The High Street Drifters, a bluegrass quartet based in South Australia and Victoria, are making an indelible
mark on the music scene. Drifting across the country since 2021, they have quickly earned a reputation by
blending their commitment to the traditional bluegrass sound with a love for the Australian bush, redefining
what it means to play bluegrass in the southern hemisphere.
Featuring Mae Traeger on fiddle, Daniel Watkins on guitar, Justin Vilchez on mandolin, and Gage Stead on
bass, this dynamic ensemble weaves intricate melodies and rich harmonies, showcasing their instrumental
and vocal prowess while pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Their self-titled debut EP, released in 2024, has cemented their status as one of Australia’s premier
bluegrass acts. The lead single, Back to the Hills —a reflection on resilience and a returning to a place of
belonging— earned a 2025 Golden Guitar nomination for Bluegrass Recording of the Year and with a packed
festival season ahead, The High Street Drifters continue to solidify their reputation as a must-see act shaping
the future of Australian bluegrass.