BIOGRAPHY
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.
PRESS
"Nowhere Next showcases the flawless musicianship of Yonder Mountain String Band, resulting in yet another gem of an album." - No Depression
“Nowhere Next continues the evolution of one of bluegrass’s most exciting acts.” - Glide
"There has been a jam band-sized hole in bluegrass over the past few years, and Yonder Mountain String Band returns just in time to lift the genre up once again." - Glide
"Nowhere Next – continues to provide ample amounts of [YMSB’s] mountain-ready bluegrass, while also pushing deeper lyrically, serving the song as well as the jam." - American Highways
"[Nowhere Next] reflects the band’s intimate understanding of instrumentation and harmony, a burgeoning feature that ignites the band’s turnover of nine new originals." - Relix
Jamming and Skiing: Chris Benchetler Stars in New Music Video - Powder
“Yonder’s Synergy is undeniable with each track feeling both grounded and alive with their telepathic musical connection. Edgy, heartfelt, and full of surprises, Nowhere Next stands out as one of Yonder’s best albums yet, inviting listeners to experience the band at their most vibrant and unrestrained.” - Grateful Web
"There is ample reason why Yonder Mountain String Band has become one of the leading practitioners of modern bluegrass. An astute combination of melody and musicality make them an obvious example of the way today’s musical tastes inform bluegrass music’s contemporary impact." - Bluegrass Today
"Yonder Mountain is a powerhouse quintet that can knock the door off its hinges at any function around, yet still can produce patient and exploratory solos dressing up songs that consider the universal human condition.” - Americana UK
ASSETS
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