The Wilder Flower on Country Music News International Radio Show!
October 25th interviewed by Nigel Sharpe for Country Music News International Radio Show
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From Fiddlers Convention to Festival Stage: The Rapid Rise of The Wilder Flower
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The American roots music landscape is perpetually renewed by groups that respect tradition while confidently charting new territory. Among these emerging acts, The Wilder Flower stands out. Comprising the core trio of Molly Johnson (banjo and vocals), Madeline Dierauf (fiddle and vocals), and Danielle Yother (guitar and vocals), this North Carolina-based group has rapidly transitioned from winning blue ribbons at conventions to opening for genre legends like the Steep Canyon Rangers. Their approach—rooted in bluegrass and old-time but flourishing with modern folk sensibility—marks them as essential artists to watch.
The Unlikely Genesis: Three Ribbons and a Reunion
The band’s origin story is the stuff of Appalachian lore: a chance, yet musically profound, meeting. Johnson, Dierauf, and Yother first crossed paths in 2021 at the venerable Hagood Mill Fiddlers Convention. Despite coming from diverse backgrounds, their instant musical chemistry was undeniable. They quickly began cultivating a sound centered on their intricate three-part harmonies. This commitment to vocal blend, paired with their individual instrumental prowess, established their collaborative ethos immediately. They are, as the name suggests, a sound that grew naturally and without forced cultivation.
Their style is not confined to one subgenre. While deeply reverent of the traditional drive found in bluegrass, their music fluidly incorporates elements of Americana and modern acoustic folk. This fusion allows them to toggle between a two-chord old-time ballad and a minor-filled, contemporary melody, ensuring their live shows—known for their unpredictability and lively dialogue—are always fresh.
The Craft of Originality: If I Wait Any More
The Wilder Flower’s debut release, If I Wait Any More, serves as a powerful testament to the strength of their original writing. Unlike many bands that rely heavily on standards, this album showcases their distinct compositional voices:
- “Janie”: Written by Madeline Dierauf, this song is a literary nod, based on Zora Neale Hurston’s iconic 1937 novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God. It demonstrates the band’s willingness to incorporate complex, narrative themes into their music.
- “Stronger” and “My Little Birdie”: These tracks highlight Molly Johnson’s work, particularly her adventurous approach to the five-string banjo. For “Rambling,” Johnson employs a low E tuning, delivering a melodic element reminiscent of the influential John Hartford.
- “Cold” and “Rambling”: Danielle Yother contributes the foundational songwriting for these tracks, establishing her role in crafting the band’s signature sound.
The album also features a notable a cappella arrangement of the standard “I Am A Pilgrim,” providing a stunning showcase for the clarity and precision of their vocal harmonies—a characteristic that truly defines the “Wilder Flower” sound.
By blending the spontaneous energy of an old-time jam with the thoughtful arrangement of modern composers, The Wilder Flower is redefining what it means to be a contemporary bluegrass ensemble. They are carrying the communal spirit of American roots music forward, proving that the genre’s future is as boundless as the fields from which its themes spring.