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Sierra Hull
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Key Information
Sierra Dawn Hull (born September 27, 1991) is an American bluegrass singer-songwriter,[1][2][3][4] mandolinist, and guitarist.[5]
Hull was signed to Rounder Records at the age of 13[6] and released her debut vocal album, Secrets, in 2008 at the age of 16. The album peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Bluegrass Albums chart.[7] Her second album, Daybreak, was released on March 8, 2011.[8]
Early life and career
[edit]Sierra Hull was born and raised in Byrdstown, Tennessee and attended Pickett County High School before accepting a Presidential Scholarship to study at the Berklee College of Music.[9]
Hull began playing the mandolin at the age of eight and put out the album Angel Mountain at 10. She was soon playing jam sessions with other musicians in her family, and by 2001 she was entering local talent contests. Her parents, Stacy and Brenda Hull, took her to numerous bluegrass festivals and it was during an International Bluegrass Music Association festival that she came to the attention of Rounder Records chief talent scout Ken Irwin.[10] At age 11 she was mentored and befriended by Alison Krauss, herself once a child prodigy on the fiddle.[11] Hull and Krauss, along with Dan Tyminski, performed at the White House on November 21, 2011.[12]
Hull has won ten International Bluegrass Music Association awards between 2010 and 2023, including winning best mandolin player in 6 out of the past 8 years (2016-2023).[13]
Hull received the Bluegrass Star Award, presented by the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation, on October 19, 2013. The award is bestowed upon bluegrass artists who do an exemplary job of advancing traditional bluegrass music and bringing it to new audiences while preserving its character and heritage.[14]
Touring
[edit]Hull performed with the band Highway 111 at the Gettysburg Bluegrass festival in 2005. She continued to tour, even while she attended Berklee College of Music.[15]
Hull has also recorded and toured with Cory Wong, featured as a supporting act and collaborative partner on a 2022 tour.[16]
Recordings
[edit]Secrets
[edit]Hull's vocal debut album on Rounder Records, released in May 2008, was co-produced by Alison Krauss and Ron Block which follows a self-released CD Angel Mountain, in 2002. The production by Hull and Ron Block paid tribute and honored the tradition and style of bluegrass music. The album contained 3 original songs penned by Hull. She was just 15 when she recorded the album and 16 when it was released.
Daybreak
[edit]On her 2011 second release on Rounder Records, the 20-year-old wrote seven of the twelve songs. It was produced by Alison Krauss & Union Station bassist Barry Bales. The album features collaborations with Bryan Sutton on guitar and Randy Kohrs on dobro. Guest singers include Dan Tyminski, Shawn Lane and Ronnie Bowman.
Features
[edit]Hull was a guest vocalist with lead singer James Adkins on the male-female duet "Love Song",[17] featured on the 2015 self-titled album from Americana group Big Virginia Sky.
Weighted Mind
[edit]Released on January 29, 2016, Weighted Mind, Hull's third LP, was produced by the highly regarded banjo player Béla Fleck, who encouraged Hull to consider recording it solo.[18] Hull, however, decided to enlist an accompanist, bassist Ethan Jodziewicz, who is featured on every track. The album also includes vocal contributions by Alison Krauss, Abigail Washburn, and Rhiannon Giddens.
NPR reviewer Jewly Hight called Weighted Mind a "stunning coming-of-age album," adding that "Hull has joined the rarefied company of Nickel Creek expats Chris Thile, Sara Watkins and Sean Watkins, pedigreed virtuosos whose youthful, searching musical minds have taken them into postmodern singer-songwriter territory and beyond."[19]
Treasure Of The Broken Land: The Songs Of Mark Heard
[edit]Hull contributed her performance of "Strong Hand of Love" to a Mark Heard tribute album entitled "Treasure Of The Broken Land: The Songs Of Mark Heard" (Storm Weathered Records) in 2017.
25 Trips
[edit]Released on February 28, 2020, co-produced by Hull and producer / engineer Shani Gandhi, features guitarist Mike Seal, bassist Ethan Jodziewicz, violinist Alex Hargreaves, and fiddler Christian Sedelmyer, together with bassist Viktor Krauss, guitarist Bryan Sutton, multi-instrumentalist Stuart Duncan, and steel guitarist Paul Franklin, and guest appearances by Molly Tuttle, Ron Block, Mindy Smith, Ronnie Bowman, Katie Pruitt, Angel Snow, and Hull's husband, multi-instrumentalist Justin Moses.
Liam Lewis opined, "25 Trips is an eclectic album, with a contemporary feel, showcasing Hull’s songwriting and exceptional vocals, crystal clear but with emotion and character, on 13 songs, self and co-written on the pleasures and travails of becoming the person and the musician she is today."[20]
Hull appeared as one of the musicians on Cuttin' Grass, the 2020 bluegrass album by Sturgill Simpson.
