Sierra Hull
is a virtuoso mandolinist, a two-time Grammy-nominated artist, and a groundbreaking songwriter. Recognized for her acclaimed albums 25 Trips (2020) and Weighted Mind (2016), she’s also a six-time IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year – the first woman to ever receive this honor. A pioneer in acoustic music, Hull has performed on iconic stages like Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, and the White House. Her artistry has earned praise and collaboration with legends like Alison Krauss, Béla Fleck, Dolly Parton, Brandi Carlile, and Billy Strings. Hailing from Byrdstown, Tennessee, Hull’s innovative sound is deeply rooted in bluegrass yet continually pushes boundaries.
Now, with Tip Toe High Wire, her fourth studio album, Hull steps into a new chapter of independence. Following her departure from longtime label Rounder Records, this marks her first album in five years. Fully embracing creative freedom, Hull takes complete control of the studio and focuses on songwriting.
“Coming off a long-term record deal, I wanted to make some music without too many outside voices,” Hull explains. “When you look at how much I’ve toured and how busy my world has been, it was important for me to just get settled – to make sure the time I released it felt like the right moment.”
The album reflects Hull’s journey of self-discovery and her drive to grow as an artist. “There’s always a new mountain to climb, in terms of becoming more proficient as a player, singer, or writer,” she says. “And that’s where life experience in the world and the way things surround you come into the music and the storytelling.”
Tip Toe High Wire is a balancing act – one foot rooted in tradition and the other pushing creative boundaries. It transitions seamlessly from bold, dynamic tracks like “Boom” and “Let’s Go” to soft, acoustic pieces like “Haven Hill” and “Spitfire,” and whirlwind instrumentals such as “E Tune” and “Lord, That’s A Long Way.”
John Craigie
John Craigie has mastered the art of creating live shows that feel more like intimate conversations than performances. Infusing humor, wit, and poignant storytelling, his shows are a space where audience members feel like old friends. Whether he’s headlining solo or sharing the stage with longtime collaborators, Craigie’s ability to make his crowd laugh, reflect, and connect is second to none. As he prepares to release Greatest Hits… Just Kidding… Live – No Hits, his latest live album captures the warmth and spontaneity of these memorable nights.
At this point, there have been quite a few good shows in the rearview…
As a tried-and-true performer, he has regularly sold out solo tours in addition to hitting the road with the likes of Langhorne Slim, Brett Dennen, Mason Jennings, Bella White and Jack Johnson. He has picked up fans with sets at Newport Folk Festival, Pickathon, Edmonton Folk Festival, and High Sierra Music Festival. Including numerous European tours and his first Australian tour in spring of 2024 Moreover, his annual river trip on the Tuolumne River—just outside of Yosemite in California—has remained a hit with his audience, hosting one sellout after another. Giving back as much as possible, he notably launched the #KeepItWarm Tour during the holidays. By donating $1 from every ticket sale, this headline run has raised money for regional non-profits with the goal of fighting food insecurity. An avowed Beatles acolyte, he has performed acoustic renditions of the albums Abbey Road and Let It Be live in front of packed crowds and partnered with Record Store Day for limited-edition vinyl releases of those concerts..
Simultaneously, his catalog has continued to reel in tens of millions of streams fueled by favorites such as “I Am California,” “Highway Blood,” “Don’t Ask,” and “Microdose.” Maintaining a prolific pace, 2024’s Pagan Church saw him join forces with TK & The Holy Know-Nothings. Among many highlights, it logged six weeks at #1 on the Americana Radio Albums Chart. Inciting critical applause, Pop Matters raved, “All of Craigie’s songs are made of something truly ineffable,” and American Highways assured, “Along with excellent musicianship across the album, there are genuinely pretty moments on ‘Pagan Church.’” Meanwhile, he joined forces with Langhorne Slim for a duet song “Out On The Road.”
To him, the live albums seek to achieve a sound where the listener will feel like they’re in the venue, sitting and experiencing the show with the rest of the crowd.
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