Tim Surrett - Bass player for Balsam Range, and a cofounder of Mountain Home Music Company. Proud to serve as vice-chair of the IBMA board, having served as a member for three years. In brief, what brought you to bluegrass music? -My dad played bluegrass and country music. I got away from it in my teenage years, but once I heard JD Crowe and The New South, it was all over! What do you hope to bring to the bluegrass community by serving on the board of directors? -Bluegrass music has given so much to me and my family. If I can somehow help others with my experience, or further the music in any way, that would be my goal. How have you seen the bluegrass industry change in your time working in it? -The industry has changed, but for the better, in my opinion. I think there are more opportunities for national exposure than ever before. I've watched the Grascals on Leno, and The Lonesome River Band on Lettermen. I think bluegrass music has come a long way from the stereotypes that have plagued it for years. Bands like The Steep Canyon Rangers and The Stringdusters have made it cool with young people to play and listen to bluegrass. I think the sky is the limit. What projects are you working on for the future of bluegrass music right now? -The board is working on a myriad of things every day to try to improve the situation of the music and everyone involved. I personally enjoy helping young bands make records that can hopefully further their careers. We've been blessed to watch some of them really get things off the ground. What is your favorite (bluegrass) album and why? -Wow, that's hard! Bluegrass-The World's Greatest Show. That live record was the one that really made me want to play bluegrass music. The Seldom Scene, The Country Gentlemen, and especially JD Crowe and the New South. Tony Rice just blew my mind. Give us the top three best festivals you’ve attended. -Tough one here. We play so many great ones. As an attendee, I used to love to go to the Old Frontier Ranch Festival in Ohio. I saw so many great bands there. It was a great thrill to go back there a few years later with Tony Rice. What is your advice to someone fresh to the bluegrass industry?
-Play as much as you can. With Balsam Range, we played 4 or 5 nights a week at a little place in Asheville, NC called the Fiddlin' Pig. Not very glamorous, but it made a band out of us. Don't expect overnight success. Be humble, be grateful for every note you get to play! Don't neglect the audience. They pay money to hear you. It's my honor to play for them, not their honor to get to hear me. Make friends - not fans!