A Tip Toe High Wire
[edit]Released on Mar 7, 2025, this album is her first self-published album since her debut, Angel Mountain, in 2002. It features Tim O'Brien, Aoife O'Donovan, and Béla Fleck. Rolling Stone reported that the album name is a "[nod] to the fine line that Hull walks, keeping one foot in tradition and the other in the progressive quest." [21]
Personal life
[edit]
Hull has a brother, Cody, and is a distant cousin of former United States Secretary of State Cordell Hull.[22] She married fellow bluegrass musician Justin Moses on May 14, 2017. Hull and Moses tour together.[23] She lives in Nashville.[24]
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak chart positions |
Sales | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Grass [25] |
US Heat [26] | ||||
| Angel Mountain |
|
— | — | ||
| Secrets |
|
2 | — | ||
| Daybreak |
|
5 | — | ||
| Weighted Mind |
|
1 | 5 | ||
| 25 Trips |
|
1 | — | ||
| A Tip Toe High Wire |
|
— | — | ||
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart | |||||
Other singles
[edit]| Year | Single | Artist | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | "Hullarious" | Sierra Hull | An American Tradition |
| 2008 | "Just As I Am" | Sierra Hull | Billy: The Early Years |
| 2010 | "Gospel Plow" | The Lovell Sisters, Bearfoot, Sierra Hull & The New Generation Jam | MerleFest Live |
| "Big Sciota" | |||
| 2011 | "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" | Sixties Invasion featuring Sierra Hull | Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree |
| 2013 | "Cups (When I'm Gone)" | The Bankesters with Sierra Hull | Love Has Wheels |
| 2014 | "You're a Flower Blooming in the Wildwood" | Mac Wiseman with Sierra Hull | Songs from My Mother's Hand |
| 2014 | "Promises" | Jeff Pippin and the Apple Valley Band featuring Sierra Hull | A Malibugrass Christmas |
| 2014 | "Let the Wind Be My Friend" | Jon Weisberger featuring Sierra Hull & the Lonesome Heirs | I've Been Mostly Awake |
| 2014 | "New Camptown Races" | David Naiditch featuring Sierra Hull, Dennis Caplinger, Jake Workman, Austin Ward, Rob Ickes & Stuart Duncan | Bluegrass in the Backwoods |
| "Little Rock Getaway" | David Naiditch featuring Sierra Hull, Dennis Caplinger, Jake Workman, Christian Ward, Rob Ickes & Austin Ward | ||
| "The Smooch On the Porch / Bus Stop Reel" | David Naiditch featuring Sierra Hull, Jake Workman & Austin Ward | ||
| "Jamboree" | David Naiditch featuring Dennis Caplinger, Sierra Hull, Rob Ickes, Christian Ward, Jake Workman & Austin Ward | ||
| 2014 | "I Always Do" | Missy Werner featuring Jon Weisberger, Megan McCormick, Stephen Mougin, Maggie Estes White, Thomas Wywrot, Artie Werner & Sierra Hull | Turn This Heart Around |
| "Wish I Was" | Missy Werner featuring Sarah Siskind, Artie Werner, Megan McCormick, Jon Weisberger, Sierra Hull, Maggie Estes White & Thomas Wywrot | ||
| "Cloudless Blue" | Missy Werner featuring Sierra Hull, Megan McCormick, Jon Weisberger, Maggie Estes White, Thomas Wywrot & Artie Werner | ||
| "Dead Man Walking" | Missy Werner featuring Thomas Wywrot, Larry Cordle, Val Storey, Sierra Hull, Megan McCormick, Jon Weisberger & Maggie Estes White | ||
| "Come Back to Me" | Missy Werner featuring Megan McCormick, Jon Weisberger, Maggie Estes White, Thomas Wywrot & Sierra Hull | ||
| 2015 | "Can't Help Yourself" | Cindy Morgan featuring Gabe Dixon & Sierra Hull | Bows & Arrows |
| 2015 | "Seneca Square Dance" | Ron Block featuring Sierra Hull | Hogan's House of Music |
| 2017 | "They Call The Wind Maria" | Bobby Osborne featuring Alison Brown, Sierra Hull & Stuart Duncan | Original |
| "Country Boy" | |||
| "Kentucky Morning" | Bobby Osborne featuring Dale Ann Bradley, Darrell Scott, Rob Ickes, Sierra Hull & Stuart Duncan | ||
| "I've Gotta Get a Message to You" | Bobby Osborne featuring Alison Brown, Claire Lynch, Rob Ickes, Sierra Hull, Stuart Duncan & Trey Hensley | ||
| 2017 | "Roanoke" | David Naiditch featuring Stuart Duncan, Sierra Hull & Jake Workman | Bluegrass That Swings |
| "Back Home Again in Indiana" | |||
| "East Tennessee Blues" | |||
| "All of Me" | |||
| "Cattle in the Cane" | |||
| "Exactly Like You" | |||
| "Sweet Georgia Brown" | David Naiditch featuring Stuart Duncan, Sierra Hull, Jake Workman & Rob Ickes | ||
| "Twinkle Little Star" | |||
| "Ookpik Waltz" | |||
| 2017 | "The Guitar" | Mac Wiseman featuring Sierra Hull & Justin Moses | I Sang the Song (Life of the Voice with a Heart) |
| 2017 | "I Need Thee Every Hour" | Shane Clark featuring Sierra Hull | The Hymn Awakening |
| 2017 | "Strong Hand of Love" | Sierra Hull | Treasure of the Broken Land: The Songs of Mark Heard |
| 2018 | "Swept Away" | Missy Raines featuring Alison Brown, Beck Buller, Molly Tuttle & Sierra Hull | Swept Away |
| 2018 | "Merlefest Mando Mania" | Tony Williamson featuring Sam Bush & Sierra Hull with Rebecca Lovell, Mike Compton, Darin Aldridge, Tim O'Brien, James Nash, Tom Rozum & Barry Mitterhoff | Heritage |
| 2022 | "Over the Line" | Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway featuring Sierra Hull | Crooked Tree |
