyone to feel good and have a great time,” they say.
They also stay busy with their other project, NOTHING NOBLE, a full four-piece rock band featuring longtime friends Chris Berry and Dave Marcus. Both acts are on the road for nearly all of 2026.
Fans can follow The Untrained Professionals on Facebook to keep up with shows, tour dates, and the latest updates.
Words of Wisdom
When asked for advice for aspiring musicians, they keep it simple and heartfelt: “DO IT!!! Don’t be scared!!! GO LIVE YOUR DREAM!”
