Bio
Seth Mulder & Midnight Run was born in the holler of Tennessee’s first legal moonshine distillery, where the spirit of tradition still runs strong. Since forming in 2018, the band has been on a mission to blend the roots of traditional bluegrass with the energy of modern performance, crafting a sound that is both deeply authentic and refreshingly original.
With genuine songwriting, tasteful arrangements, and a knack for breathing new life into forgotten covers, the band combines elements of bluegrass, classic country, and folk music in a way that resonates with both traditionalists and new audiences alike.
Their debut studio album, Traveling Kind (2020), laid the foundation for what would become a breakout sound. That momentum continued with In Dreams I Go Back (2022), released on Mountain Fever Records, featuring fan favorites like “One More Night” and “My, My, My”—the latter named S.P.B.G.M.A.’s 2023 Song of the Year.
In 2024, the band signed with the iconic Rebel Records, launching a new era marked by their upcoming release Coming On Strong, out May 16, 2025. The project’s early singles—“Gilgarry’s Glen,” “Heartbreak Break Express,” the heartfelt “Looking Past the Pain (The Cowboy Song),” and their electrifying take on “Johnny B. Goode”—have earned acclaim for their powerful delivery and timeless spirit.
Their high-energy live shows have taken them across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, earning them a reputation as one of the most exciting young acts on the bluegrass circuit today. The current lineup—Seth Mulder (mandolin), Tyler Griffith (bass), Mason Wright (fiddle), Anthony Howell (guitar), and Carter Lester (banjo)—creates a powerhouse of music and a stage show you don’t want to miss.
“In a day and age where authenticity is everything, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run are the real deal.”
“Hearing you guys play was one of the best parts of my trip! You guys are so wonderful at what you do! Can't wait to see you next time! ”
— New Jersey
“I watched you guys last week in Gatlinburg, you totally blew us away, and we will be telling the whole of Liverpool, England about you guys!”
— Liverpool, England
Meet the band
Seth Mulder
Mandolin and Vocals
Seth Mulder is a mandolinist, vocalist, and songwriter whose work bridges the spirit of traditional bluegrass with the energy of a modern performer. A North Dakota native, Seth brings a deep appreciation for the roots of American music to everything he does. As the frontman of Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, he has become a driving force in contemporary bluegrass—delivering authenticity, heart, and high-octane musicianship to stages across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
A graduate of the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music, Seth studied under legends like Bobby Osborne and Curtis Burch, grounding his musical foundation in the traditions of the genre. Since forming Midnight Run in 2018, he’s led the band in developing a sound that honors the past while embracing the future.
Whether he’s writing, performing, or leading a late-night jam, Seth Mulder continues to craft songs and performances that speak to the heart of bluegrass—rooted in tradition, driven by passion, and built to last.
Tyler Griffith
Upright Bass and Vocals
Tyler comes from a musical family — his mother and uncle were part of a family bluegrass band that his grandfather ran in the 1970s, and his father was a pianist. Starting on stage at four in a family band, Tyler has acquired the skill of many instruments. Although he sticks primarily to the upright bass with Seth Mulder and Midnight Run, he also plays guitar, mandolin, banjo, and trumpet.
He has participated in many professional and semi-professional bands in multiple countries. The most notable bands he is associated with include Jeff Parker and Colin Ray, the Farm Hands, and the Tennessee Bluegrass Band. Tyler toured with Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper for eight years, playing bass on Mike’s “On Down the Line” and the Grammy-winning “Tall Fiddler” album. Along with the rest of Flamekeeper, he garnered 3 IBMA awards for Instrumental Group of the Year.
After being born and raised a Hoosier in Avon, IN, Tyler has settled in Piney Flats, TN, with his bass-playing wife, Nienke, from the Netherlands. Tyler is excited about the future opportunities ahead and looks forward to seeing everyone out there!
Anthony Howell
Guitar and Vocals
Anthony was born, and raised, near Kosciusko, MS. He originally found an interest in the guitar by growing up watching his dad play. At age 11, Howell began taking music lessons from Alan Sibley, of Alan Sibley & The Magnolia Ramblers. Alan taught him how to play the mandolin, guitar, and banjo and he later taught himself to play the bass. His musical influences include Jens Kruger of The Kruger Brothers, Charlie Waller, Jimmy Martin, Jesse McReynolds, Bill Emerson, Tony Rice, Tim Stafford, Larry Wallace, Scott Vestal, Jesse Brock, and many more.
Anthony, is the 3 time consecutive IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist Of Year Nominee, 2023 Walnut Valley National Banjo Champion, 2021 Alabama State Banjo Champion, 2015 Mississippi State Banjo and Guitar Championship, and he also placed 2nd in mandolin that same year. He is also an accomplished session musician who has worked on 30+ projects in his short, yet successful career.
As a young teenager, he was seen playing with various bands around home until the age of 18, when he joined Williamson Branch as a utility musician playing banjo, mandolin, lead guitar, and telecaster. He toured with them for four and a half years and recorded three records with them. In October of 2022, Howell started touring with Edgar Loudermilk Band, playing banjo. Now, after two years with Edgar, Anthony joins Midnight Run, playing guitar, and singing.
Carter Lester
Banjo and Vocals
Carter is a Richlands VA, native who currently resides in Glade Spring VA. He is a student of East Tennessee State Universities’ Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country music program. Carter is a multi-instrumentalist that has played with various bands in the Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee regions including Valley Grass, Hi-Test Grass, and Simple Rhythms. Carter’s playing is influenced by J.D. Crowe, Allen Shelton, Tom Adams, and many more.
Mason Wright
Fiddle and Vocals
Mason Wright is a veteran bluegrass fiddle player with a career spanning over 20 years.
In addition to almost six years as a member of Bluegrass powerhouse, Audie Blaylock and Redline, Mason has recorded and performed with many local and national artists, including: Vince Gill, Lonesome River Band, Ronnie McCoury, Lonesome Highway, Bud’s Collective, The High and Wides, and Oldtown Flood.
In addition to a busy tour schedule, Mason also operates his own private studio teaching Bluegrass fiddle.