Music videos
[edit]| Year | Title | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | "Easy Come, Easy Go"[27] | David McClister |
| "Someone Like You"[28] | Brad Paul | |
| "Chasin' Skies"[29] | ||
| "Tell Me Tomorrow"[30] | ||
| "Daybreak"[31] | David McClister | |
| 2016 | "Black River" |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Association | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | IBMA Awards | Recorded Event of the Year (with various artists) | "Proud To Be A Daughter of Bluegrass" | Won |
| 2016 | Mandolin Player of the Year | Sierra Hull | Won | |
| 2017 | Won | |||
| Recorded Event of the Year (with Bobby Osborne and various artists) |
"I've Gotta Get a Message to You" | Won | ||
| Grammy Awards | Best Folk Album | Weighted Mind | Nominated | |
| 2018 | IBMA Awards | Mandolin Player of the Year | Sierra Hull | Won |
| Recorded Event of the Year (with Missy Raines, Alison Brown, Becky Buller, and Molly Tuttle) |
"Swept Away" | Won | ||
| 2021 | IBMA Awards | Mandolin Player of the Year | Sierra Hull | Won |
| 2022 | IBMA Awards | Mandolin Player of the Year | Sierra Hull | Won |
| 2023 | IBMA Awards | Mandolin Player of the Year | Sierra Hull | Won |
| 2026 | Grammy Awards[32] | Best Bluegrass Album | A Tip Toe High Wire | Pending |
| Best American Roots Song | "Spitfire" | Pending | ||
| Best Americana Performance | "Boom" | Pending | ||
| Best Instrumental Composition | "Lord, That's a Long Way" | Pending |
References
[edit]- ^ Dickinson, Chrissie (February 18, 2016). "How bluegrass prodigy Sierra Hull turned frustration into inspiration". chicagotribune.com.
- ^ "Sierra Hull, Takes a Weight Off Her Mind". Bluegrass Unlimited. May 1, 2016.
- ^ "Daybreak by Sierra Hull" – via music.apple.com.
- ^ "Sierra Hull w/ Opener Phoebe Hunt at City Winery". Back Bay, MA Patch. January 26, 2018.
- ^ Ledgin, Stephanie (2004). Homegrown Music: Discovering Bluegrass. Praeger. p. 116. ISBN 978-0275981150.
- ^ Steve Leggett, "Sierra Hull Biography", Billboard.com, retrieved March 15, 2011
- ^ Secrets - Billboard.com, retrieved March 15, 2011
- ^ Caramanica, Jon (March 9, 2011), "Music Review – New York Times", The New York Times, retrieved March 15, 2011
- ^ Berklee Media Relations, "2009–2010 Presidential Scholars", Berklee College of Music website, retrieved March 15, 2011
- ^ Edward Morris, "Teen Sierra Hull Is Turning Heads", CMT.com, archived from the original on October 1, 2008, retrieved March 15, 2011
- ^ Steve Leggett, "Sierra Hull," Allmusic. Retrieved: March 1, 2013.
- ^ John Lawless, "Sierra Hull, reporting from the White House," Bluegrass Today, November 30, 2011.
- ^ "IBMA official website". 2024. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
- ^ "Bluegrass Heritage Foundation official website". 2010. Retrieved December 28, 2015.
- ^ "Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival, Strings, newsletter of the Pineridge Bluegrass Folklore Society, October 2005
- ^ "Cory Wong Announces Two-Part Collaborative Tour with Sierra Hull, Victor Wooten and More". Relix Media. August 2, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2023.
- ^ "Big Virginia Sky releases debut, self-titled album!". Big Virginia Sky. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
- ^ "Mandolin Cafe – Sierra Hull – The Weighted Mind Interview". Mandolin Cafe Forum. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
- ^ Hight, Jewly (January 20, 2016). "Review: Sierra Hull, 'Weighted Mind'". NPR.org. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
- ^ Lewis, Liam (March 12, 2020). "Review: Sierra Hull – 25 Trips". Retrieved March 15, 2021.
- ^ "Sierra Hull, the First Woman to Win Mandolin Player of the Year, is Redesigning Bluegrass". Rolling Stone. March 13, 2025.
- ^ David McGee, "The Latest Gifted Hull", The Bluegrass Special, retrieved March 15, 2011
- ^ Lawless, John (June 2, 2017). "Congratulations Sierra and Justin!". Bluegrass Today. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
- ^ "Sierra Hull sets record straight about her name and that ring". Tahoe Onstage. May 4, 2017. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
- ^ "Sierra Hull Album & Song Chart History | Billboard.com". Retrieved March 17, 2011.
- ^ "Sierra Hull Album & Song Chart History | Billboard.com". Retrieved February 9, 2016.
- ^ "CMT : Videos : Sierra Hull: Easy Come, Easy Go". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on March 10, 2011. Retrieved March 17, 2011.
- ^ "CMT : Videos : Sierra Hull: Someone Like You". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on July 22, 2012. Retrieved July 18, 2011.
- ^ "CMT : Videos : Sierra Hull: Chasin' Skies". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on October 9, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
- ^ "CMT : Videos : Sierra Hull: Tell Me Tomorrow". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on October 9, 2011. Retrieved August 28, 2011.
- ^ "CMT : Videos : Sierra Hull: Daybreak". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on September 24, 2011. Retrieved September 26, 2011.
