Acclaimed Birmingham-based bluegrass quartet, Mountain Grass Unit, proudly announces the release of their eagerly awaited five-song studio EP, Runnin’ From Trouble, arriving today. This EP promises to resonate with fans old and new, showcasing the band’s impressive musical growth and solidifying them as some of the most exciting young luminaries of the American musical canon.
Runnin’ From Trouble encapsulates the spirit of bluegrass while exploring a diverse cross section of genres, musical narratives, and themes. Each track within the EP showcases the band’s unparalleled artistic synergy, blending intricate melodies and shimmering harmony with heartfelt lyricism and a wisdom beyond their years. The collection of songs, produced by Mike Harris (Old Crow Medicine Show) and mixed by Morgan Jahnig (Old Crow Medicine Show) at the legendary Hartland Studios in Nashville, is a celebration of the genre's roots, imbued with fresh energy and innovation that reflects contemporary influences.
“Runnin’ From Trouble is a nod to the track “Smugglin’,” explained Sam Wilson. Although it sounds cool to be cowboy smuggling across the desert, the title more so reflects our vibe as a group. Speaking from experiences of this summer, our rigorous tour schedule keeps us on our toes and runnin’ from trouble!”
The band heralded the EP with a single, “Hey Mama,” released on September 6th. The tune has quickly generated significant buzz, amassing over 11,000 Spotify plays in under two weeks and earning the band the label of “[bluegrass’] next big band” from Whiskeyriff.
Mountain Grass Unit, composed of Drury Anderson (mandolin and vocals), Luke Black (acoustic guitar and banjo), Josiah Nelson (fiddle), and Sam Wilson (upright bass), has rapidly gained recognition nationwide, developing a sundry fan base of supporters of all ages and backgrounds. Their ability to blend traditional bluegrass elements with modern genres makes their music accessible and appealing to a wide audience.
2024 has already proven to be a defining year for Mountain Grass Unit, with memorable performances at prestigious festivals and a growing fanbase drawn to their engaging live shows. As they prepare to unveil Runnin’ From Trouble, and subsequently wrap up their undergraduate studies in 2025, anticipation builds for what is sure to be a bright future.
“The academic school years have given us time off to create new music and come up with new ideas for our sound as a live performing group. The past three years for us have been in a separated setting during the school year. We always come back to meet each other with fresh ideas and ways to progress as a band that we might not have had when we were together.”
The quartet will celebrate the release of Runnin’ From Trouble with a very special performance at Louisville, KY’s Bourbon and Beyond on September 21. From there, Mountain Grass Unit heads to Buena Vista, CO for Billy Strings’ Renewal on September 27th and 28th. Later this fall, the band will appear at Opelika, AL’s Live on the Plains on November 9 opening for Tyler Childers, and Boulder, CO’s Boulder Theater on November 29th supporting Leftover Salmon. On December 27th, Mountain Grass Unit will take the stage at Birmingham, AL’s Iron City for a very special hometown headlining show. Tickets are on sale now and moving fast.
For more information, tour dates, and to connect with Mountain Grass Unit, please visit the band’s official website.
