Yonder Mountain String Band
Yonder Mountain String Band, a driving force in roots music for nearly three decades and a key player in the progressive jamgrass movement, kicks off a new chapter with Nowhere Next. Featuring original songs inspired by lived experiences, people, and places that have shaped them, the album is a mix of bluegrass, indie rock, and country with soulful, funky grooves that call for a good time. Their 11th studio album follows the Grammy-nominated Get Yourself Outside (2022), adding depth and momentum to Yonder’s rich musical legacy.
Nowhere Next showcases the musical talents and collaborative writing efforts of founding members Adam Aijala (guitar, vocals), Dave Johnston (banjo, vocals), and Ben Kaufmann (bass, vocals), alongside multi-instrumentalist Nick Piccininni (mandolin, banjo, fiddle, vocals), a five-year veteran whose contributions as a singer and instrumentalist shine throughout the record. Together, they co-wrote nine of the eleven tracks, artfully blending their unique perspectives and vocal ranges to give each song its own distinct character. Coleman Smith (fiddle) makes his studio debut, adding a vibrant layer that complements the band’s overall dynamic. Grammy-winning Dobro legend Jerry Douglas brings his signature style to three standout tracks: “Here I Go,” “Wasting Time,” and “Didn’t Go Wrong.”
Balancing nostalgia and innovation, Nowhere Next captures the essence of Yonder’s journey, transitioning from reflective storytelling to adventurous, genre-defying excursions. Tracks like “Leave the Midwest,” “Cruisin’,” and “The Truth Fits” highlights their gift for narrative, while “Nowhere Next,” “Here I Go,” and “Wasting Time” reveal their capacity for the unexpected. “Come See Me,” “Second Hand Smoke,” and “Outlaw” nod to tradition with a touch of country that complements the band’s signature style. The album also pays homage to Yonder’s storied past, breathing new life into two classics from the Yonder catalog, “River”(written by Yonder Mountain String Band) and “Didn’t Go Wrong” (written by Shawn Camp and Billy Burnette), reaching back over two decades.
Produced by Yonder Mountain String Band, Nowhere Next brings together the unique voices and visions of each member, where their contributions resonate with a shared openness. This collective synergy forges a powerful bond within the band, making each track feel both grounded and alive with their connection. Edgy, heartfelt, and full of surprises, Nowhere Next stands out as one of Yonder’s most compelling albums yet, inviting listeners to experience the band at their most vibrant and unrestrained.
The Fretliners
The Fretliners are a band defined by their songwriting—stories carried by powerful harmonies, dynamic arrangements, and a sound that feels both timeless and new. Their music leans into the tradition of acoustic string instruments but reaches well beyond genre, resonating with listeners through honesty and craft.
In 2023, they swept both the Telluride Bluegrass and RockyGrass band competitions—an achievement matched only once before. That fall, their debut self-titled album earned widespread acclaim, praised for its originality and heartfelt lyricism.
With songs that balance tradition and innovation, The Fretliners continue to chart a bold path forward, creating music that connects as deeply on record as it does on stage.