Bio
Hailing from the Gateway of the Great Smoky Mountains, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run began its journey in February 2015 at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Made up of 5 like-minded musicians and graduates of college music programs, this group of friends and musicians created a band tied to the rich traditions of bluegrass music, yet one that offers a fresh approach to that "High Lonesome" sound. Each member draws from various influences, including bluegrass, country, and rock and roll.
They present a high-energy show filled with nostalgic entertainment, tight harmonies, and skillful musicianship, all built around their curated set list of original material and lost covers.
Favorites among bluegrass enthusiasts and non-bluegrass audiences alike; they keep the energy high and the audience on their feet. The band knows when they are on stage; it is not only about the music; it is about connecting with the audience and leaving them with a memory that will last a lifetime.
2022 was a big year for them. They completed their first studio album on Mountain Fever Records, "In Dreams I Go Back," which debuted on the Billboard charts at number #7. In addition, their singles "My, My, My" ,"The Mountains are Calling", "Carolina Line" and "One More Night" spent multiple weeks on the top ten charts. "One More Night" was the named #4 most played song on bluegrass radio in 2021.
With over 300 dates a year, their high-energy style of music has taken them worldwide, including festivals across the United States, Canada, and multiple European tours.Together, Seth Mulder, Colton Powers, Ben Watlington, Max Etling and Max Silverstein create a powerhouse of music and a stage show you do not want to miss and that is why they are one of the most talked-about young bluegrass bands on the festival circuit today!
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
The band leader and mandolin player, Seth Mulder, is graduate of the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music where he studied under music legends, Bobby Osborne and Curtis Burch. Seth brings an exciting approach to his mandolin style with influences of Bill Monroe, Ronnie McCoury, Doyle Lawson, Bobby Osborne, and Chris Thile. Seth has toured the United States, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, sharing the stage with the likes of Bobby Osborne, Little Roy Lewis, J.D. Crowe, Darrell Webb, Johnny Butten, and many others. A North Dakota native, he now makes his home in East Tennessee. You’ll see Seth singing lead and harmony as well as performing some of his original music.
Colton Powers
Banjo and Vocals
On the five-string banjo is Colton Powers, a Tennessee native and recent graduate of East Tennessee State Universities’ Bluegrass, Old-Time, Celtic and Country Music Studies program. Though he’s only been playing the banjo for eight years, he has become a very accomplished musician and vocalist, bringing influences of Earl Scruggs, J.D. Crowe and Bill Emerson to create a sound all his own. You’ll hear Colton playing banjo and singing lead, baritone and tenor vocals.
Max Silverstein
Fiddle and Vocals
Playing the Fiddle is Max Silverstein from Bangor, Maine. Max is the most recent graduate in the band of East Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass Major. He spent time playing both Guitar and Fiddle in the E.T.S.U. Bluegrass Pride Band during his Junior and Senior years, and has played Fiddle with many other touring groups playing all around the United States and Internationally as well. Max’s biggest influences include Stuart Duncan, Michael Cleveland, Jason Carter, Vassar Clements, and Brittany Haas. Come see one of our shows and you’ll hear why we love Max!
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!
Chevy Watson
Guitar and Vocals
Raised in Rutherfordton, NC. Chevy started playing at five years old and grew up in a bluegrass family listening to Earl Scruggs, The Bluegrass Album Band, Tony Rice, Dan Crary, Norman Blake, Lonesome River Band, IIIrd Tyme Out, Sam Bush, John Cowan, Mark O' Connor and so on…. it was natural to take interest in music.
His musical passions don't just lie with bluegrass music. In elementary school, he discovered the bands "Puddle of Mudd" and "Trapt" playing on the radio while riding in the car, which turned him on to rock, heavy metal, nu metal, etc.
In his formative years, he traveled with his banjo-playing dad, performing at bluegrass festivals, where he first played on stage. He's worked with many artists, including world-renowned banjo player Todd Taylor. He played on Todd's Grammy-nominated project, "Bringing it home". In 2009, Chevy joined the Dove-nominated band "The Far City Boys" for a few years and released "Live Again" in 2011 before the band dismembered.
In 2015, he joined Monroeville, performing in Gatlinburg.
After eight years of being a part of Monroeville, it was time for a new direction, which led him to team up with Seth Mulder and Midnight Run. A fabulous multi-instrumentalist, Chevy is just at home on the mandolin and bass as he is on the guitar, and his vocal prowess is 2nd to none with harmony and lead singing ability.