Former Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway Fiddler Bronwyn Talks Songwriting On New Album For the First Time: ‘I Need a Catalog That Is Mine’

Bronwyn, a two-time IBMA Award-winning bluegrass fiddler, has spoken about her songwriting process for her new album Rattlin' Bones. The album, released on August 14, blends various sonic textures including bluegrass, alt-country, and jamgrass. Bronwyn explains that her songwriting journey has been organic and driven by her exploration of her own interests.

She recognizes the importance of having a catalog of songs that she wrote herself, stating, "I need a catalog that is mine." To achieve this, Bronwyn collaborated with songwriter Melody Walker, known for co-writing hits for both Molly Tuttle and Sierra Ferrell. Together, they wrote songs like "The Ride" and "Sticks and Stones" for Rattlin' Bones.

Bronwyn also worked with longtime collaborator Pat McLaughlin, with whom her husband, Jason Carter, was working at the time. They wrote tracks like "Gallatin Road," a funky homage to a Nashville neighborhood, and "Virginia Gal," which incorporates a bluegrass vibe. The album also features songs with a hazy folk aura, such as "Golden Hour Dream," and a jazzy track called "Rainbow Trout."

Bronwyn's musical influences include 1970s and 1980s bluegrass and country artists like Keith Whitley, J.D. Crowe, Waylon Jennings, and Emmylou Harris, as well as outlaw artists like Waylon Jennings and Emmylou Harris. Her time with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway has also shaped her approach to songwriting and band formation, as she draws inspiration from their collaborations and the experiences they shared.