Maygen & The Birdwatcher’s music is Americana that isn’t afraid to embrace eclecticism, but it’s also firmly rooted in folk and country. Their new Leap Year EP (released August 2) is a refreshing yet contemplative collection of songs inspired by the celestial symbolism of 2024, and speaking to the heart of their modern meets traditional musical vision. To achieve their rich, full sound, the band fills out the sonic details, with multi-instrumentalist Nik Pellinen adding banjo, lap steel, and electric guitar. Along with bassist Chase Rabideau, who rounds out the bottom, mandolin player Jesse Moravec, who also contributes vocals, fiddle player Evin Haukos, and drummer-percussionist Peter Anderson create a new take on bluegrass-folk-country. It’s a hyphenated hybrid that can come only from a seasoned—and tightly knit—band. It leaves music fans wanting to hear more as Maygen & The Birdwatcher leap forward this year, and take their original music to the next level.
