Based in California, roots duo Two Runner creates music that pays homage to different traditions. Self-described as an amalgam of “Americana-folk-roots-old time-bluegrass,” Two Runner delivers contrast: There’s angelic harmony but also an authentic sense of grit.
Before coming together, Paige Anderson and Emilie Rose lived only a stone’s throw from each other. Somehow, they had never met and could never have guessed their paths would eventually cross with a joyful and unexpected result. There, in Nevada City, California–the small town of 3,000 where both grew up–harmony and creativity were lying in wait. Their near-proximity partnership was separated only by a few property lines in between. The two performers finally met and bridged that gap, discovering their musical compatibility in 2020.
“I lovingly call it a ‘Covid relationship,’” Rose explained. “We both grew up there, and it turns out we were two houses away from each other.”
When free movement, travel and gatherings were restricted during COVID-19, the two musicians jammed together from within their neighborhood “bubble.” It was a time of creativity.
Once the restrictions were lifted, they were clearly accepted with open arms: Two Runner played over 100 dates last year.
A multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Anderson got her start in the business as a child; she traveled for over a decade with her family band, Anderson Family Bluegrass/The Fearless Kin. Rose, a Berklee College-trained fiddler, performed for a decade with Celtic outfit The String Sisters.
Both musicians believe the place where they come from has influenced the sound of Two Runner. It’s not just what is found within the walls of these two neighbors’ homes that shape the sound; it’s what’s found–both tangible and intangible–in all their surroundings.
“I really do believe the landscape around me and our hometown, that really does translate in the music,” Anderson said. She called their region of the Sierra Madre “a very inspiring place.”
Rose seconded that thought, emphasizing that people who play these genres share a commonality, regardless of which state they call home.
“Mountain music is mountain music,” Rose said. “It does not matter where it comes from.”
Two Runner’s debut came with the 2023 album release, “Modern Cowboy.”
“The songs naturally formed,” Anderson explained, of the duo’s first full album. “We recorded it at Dark Horse Studios in Franklin, Tennessee…a really beautiful spot.” That beauty could explain why big names such as Bela Fleck, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, and a huge roster of other A-list artists have also recorded music there.
“Paige [Anderson] was the primary songwriter,” Rose said, “and when we started playing together, she already had all these wonderful songs. We put it out ourselves, we produced the entire album, and I think it’s been well-received.”
With so much creative flow happening, new music is already in the works. When they spoke with The Bluegrass Standard, they were already preparing for the June drop of a new two-track EP to be released on the Gar Hole Records label.
The duo both have a hand in the songs; it isn’t 100 percent Anderson.
“I pretty much have the songs finished lyrically and melodically,” Anderson explained, adding that Rose then gives her thoughts and influence as each number approaches its final form.
“It’s such a beautiful process,” Anderson added.
Both halves of Two Runner said they are excited about upcoming dates, such as their appearance at the Farewell Music Festival in Redmond, Oregon (July 19 through 21), where they’ll share the main stage with major acts such as Billy Strings and Brandi Carlile; Colorado’s RockyGrass Festival (July 26 through 28); and the Pickathon Experiential Music Festival in Portland, Oregon (August 1 through 4).
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