Sierra Hull

Sierra Hull

Sierra Hull is an American bluegrass singer, mandolinist and guitarist. Born in 1991, she grows up in Byrdstown, Tennessee, and later moves to Boston to study at Berklee College of Music. She is associated with bluegrass, country and folk, and is a member of Béla Fleck & My Bluegrass Heart, The Chester Bees and First Ladies of Bluegrass.

Early career

Hull signs to Rounder Records at the age of 13. She records her debut vocal album, Secrets, at 15 and releases it at 16. The album includes a small number of original songs. She is invited to appear on the Grand Ole Opry stage by Alison Krauss when she is 11, and Rounder expresses interest in her when she is 12.

Berklee and musical development

Hull receives Berklee College of Music’s Presidential Scholarship, the school’s most prestigious award, and becomes the first bluegrass musician to receive it. She accepts the scholarship rather than begin touring full-time after high school. Her move to Berklee marks a transition into early adulthood and a broader musical range, while she continues to develop as an instrumentalist, singer and songwriter.

Work on Daybreak

Her follow-up album, Daybreak, shows a stronger focus on original writing, with seven of its twelve tracks written by Hull. The record includes instrumental pieces, her first western swing number, bluegrass songs, country-leaning material and a title track that stands apart as a pop ballad. Her mandolin playing is noted for its clarity and precision, and her singing for its directness and emotional force.

Recognition and performances

Hull receives five nominations from the IBMA voting members over three years, including in the mandolin category. She performs at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and the National Prayer Breakfast. She also works with musicians including Ron Block, Barry Bales, Stuart Duncan, Randy Kohrs and Bryan Sutton, and her studio bands include members of her own group Highway 111.