- ^ Faulkner, Clara (November 7, 2025). "2026 GRAMMYS: See The Full Nominations List". Grammy.com.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- Sierra Hull August 1, 2025 at NPR Tiny Desk Concert, 19 min, 4 tracks, 5 musicians, live video
- Sierra Hull discography at MusicBrainz
- Sierra Hull discography at Discogs
- Sierra Hull at AllMusic
- Sierra Hull at MusicBrainz
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
| People | |
| Other | |
Sierra Hull
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Childhood and family
Sierra Hull was born on September 27, 1991, in Byrdstown, Tennessee, a small rural town in Pickett County near the Tennessee-Kentucky border.[14][5] She grew up in a supportive family environment with her parents, Stacy and Brenda Hull, in a household that was not initially focused on music.[14][5] Her parents, neither wealthy nor professional musicians, provided encouragement for her pursuits while raising her and her younger brother, Cody Hull, in the close-knit community of Byrdstown, which had a population of around 800 at the time.[15][4] Hull's early years were shaped by the rhythms of rural life, including attendance at local schools such as Pickett County Elementary and later Pickett County High School, where she participated in everyday student activities alongside her peers.[15][16] This grounded upbringing in a modest, non-musical home offered a stable foundation, with family drives to nearby events exposing her to the surrounding Appalachian culture that would later spark her creative path.[15]Musical beginnings and early achievements
Sierra Hull's musical journey began in her early childhood in Byrdstown, Tennessee, where she was immersed in bluegrass music by her family. At around age eight, she received a fiddle as a gift, but found it too large to handle comfortably, prompting a switch to the mandolin, which was tuned like a fiddle to ease her transition. Largely self-taught and inspired by her uncle Junior—a self-taught musician proficient on mandolin, fiddle, and guitar—Hull drew from family folk tunes such as "Wildwood Flower" and "Amazing Grace," as well as recordings by bluegrass icons like Alison Krauss, Doyle Lawson, and Bill Monroe.[17][18] With limited formal training, Hull's development relied on dedicated, self-directed practice, supported by her family's encouragement and proximity to musical relatives. By age ten, she had advanced sufficiently to perform alongside established artists, including a notable jam with mandolin virtuoso Sam Bush, showcasing her precocious technique in bluegrass circles. She also began participating in local jam sessions in Tennessee, honing her skills among community musicians and building a reputation as a young talent. By age ten, she had composed her first original tune.[17][19][3] Hull's early achievements underscored her prodigy status well before her teens. At age ten, she made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry, an extraordinary milestone that highlighted her growing prowess on the mandolin. The following year, at age eleven, she performed with Alison Krauss and Union Station at the Opry. At age twelve, she impressed luthiers at the Gibson Showcase, earning a signature Adam Steffey model mandolin, further cementing her place in the bluegrass community.[20][17]Professional career
Breakthrough and initial recordings
Hull's breakthrough came in 2004 at the age of 13, when she was invited to join Alison Krauss and Union Station on the Great High Mountain Tour after being spotted performing at a bluegrass festival.[21] This opportunity marked her entry into professional touring, showcasing her mandolin skills alongside established artists and exposing her to a wider audience in the bluegrass community.[22] The tour highlighted her precocious talent, as she contributed to performances of songs from the O Brother, Where Art Thou? and Cold Mountain soundtracks, solidifying her reputation as a rising prodigy.[21] In the years following, Hull signed with Rounder Records at age 13, a pivotal step that paved the way for her recording career.[20] By 2007, she had formed her band Highway 111 and prepared for her major label debut. Her first album, Secrets, was released in May 2008, co-produced by Alison Krauss and Ron Block. The record featured a blend of original songs and covers, with standout tracks like "Easy as 1-2-3" and the title song "Secrets," exploring themes of youthful introspection, relationships, and personal growth through heartfelt lyrics and intricate arrangements.[23] Guest musicians including Jerry Douglas on dobro and Stuart Duncan on fiddle enhanced the bluegrass sound, while Hull's mandolin work drove the instrumental passages.[24] Critics praised Secrets for Hull's mature songwriting and exceptional mandolin prowess, often noting how her performance belied her teenage years and positioned her as a bluegrass prodigy.[25] Reviews highlighted her clear, emotive vocals and technical skill, with the album peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Bluegrass chart and earning widespread acclaim for bridging traditional bluegrass with contemporary accessibility. That same year, Hull received her first International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) nomination for Mandolin Player of the Year, recognizing her rapid ascent in the genre.[26]Major albums and artistic evolution
Hull's second album, Daybreak, released in 2011 on Rounder Records, marked a significant step in her artistic maturation following her debut. At age 19, she demonstrated notable growth in songwriting and vocal delivery, with producer Barry Bales encouraging a stronger, more confident singing style that showcased her evolving emotional range. Tracks like the title song highlighted this vocal maturity, blending traditional bluegrass elements with personal introspection about coming of age.[27] In 2016, Hull released Weighted Mind on Rounder Records, produced by Béla Fleck, which represented a deeper, more experimental turn toward introspective songwriting. The album explored themes of emotional weight and inner turmoil, often interpreted as reflections on mental health struggles, delivered through sparse arrangements that emphasized her raw vocal honesty and mandolin precision. Critically acclaimed for its emotional depth and innovation within bluegrass, it topped the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album.