Overview
Formed by longtime friends, Lynn Nicholson and Jon Swain, Debutants have evolved into a formidable string band with eclectic influences ranging from traditional folk, bluegrass, and Irish music, to classic and indie rock, rockabilly, jam bands, and anything else they feel like playing. Regardless of genre, what always manages to come through loud and clear, whether in-studio or on stage, is the amount of fun they’re having playing together, and the vibrant life breathed into their music. Nicholson and Swain share the role of lead singer/songwriter for the group, with much collaboration in each song’s development. On their 2021 debut release, Indiana Newgrass – EP, Debutants went into the studio with banjoist Michael Earl Newsome, fiddle player Sean Hoffman (Goldmine Pickers, The Goat’s Beards, Soltré), and bassist/vocalist Colin Taylor (Uncle Muscle, Hillbilly Casino). Also highly instrumental in capturing their original sound, was recording engineer and producer Tyler Thompson (Fruition, TK & The Holy Know-Nothings, Jay Cobb Anderson) at his Studio 110 in Pittsburgh, PA. For their 2022 sophomore release, Nobody Knows – EP, the band unquestionably returned to Thompson’s Studio 110, this time bringing Lauren Blair on fiddle/vocals, and Ellen Coplin on cello/vocals. Their songwriting growth became evident on titles such as Nicholson’s ‘Hard to Say’, along with increases in tempos and instrumental prowess demonstrated on pieces like Swain’s ‘Never Thought I’d Be the One’
Chicken Wire Empire is a Wisconsin-based bluegrass band known for their dynamic musicality, thorough arrangements, and true-to-life songwriting. They’ve been recognized worldwide for their top-tier performances and collaborations with dozens of artists from all corners of the bluegrass genre. Audiences can expect high-level musicality and substantive musical depth from each CWE show. The band continues to be acknowledged for their technical prowess and authentically original sound. Their sixth and latest album, Growing Pains (June 2025) is a veritable culmination of the band’s growth through the past decade.
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