“People can tell when you’re being honest,” says Aaron Burdett, the band's newest member, who joined in 2022. “They can tell if you’re phoning it in or not really connecting with the music. That’s something that’s always been at the heart of this band – authenticity.”

While Steep Canyon Rangers’ roots are firmly planted in bluegrass, their sound has gradually blossomed into something more expansive -- a dynamic blend of Americana, bringing in electric banjos, drums and other non-traditional instruments. This evolution wasn’t an accident but a natural extension of their deep commitment to both tradition and pushing musical boundaries.

“Even though we came from bluegrass, we’re constantly evolving,” Aaron says. “The sound is still rooted in tradition, but now we’re covering a lot of ground, from the stripped-down acoustic style to full-band arrangements with electric tones.”

A pivotal moment in their evolution came when they recorded “Morning Shift” in Bat Cave, North Carolina, a historic site nestled in the heart of the Appalachian region. The unique atmosphere of the location – complete with its high ceilings and rustic charm – set the stage for an album that feels raw, unpolished, yet deeply real. The band lived in an inn while recording, a summer camp-like environment that fostered camaraderie and collaboration.

“It was like a snapshot of where we were at the time,” Aaron says. “We recorded everything live, and the limitations of the room gave the record a distinct vibe. It was the kind of place where you could just feel the music happening.”

As the band continues to tour and perform, there’s a palpable sense of joy, not just for them but for the audiences they connect with. They’re “firing on all cylinders,” as Aaron puts it, creating an experience that feels electric both on stage and off.

“We tour constantly, playing shows almost every weekend,” Aaron says. “You can expect more of what we’re doing now – there’s a deep love for what we do, and it’s not slowing down.”

But despite all the success, the heart of Steep Canyon Rangers remains in the simple moments of collaboration, the unpredictable magic that happens when they come together to create something new. Whether it’s an impromptu jam session or a late-night songwriting session, each member brings something essential to the table.

“I think it’s that mysterious organism of a band,” Aaron says. “You can’t plan it. You just bring what you have, and somehow, it works.”

Though they may have spent years together, the personalities within the band still surprise. Michael Ashforth, the drummer, is known for his versatility – he could pick up any instrument and play it, but the drums are where his heart lies. Meanwhile, fiddler Nicky Sanders is the ultimate night owl, always awake and energized when it’s showtime, even if the morning comes a bit too early for his liking.

And if they had to trade instruments for a day?

“I’d want to try drumming,” Aaron admits. “It’s completely foreign to me, but I’m sure it would be fun.”

The band’s influences run deep, spanning from bluegrass icons like Doc Watson to legendary songwriters like John Prine and Bob Dylan. But it’s not just their musical heroes that have shaped them – it’s the experiences and moments that have come from being a band for so long.

“Music is about connection,” Aaron says, reflecting on the band’s journey. “It’s about bringing people together, whether it’s through a song or a show, and that’s what we’ll keep doing.”

On Sunday, Feb. 2, Steep Canyon Rangers will perform at Strings Music Pavilion in Steamboat Springs.

Aaron is excited to be back in Steamboat, where he once worked at Perry-Mansfield during the summers. He’s looking forward to returning to the area, both to relive old memories and to continue sharing new ones with the fans who have supported them for so long.

Tickets are still available online at www.stringsmusicfestival.com.