Bio.

Maddie Witler is a musician currently living in Baltimore, MD. She is serious about making good coffee. Her mother emigrated from Mexico and she loves the food and culture that come with that heritage. Star Trek gives her hope for humanity, and cats make her happy.

Known mostly for her mandolin playing, she can make meaningful and impressive music on a variety of string instruments. While she has been accused (maybe rightly so) of being a “shredder” at times, it is her ability to find the gaps in music, and leave space when needed, that gives her a subtle yet deliberate presence in any musical situation. With a deep knowledge and respect for bluegrass, and an awareness of the world and music she grew up around, she synthesizes a sound true to herself, at once traditional and contemporary.

Maddie grew up in the greater Los Angeles area. Her musical journey started on the fiddle at the age of 9, but it wasn’t until she discovered the mandolin at 12 that her passion for music really developed. She was gifted the Chris Thile Homespun tape as a birthday present and watched it every day until it was worn to the point that she needed to buy another copy. She also started taking lessons with classical mandolin virtuoso Evan Marshall, who helped bring focus to her musical study. At 14, she began playing the mandolin in local bluegrass bands, cutting her stage teeth playing farmer’s markets, private parties, and small festivals in LA.

When she was old enough she moved out to Boston, to attend the Berklee College of Music. There she met some like minded players and became a founding member of The Lonely Heartstring Band, a well regarded progressive bluegrass ensemble. After touring the world, and releasing three albums, the band went on an indefinite hiatus in late 2018.

Not long after, Maddie joined the Grammy Nominated, all woman group, Della Mae. Together, after a year of global isolation, they recorded the album Family Reunion, a return to a more traditional sound for the well established band. Maddie toured with the band for a little over 2 years, and parted ways with them in late 2022.

In 2021 Maddie wrote and recorded her debut solo project Astronaut. This collection of 7 tracks showcases her songwriting, singing, and individual style of instrumental arangeing for the first time. Astronaut is currently available on band camp and all major streaming platforms,

Discography.

Me and My Boat Ben (self-released), Ethan Hawkins, 2023

Astronaut (self-released), Maddie Witler, 2022

Traitor (self-released), Marcel Ardans, 2021

Deviant Folk (self-released), Deviant Folk, 2021

Live from Levon Helm Studios: A Hannukah Holiday Concert (Eden Sky Records), Nefesh Mountain, 2021

Family Reunion (self-released), Della Mae, 2021

Every Bright Penny (self-released), Liv Greene, 2020

Smoke and Ashes (Rounder Records), Lonely Heartstring Band, 2019

Modern Ballads (self-released), GennaRose Nethercott, The Lonely Heartstring Band, 2018

Wheels EP (self-released), Natan Arielle, 2017

Songs of Lost Yesterdays (self-released), Laura Orshaw, 2017

Deep Waters (Rounder Records), Lonely Heartstring Band, 2016

The Lonely Heartstring Band EP (self-released), Lonely Heartstring Band, 2013

Sloth Indolence and Torpidity (self-released), TriMountain Sessions, 2012