In this special edition of Steamboat Sound Check, part of our WinterWonderGrass Series, we sit down with the incomparable Lindsay Lou—a vocalist, songwriter, and storyteller whose music blurs the lines between folk, soul, bluegrass, and blues. Known for her unmistakable voice—one that glides effortlessly between ethereal beauty and raw, unfiltered emotion—Lindsay has carved out a unique space in the Americana and progressive roots world.
Born and raised in Michigan, Lindsay’s musical journey was shaped by her deep connection to family, nature, and the rich traditions of roots music. Her sound, while rooted in bluegrass and folk, has evolved into something entirely her own—melding heartfelt lyricism with powerful, soul-stirring performances. Whether fronting Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, collaborating with artists like Billy Strings, The Infamous Stringdusters, or The California Honeydrops, or stepping into the spotlight at WinterWonderGrass, she brings an undeniable presence to every stage she graces.
But this conversation isn’t just about music—it’s about transformation, community, and new beginnings. Lindsay recently announced that she and fellow musician Kyle Tuttle are expecting a baby boy in May, a milestone that is already shaping her perspective on songwriting, performance, and life itself. She opens up about how this shift is influencing her creativity and the unexpected ways motherhood is already intertwined with her music.
One of the first projects born from this new chapter is “Bart’s Diaper Club”, a beautifully intimate collection of lullabies recorded at home as part of a ‘community baby shower.’ Fans can contribute toward diapers, and in return, receive an album of these tender, stripped-down songs. We dive into the incredible outpouring of support she’s received, reflecting on how the folk and bluegrass community has always felt like an extended family.
And speaking of family, no conversation with Lindsay would be complete without discussing WinterWonderGrass—a festival that has become a home away from home for her. Over the years, she’s been an integral part of its spirit, performing across its many incarnations, from Colorado to Baja to River WonderGrass. She shares what this festival and its tight-knit artist community have meant to her, how those spontaneous, magical on-stage collaborations come together, and what it’s like to step into the unknown—sometimes quite literally, with a lyric sheet handed to her just before going on stage!
This year, she returns to WinterWonderGrass as a Special Guest, hopping between sets and lending her voice to various performances, including potential collaborations with The Brothers Comatose and The California Honeydrops—two bands she’s recently worked with on new songs. We even get some behind-the-scenes insight into whether we might hear the never-before-performed live track “Fall in Love Again” during the festival.
Finally, we explore the ever-growing phenomenon of WinterWonderWoman, a showcase that celebrates the incredible women in a traditionally male-dominated genre. Lindsay reflects on how the divine feminine influences her artistry, the power of creating space for women on stage, and how the WinterWonderGrass audience has embraced this movement year after year.
This is more than just an interview—it’s a deep dive into a moment of transformation for Lindsay Lou, a celebration of music as community, and a glimpse into the heart of one of WinterWonderGrass’s most cherished artists. Whether you’ve followed her journey for years or are just discovering her music, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired, connected, and ready for the magic of WinterWonderGrass.
🎧 Tune in and get ready to experience the soulful brilliance of Lindsay Lou.