[28] Hull's 2020 album 25 Trips, also on Rounder Records and co-produced with Shani Gandhi, further expanded her sound by incorporating indie and Americana influences into bluegrass frameworks. Inspired by her experiences as a touring musician in her mid-20s, the record used travel and orbital metaphors—referencing 25 trips around the sun—to convey themes of resilience amid personal and professional changes. It similarly topped the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart, reinforcing her reputation for pushing genre boundaries.[29][28] In 2025, after departing Rounder Records, Hull released her self-produced fifth studio album, A Tip Toe High Wire, independently. The album continues her artistic evolution with progressive bluegrass elements, blending intricate mandolin work, heartfelt vocals, and collaborations including Béla Fleck on "E Tune." Exploring themes of risk, growth, and vulnerability, it received critical acclaim for its innovative songwriting and emotional depth, earning four Grammy nominations in November 2025, including Best Bluegrass Album.[2][11] Over these releases, Hull evolved from a primarily instrumental prodigy to a multifaceted singer-songwriter, with each project reflecting greater autonomy in production and thematic depth. This progression has garnered increasing recognition for her contributions to progressive bluegrass, highlighted by chart success and Grammy nods that underscore her innovative voice in the genre.[30]Collaborations and side projects
Hull's collaborative endeavors highlight her role as a sought-after mandolinist and vocalist in bluegrass and roots music. Her 2011 album Daybreak, released on Rounder Records, served as a key platform for joint work, featuring a mix of covers and originals with guest contributions from artists including Dan Tyminski on baritone vocals for "All Because of You" and production by Barry Bales. The album included seven Hull-penned songs, demonstrating her growing songwriting prowess alongside ensemble playing with musicians like Stuart Duncan on fiddle.[31] In 2017, Hull participated in the tribute album Treasure of the Broken Land: The Songs of Mark Heard, contributing mandolin and lead vocals on "Strong Hand of Love," a track that paid homage to the late songwriter's introspective style while showcasing her emotive delivery and instrumental finesse within an Americana ensemble featuring artists like Buddy Miller and Phil Madeira.[32] This project underscored her ability to adapt to folk-rock arrangements, moving beyond strict bluegrass boundaries. Hull has made notable guest appearances on recordings by established bluegrass acts, contributing to multiple Béla Fleck endeavors, such as banjo-mandolin duets on his My Bluegrass Heart performances in 2023 and a featured spot on the 2025 track "E Tune" from her album A Tip Toe High Wire, where Fleck's progressive banjo lines complemented her fluid mandolin work. These sessions with Fleck, who also produced her 2016 album Weighted Mind, emphasized improvisational interplay and genre fusion.[33] In a milestone for women in instrument design, Hull endorsed a signature Gibson F-5 mandolin in 2025, becoming the first female artist to receive such an honor from the company; the model, available as the F-5G and Master Model variants, incorporates her specifications for tone and playability, reflecting her influence on modern luthiery.[34] Co-designed with luthier Vince Bredice, the instrument features a Sierra Burst finish and custom truss rod cover bearing her signature, enhancing her live and studio capabilities.[35] Through these projects, Hull gained exposure to broader Americana and folk elements, broadening her stylistic palette from pure bluegrass toward more eclectic roots expressions while reinforcing her technical foundation honed in solo work.[8]Touring and performances
Early tours
Hull's early professional touring experiences were shaped by her mentorship under Alison Krauss, who invited the 11-year-old prodigy onstage at the Grand Ole Opry in 2003, providing foundational lessons in stagecraft and performance. These initial appearances evolved into collaborative performances, such as the 2007 All-Star Bluegrass Celebration at the Opry, where Hull joined Krauss and Union Station for tunes like "Cluck Old Hen."[36][37] By her mid-teens, Hull formed her backing band, initially known as Highway 111—named after the Tennessee road near her hometown—around 2006, which supported her growing live presence and debut album Secrets promotion in 2008. The group featured key collaborators, evolving to include multi-instrumentalist Justin Moses on guitar and dobro starting in the early 2010s, contributing to her band's tight, versatile sound.[21][38] Following Secrets' release, Hull transitioned to headlining tours from 2009 onward, performing over 60 shows that year alone and building momentum through appearances at prominent bluegrass festivals, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and MerleFest. These outings, spanning 2009 to 2011, allowed her to refine her live sets blending mandolin virtuosity with original material, drawing diverse audiences to venues across the U.S.[39][40][41] As one of the few young women leading acts in the male-dominated bluegrass scene, Hull navigated challenges like the intense scrutiny of her child prodigy label, which pressured her to evolve beyond early expectations while cultivating a dedicated fanbase. Her persistence helped establish her as a trailblazer, notably as the first female IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year in 2016, reflecting the barriers she overcame in a genre historically led by men.[42][43] Early international exposure arrived in 2011, beginning with a BBC Radio Shropshire unplugged session in the UK that expanded her global reach and introduced her innovative style to new listeners beyond American bluegrass circuits.[44]Major tours and live highlights
