How would you classify your music?
We are a bluegrass string band through and through. However, people hear that and start to think of some pre-determined traits that make something bluegrass. I’m a firm believer that the genre of bluegrass is like a big bright lamp, and we’re just one of the many moths fluttering around in that glow. I grew up on traditional bluegrass and keep my feet firmly planted in those sensibilities. But when we’re writing new music, I never stop and ask “well, does it fit in the definition of bluegrass?” I don’t think the Stanley Brothers ever did that, or Flatt and Scruggs, or Bill Monroe for that matter.
Who are some of your top 5 musical influences?
I’ll focus on the “musical” part of influences rather than just mandolin players. Some of the greatest artists or groups that have influenced me have been:
Infamous Stringdusters
Chris Thile
Bon Iver
Darrell Scott
Crooked Still
What do you want fans to take from your music?
To me, making music is all about serving the listener through your art and your life experience, really taking them on a journey. I think that’s the largest thing I’d want folks to take away from our show, or from a listen through our album. Just to sit back and get taken on a musical journey of sorts.
How’s the music scene in your locale?
I was fortunate to grow up in one of the best bluegrass scenes in the country, that would be western North Carolina and southwest Virginia. There were jams almost every night of the week growing up and lots of pro pickers from the scene chose to live in the area as well. I moved to Boston for college and have found a warm welcome into the scene up here as well, although it is certainly harder to find space and time for a good show or session in the city.
When did you know you were destined for music?
I think I knew it from the start in a way. I always had the passion and drive for it as a kid, even when I had very minimal skill or experience. A couple big moments for me happened when I chose not to go to public high school, and pursue gigging instead. Then again when I accepted a scholarship to study music in college. There was no turning back then and I haven’t had the desire to look back at all! Also, almost all of the people I love and the community I cherish revolves around music. It’s my whole life.
What is the best concert you have been to? What do you like most about playing live?
If someone can make the emotions swell inside of me during a live show, they have my respect forever. I can’t pick a single favorite concert but I’ve laughed or cried during quite a few, including Marcus King, Infamous Stringdusters, Lake Street Dive, and Sam Bush Band.
Tell us a little about your new album, Yellow Line.
This album is the culmination of several years of work for me and the rest of the group. We poured our heart and soul into the writing process, and since we never got to tour with our last project Roots until a year after its release, we had a little extra time to work on these songs and perfect them in the live setting before going into the studio. We cut the record at the Rubber Room in Chapel Hill and were so excited when we got the chance to release it with Pinecastle Records.
Is there a song on your latest CD release here that stands out as your personal favorite, and why?
My personal favorite tune on the album is “Black Sheep’s Wool.” It’s a coming of age song for me and also just really fun to play!
How have you evolved as an artist over the last year?
I think I have come to embrace my role as a performer and not just a musician. Oddly enough, a lot of that prep happens off the stage and relates to the way I mentally approach our music and crafting each show. I always loved playing good music, but now I think I’ve been able to focus on being really present and connected to everyone in the room, both onstage and off.
If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, have a drink with any band or artist (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
I’d like to sit down with Doc Watson, who was my original inspiration. I got to see him as a little kid but wasn’t yet old enough to appreciate the full significanceof his music, and never got the chance to speak with him.
What’s next for you?
We’re already writing and arranging with the next album in mind! I graduate from Berklee College of Music in a month and we’re hitting the road full time. Upwards and onwards is the name of the game for us!
End of Interview