The Egg Presents: 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.