Following the release of her 2016 album Weighted Mind, Sierra Hull embarked on extensive headlining tours across the United States and internationally, performing over 80 shows in 2016 alone and continuing through 2017 to promote the record.[45][46] These tours showcased her evolving sound, blending bluegrass with folk elements, and included high-profile festival slots such as her appearance at the Newport Folk Festival in 2016, where she delivered standout mandolin-driven sets. In the late 2010s, Hull frequently collaborated on stage with bluegrass luminaries, forming informal supergroups at major events; notable examples include joint performances with Sam Bush and Jerry Douglas at the 2019 DelFest and the 2020 IBMA Bluegrass Live stream, highlighting her role in intergenerational jam sessions that fused traditional and progressive styles.[47][48] The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted live touring, prompting Hull to adapt with virtual performances, including a 2021 appearance on the Lockdown Livestream series and contributions to the IBMA World of Bluegrass virtual event, where she shared intimate acoustic sets from home.[49][50] Following the 2020 release of 25 Trips, she resumed in-person touring in 2021–2023, with the album-supporting dates featuring fuller band arrangements and incorporating virtual elements early on, such as hybrid streams, before shifting to fully live formats amid easing restrictions.[51][52] Hull's live highlights from this period include her BBC Radio Shropshire unplugged session in 2011, capturing her raw mandolin prowess, and a 2023 guest spot at Bonnaroo during Cory Wong's Syncopated Superjam, where she led a bluegrass-infused jam with Vulfpeck members.[44][53] In 2024–2025, post-25 Trips festival appearances proliferated, including sets at the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival and Ossipee Valley Music Festival, alongside her viral NPR Tiny Desk Concert in early 2025, which drew praise for its energetic bluegrass delivery.[54][55] These years also saw continued touring for her 2025 album A Tip Toe High Wire, with dates such as performances at the Egyptian Theatre in Park City, Utah, in November 2025.[56] By the mid-2020s, Hull's performances evolved into multimedia experiences, emphasizing storytelling between songs to connect personally with audiences—evident in her 2025 Portland show at the Aladdin Theater, where narrative interludes explored themes from her albums—and fostering fan interactions through post-set meet-and-greets and collaborative encores at events like the Wired In Sessions.[57][58] This approach built on her earlier stage presence, transforming concerts into immersive journeys that highlighted her growth as a multifaceted artist.[59]Musical style and influences
Instrumental technique
Sierra Hull is renowned for her pioneering use of flatpicking on the mandolin, a technique traditionally dominated by tremolo strumming in bluegrass but adapted by Hull to incorporate guitar-inspired approaches for intricate lead lines and rhythmic drive. Drawing from flatpicking guitar methods, she employs alternate picking patterns to execute complex melodies and chordal accompaniment simultaneously, enabling a more versatile and dynamic sound that bridges traditional bluegrass with broader acoustic traditions. This style, which she has refined through years of performance, allows for fluid transitions between single-note runs and fuller harmonic textures, distinguishing her from many contemporaries who rely more heavily on chop rhythms.[60] Hull's gear has evolved from vintage instruments to custom designs tailored to her playing needs. She began with a 2009 Gibson Master Model F-5 mandolin, customized by luthier Dave Harvey with a narrower neck and scalloped fretboard extension for enhanced comfort and speed. This setup proved so essential that she sought a duplicate, leading to the development of her 2025 signature models: the premium F-5 Master Model and the more accessible F-5G, both featuring ebony fretboards, multi-ply binding with ebony trim accents, and a Sierra Burst varnish finish on carved red spruce tops and curly maple bodies. These instruments, priced at $19,999 and $8,499 respectively, include custom details like a heart-embellished truss rod cover and engraved tailpieces, reflecting her preference for balanced tone and playability in high-velocity passages.[35][34] Among Hull's technical innovations is her mastery of high-speed picking, often exceeding 200 beats per minute in live solos, combined with improvisational elements drawn from jazz and progressive acoustic genres. This approach infuses bluegrass standards with spontaneous chromatic runs and modal explorations, as evident in performances like her NPR Tiny Desk Concert rendition of "Boom," where rapid alternate picking creates a cascading, almost percussive effect. Her integration of jazz phrasing—such as extended scalar improvisation and subtle syncopation—expands the mandolin's role beyond accompaniment, showcasing it as a lead voice capable of emotive, narrative-driven solos.[61] Largely self-taught after picking up the mandolin at age eight, Hull's technique was shaped by mentorship from bluegrass luminaries Tim O'Brien and Sam Bush. O'Brien, through collaborative recordings and tours, influenced her melodic phrasing and genre-blending sensibilities, while Bush provided early guidance during joint performances. These influences, combined with her innate drive, propelled her from local jams to international acclaim, emphasizing precision and innovation in her instrumental command.[62]Songwriting and vocal approach
Sierra Hull's songwriting often draws from personal introspection, exploring themes of anxiety, loss, and resilience. In her 2016 album Weighted Mind, she delves into millennial uncertainties and existential struggles, as seen in tracks like "Stranded," where she expresses feeling adrift at age 22, and "Compass," which confronts shedding old doubts for renewal.[63] These lyrics reflect a process of renegotiating relationships and stability amid life's changes, with co-writing collaborations contributing to the album's depth, including input from producer Béla Fleck on arrangements.[64] Hull's approach emphasizes emotional honesty, balancing solo composition with trusted partnerships to capture empowerment through self-discovery, evident in hopeful imagery of nature and growth in songs like "Wings of the Dawn."[65] This introspective style continues in her 2025 self-produced album A Tip Toe High Wire, which blends traditional bluegrass with progressive elements from country, jazz, and pop, while maintaining themes of personal risk, resilience, and self-discovery through original songs that balance her acoustic roots with broader sonic explorations.[8][66] Her vocal style has evolved significantly, transitioning from a thinner, more tentative delivery on early recordings to a confident, nuanced alto range in later works. This growth showcases an airy timbre with clean phrasing that conveys emotional presence, blending bluegrass's characteristic twang with folk's crystalline clarity.