A Boston-based bluegrass/new acoustic ensemble, four of the five members that make up the Lonely Heartstring Band met as students while attending Boston’s Berklee College of Music. Founded in 2012 by Charles Clements (bass & vocals), George Clements (guitar & lead vocals), Gabe Hirshfeld (banjo), Patrick M’Gonigle (fiddle, vocals), and Matt Witler (mandolin), the quintet offer up a sprightly blend of classic, close harmony singing, country-folk-pop, and contemporary newgrass acrobatics that bridge the gap between Bill Monroe, the Beatles, and the Punch Brothers. Award winners and festival favorites, the band inked a deal with Rounder in 2015 and began work on their official debut studio album. The resulting Deep Waters was released in June of the following year. ~ James Christopher Monger