When the needle drops on Bronwyn’s latest record, Rattlin’ Bones, one thing that hasn’t changed and is quickly evident is the linchpin of her music: the incendiary fiddle playing, which is on full display straight through from the album’s opener (and lead single), “Sticks and Stones,” to the closing notes of the finale, “Golden Hour Dream.” That playing is exactly what made her an important piece of Molly Tuttle’s self-proclaimed “dream band,” Golden Highway, of which Bronwyn was a member for four long-touring years (the band amicably parted ways in May of 2025 to pursue solo careers).
One thing about Rattlin’ Bones that is different — and it’s a major one — is that Bronwyn (AKA Bronwyn Keith-Hynes) is exploring new territory for herself, demonstrating her growth as a musician, artist, and bandleader. The record (her third) is her first foray into writing her own songs.
Where her 2020 debut Fiddler's Pastime established her instrumental prowess as a two-time IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year, and 2024’s I Built a World introduced her as a lead vocalist, Rattlin’ Bones marks the complete realization of Bronwyn as a frontperson and songwriter. She wrote or co-wrote every track on the project, pushing past her comfort zone to build a catalog tailored specifically to her live show.