[63][67] Following her 2011 album Daybreak, Hull shifted toward original material, moving beyond the covers that dominated her 2008 debut Secrets to establish her voice as a singer-songwriter.[68] Influences from progressive bluegrass contemporaries like Chris Thile and Sarah Jarosz have shaped this development, informing her integration of modern chord progressions and rhythms into traditional forms.[67] In recording, Hull favors minimal production to preserve authenticity, often stripping arrangements to essentials like mandolin, bass, and vocals, as on Weighted Mind (2016), where she focused on bare-bones elements to highlight raw expression.[69] Layered harmonies, featuring guests such as Alison Krauss and Rhiannon Giddens on Weighted Mind, add subtle depth without overpowering her lead.[65] Critics praise this vulnerability in her work, noting how it expands progressive bluegrass by fostering intimate connections and pushing genre boundaries through honest, introspective narratives.[69][8]Awards and recognition
IBMA awards
Sierra Hull has achieved unprecedented success at the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards, particularly as a mandolin player. She is the first and only woman to win the Mandolin Player of the Year award, a milestone that underscores her trailblazing role in a traditionally male-dominated field of bluegrass instrumentation.[70][71] Hull has won the Mandolin Player of the Year award seven times: in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025. These victories highlight her exceptional technical prowess and innovative contributions to the mandolin within bluegrass, setting her apart as a dominant force in the genre. Her repeated recognition has helped shatter gender barriers, inspiring a new generation of female instrumentalists and broadening the appeal of bluegrass to diverse audiences.[13][10][72] In addition to her individual honors, Hull has been part of several IBMA Collaborative Recording of the Year winners (formerly Recorded Event of the Year). Notable victories include "Proud To Be A Daughter of Bluegrass" in 2009 with the Daughters of Bluegrass, "I've Gotta Get a Message to You" in 2017 with Bobby Osborne and others, Swept Away in 2018 with Missy Raines and collaborators, and "White Line Fever" in 2021 with Bobby Osborne and ensemble. These awards reflect her versatility and impact in group settings, further cementing her influence across bluegrass collaborations.[13] Hull's IBMA achievements are often celebrated during performances at the annual World of Bluegrass events, where she has delivered standout sets that blend virtuosic mandolin work with her signature songwriting. For instance, following her 2025 win, she performed with her band at the IBMA Awards ceremony in Nashville, showcasing high-energy bluegrass that captivated attendees and reinforced her status as a genre innovator. These moments not only mark her personal triumphs but also contribute to the evolving narrative of inclusivity in bluegrass music.[73][74]Grammy nominations and other honors
Sierra Hull has received multiple Grammy nominations throughout her career, recognizing her contributions to bluegrass and American roots music. Her 2016 album Weighted Mind earned a nomination for Best Folk Album at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in 2017. In 2021, the track "Ceiling to the Floor" from her album 25 Trips was nominated for Best American Roots Song at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.[75] Most recently, in November 2025, Hull secured four nominations for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in 2026, including Best Bluegrass Album for A Tip Toe High Wire, Best American Roots Song for "Spitfire," Best Instrumental Composition for "Lord, That's A Long Way," and Best Americana Performance for "Boom."[12] These nominations highlight her innovative blend of traditional bluegrass with broader Americana influences, helping to elevate the genre's visibility in mainstream award contexts.[11] Beyond Grammy recognition, Hull has been honored with several prestigious awards. In October 2025, she received the Tennessee Governor's Arts Award for Distinguished Artist from the Tennessee Arts Commission, acknowledging her virtuosic mandolin playing and songwriting over two decades.[9] That same year, Gibson launched the Sierra Hull F-5 Master Model mandolin, marking her as the first female artist to receive a signature model from the company and celebrating her groundbreaking role in acoustic music.[76] Hull's industry endorsements further underscore her influence; she serves as an instructor for bluegrass mandolin on ArtistWorks, offering interactive lessons to students worldwide.[77] Additionally, as a Berklee College of Music alumnus, she maintains an ongoing association with the institution, contributing to its acoustic music programs.[18] These honors build on her foundational International Bluegrass Music Association achievements, positioning Hull as a pivotal figure in advancing bluegrass beyond niche audiences.[78]Personal life
Relationships and family
Sierra Hull married the multi-instrumentalist Justin Moses, a guitarist and resonator player known for his work in bluegrass and Americana, on May 14, 2017, in a small private ceremony at a historic home in Brentwood, Tennessee.[79] The couple first met in the mid-2000s during Hull's early tours, when Moses joined her on the road alongside her father and brother as part of the family band.[14] Professionally, Hull and Moses maintain a close partnership, often performing together as a duo and collaborating on recordings; Moses has contributed guitar and production elements to several of Hull's projects, while she frequently guests on his albums, such as Fall Like Rain (2021).[80][81] Their shared musical life includes joint appearances at events like the International Bluegrass Music Association World of Bluegrass and specialized tours, such as their 2026 Mandolin Safari in South Africa.[38] As of November 2025, Hull and Moses have no publicly known children.[82]Philanthropy and interests
