Molly Tuttle & Bronwyn discuss songwriting for their new album
From Fiddle to Folk: Bronwyn’s Journey into Songwriting and Sonic Exploration
The world of bluegrass and Americana is buzzing with new sounds, and few artists capture the blend of tradition and innovation quite like Bronwyn, a two-time IBMA Award-winning fiddle player. Her career is a testament to the fact that true artistry isn’t just about mastering an instrument; it’s about continually evolving the sound and finding the voice to tell a unique story.
After releasing her foundational project Fiddler’s Pastime in 2020, Bronwyn dove headfirst into collaborative artistry. She later joined the acclaimed group Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, a partnership that led to critical recognition, including a best bluegrass album Grammy in 2024 for their work on City of Gold.
As her journey continued, Bronwyn explored different facets of music, most notably with her solo work. Her 2024 set, Built A World, showcased her talent as a lead vocalist, but it was the subsequent years that solidified her transition into a songwriter. When the band amicably parted ways in 2025, Bronwyn used the time to delve deeper into crafting material that was purely her own. This dedication culminated in her latest solo album, Rattlin’ Bones, a sonic tapestry mixing bluegrass, alt-country, and jamgrass.
The process of writing for Rattlin’ Bones was a rich exploration. Bronwyn discovered that co-writing was incredibly validating, finding encouragement from collaborators like songwriter Melody Walker, who helped craft tracks like The Ride and End of the Road. She worked alongside longtime collaborator Pat McLaughlin and her husband, fellow fiddle player Jason Carter, co-writing six songs for the album. This deep musical connection extended to finding shared tastes, as they collaborated on tracks like Gallatin Road, a funky homage that nods to Nashville’s classic energy.
Bronwyn’s musical palette is as varied as her experiences. Her songwriting draws heavily from the sounds of the 1970s and 1980s, channeling influences from artists like Keith Whitley and Waylon Jennings, alongside the outlaw spirit of Emmylou Harris. This fusion results in an album that swings effortlessly between straight-laced bluegrass and hazy folk textures, as seen in songs like Virginia Gal and Golden Hour Dream.
Her creative inspiration is broad, referencing a tradition of songs about different roads—from Tyler Childers to Ketch Secor—and a unique perspective born from conversations about places like Gallatin Road. This blending of regional storytelling and musical history adds a distinctive flavor to her work.
The production of Rattlin’ Bones involved assembling a diverse group of musicians, including Nashville luminaries like Jerry Douglas and Bryan Sutton, as well as instrumentalists such as Tristan Scroggins and Frank Evans. The album also channels influences from artists like Sturgill Simpson, particularly his Cuttin’ Grass albums, which inject a unique rhythmic spice into the sound.
As Bronwyn continues to settle into her identity as a solo artist, she is already contemplating the next evolution of her music. With songwriting now firmly under her belt, she is planning how to best capture the essence of her evolving band sound, whether through a live performance or a new studio project with her ensemble.
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