Sierra Hull has actively supported music education through her online mandolin instruction course on ArtistWorks, where she provides personalized video lessons and feedback to players of all ages and skill levels, including aspiring young musicians seeking to develop their technique and understanding of bluegrass traditions.[77] In her philanthropic efforts, Hull donated 12 inches of her hair in 2018 to support organizations creating wigs for individuals experiencing medical hair loss, such as those undergoing cancer treatment.[83] She has also performed at benefit events, including the 2020 Whiskey Sour Hour virtual series organized by Ed Helms and The Bluegrass Situation, which raised funds for MusiCares' COVID-19 Relief Fund to assist music professionals affected by the pandemic.[84] Additionally, in 2017, she joined Ricky Skaggs as a special guest at the 19th Annual Jammin' to Beat the Blues concert at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, benefiting Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee to promote mental wellness and reduce stigma around mental illness.[85] In October 2025, Hull donated a signed mandolin to a charity auction organized by the National Independent Talent Organization and Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, supporting advocacy and relief for music industry professionals.[86] Hull advocates for mental health awareness within the music community, sharing her experiences with the pressures of touring and public life in a 2024 discussion for Backline, a nonprofit providing mental health services to music industry workers, where she emphasized the need for self-check-ins and realistic portrayals of artistic challenges beyond social media glamour.[87] In 2025, Hull received the Tennessee Governor's Arts Award for Distinguished Artist, recognizing her longstanding contributions to the state's cultural landscape and her role in inspiring arts initiatives through performance and education.[9] Outside of her professional commitments, she values downtime at home in Tennessee to recharge, focusing on personal growth and reflection away from the demands of constant travel.[2]Discography
Studio albums
Sierra Hull has released five solo studio albums, showcasing her evolution as a mandolinist, singer, and songwriter within bluegrass and roots music. Her discography reflects a blend of traditional influences and innovative arrangements, with each release earning critical acclaim and strong chart performance on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart.| Album | Release Date | Label | Producer(s) | Peak Position (Billboard Bluegrass) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secrets | May 6, 2008 | Rounder Records | Ron Block, Sierra Hull | #2 |
| Daybreak | March 8, 2011 | Rounder Records | Barry Bales, Sierra Hull | #2 |
| Weighted Mind | January 29, 2016 | Rounder Records | Béla Fleck, Sierra Hull | #1 |
| 25 Trips | February 28, 2020 | Rounder Records | Shani Gandhi, Sierra Hull | #1 |
| A Tip Toe High Wire | March 7, 2025 | Independent (self-released) | Shani Gandhi, Sierra Hull | #2 |
Singles and EPs
Sierra Hull has issued a select number of standalone singles, primarily as lead singles to promote her studio albums, along with a handful of EPs and promotional digital releases. These works highlight her evolution as a songwriter and performer in bluegrass and Americana, often featuring innovative arrangements on mandolin and guitar. Her early promotional single "Easy Come, Easy Go," from the 2011 album Daybreak, was accompanied by an official music video that debuted on CMT in March 2011. The track showcased Hull's vocal maturity and blended traditional bluegrass elements with contemporary influences. In 2016, the title track "Weighted Mind" from her self-produced album of the same name was released as a single, supported by a live promotional video recorded during the Sitch Sessions at Old Settlers Music Festival in Austin, Texas. The song addressed themes of emotional burden and resilience, earning critical praise for its introspective lyrics and Hull's mandolin work. Although Hull has not released many full EPs, she issued Weighted Mind (The Original Sessions) in 2021 as a five-track digital EP. This project featured band-oriented reinterpretations of songs from the 2016 album, produced by Hull and emphasizing a more collaborative sound compared to the original's solo focus. In December 2024, she released the two-track holiday EP Holiday Favorites, Vol. 1, consisting of covers of Loretta Lynn's "Country Christmas" and "The First Snowfall." The EP was distributed digitally and as a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl, capturing Hull's affinity for seasonal Americana traditions. More recently, in support of her 2025 album A Tip Toe High Wire, Hull debuted "Boom" as the lead single in January 2025, a high-energy track exploring themes of renewal and spark. "Spitfire," released in February 2025 as the album's third single, paid tribute to her grandmother's strength and garnered a 2026 Grammy nomination for Best American Roots Song. Hull has also shared occasional promotional digital releases, such as live snippets for festivals, including a 2019 recording excerpt tied to her festival appearances, though these remain non-commercial. None of her singles have achieved significant chart positions on major Americana Airplay rankings, but they have contributed to her growing streaming presence and critical acclaim within the genre.Guest appearances
Sierra Hull has lent her mandolin and vocal talents to a range of other artists' recordings, often in supporting roles that underscore her status as a key figure in contemporary bluegrass. These contributions span tribute albums, all-star projects, and traditional releases, showcasing her ability to blend seamlessly with established ensembles. A chronological overview of selected guest appearances is as follows:- 2015: Vocals on "Love Song" for Big Virginia Sky's self-titled album, a duet with James Adkins that highlights her vocal range in an Americana context.[96]
- 2017: Vocals on "Strong Hand of Love" for the various artists tribute Treasure of the Broken Land: The Songs of Mark Heard, where she also played mandolin to honor the songwriter's legacy.[97]
- 2020: Mandolin and vocals on Sturgill Simpson's Cuttin' Grass (Vol. 1), contributing to the bluegrass reinterpretation of his catalog, including tracks like "I Don't Mind."[98]
- 2021: Mandolin solos and ensemble playing on Béla Fleck's My Bluegrass Heart, including tracks like "Wheels Up," demonstrating her innovative interplay in a bluegrass supergroup setting.[99]