John Mailander haș been a Noisemaker since 2018. He’s a fiddler, composer and producer with his own band, Forecast.
See also our John Mailander interview from 2018.
Band member: 2018 –
Albums
Instruments
John Mailander bio
Early life and upbringing
John Mailander was raised in Southern California, where his love for music was nurtured from a young age. Although his parents were not musicians themselves, they were avid supporters of the arts. Mailander credits them with instilling an appreciation for music, largely by taking him to the Strawberry Music Festival in Yosemite, where he was exposed to a wide range of musical styles. Hearing artists like Del McCoury Band and Gillian Welch had a profound effect on him. During middle and high school, he regularly attended a bluegrass jam in Encinitas, which further solidified his passion for traditional and roots music.
Berklee College of Music
Like Bruce Hornsby, John Mailander attended Berklee College of Music, where he majored in Performance with a focus on roots music. Berklee’s unique program allowed him to study bluegrass, old-time Appalachian music, country, blues, and other traditional styles. His studies also included electives in South Indian Rhythmic Solfege and contemporary string ensembles, which were influential in shaping his approach to music. The environment at Berklee, filled with passionate peers, fostered collaboration and personal growth. Mailander developed lifelong friendships and professional connections during his time there, jamming and performing around Boston.
Career highlights
John’s career has been characterised by collaborations with artists such as Bruce Hornsby, Molly Tuttle, and Darol Anger. His diverse abilities have made him a valuable addition to various musical projects, spanning bluegrass, folk, jazz, and more. In 2014, he released his debut solo album, “Walking Distance”, which features original compositions and highlights his skill as a fiddle player. His playing is deeply rooted in traditional music, yet he seamlessly incorporates modern influences and improvisation.
In 2023, John Mailander joined Bruce Hornsby’s band, the Noisemakers, an opportunity he called “a dream come true.” His admiration for Hornsby’s music began in high school when he first heard the live album “Here Come the Noisemakers”. Mailander had seen the band live in Nashville and was inspired by their performances, making his eventual involvement even more meaningful. Joining the Noisemakers came about through a recommendation from fellow musician Ross Holmes, and an unexpected call from Hornsby himself.
Influences
John draws inspiration from a variety of musicians, both within and outside the realm of fiddle music. Some of his major fiddle influences include Darol Anger, Vassar Clements, Sara Watkins, and Brittany Haas. Anger, in particular, has been a mentor to Mailander, shaping his musical approach and philosophy. Outside of fiddle music, Mailander has been influenced by artists such as Bill Frisell, Jerry Garcia, John Scofield, and The Band, all of whom have left a mark on his improvisational style and creativity.
Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers
John’s inclusion in the Noisemakers is the result of a serendipitous connection through Ross Holmes, with whom Mailander had developed a friendship in Nashville. After a brief audition process, Hornsby personally called Mailander, jokingly introducing himself as Bruce Willis and asking if he wanted to play fiddle in a new Die Hard movie. This humorous and relaxed introduction led to Mailander joining the band, and he has since dived into learning Hornsby’s extensive and varied catalog of music.
Teaching and future projects
John Mailander is also an educator, teaching at various music camps and offering private lessons. He enjoys sharing his knowledge of fiddle and improvisation with students. In addition to teaching, Mailander continues to compose new music and recently completed recording a new album that he plans to release soon. His latest compositions are focused on creating a platform for live musical conversations, blending traditional structures with innovative improvisation.
He has established himself as a versatile and talented musician with deep roots in traditional music. His work with Bruce Hornsby, his solo projects, and his contributions to the acoustic music scene showcase his wide-ranging skills and passion for musical exploration. His ability to blend genres and push boundaries while maintaining a strong connection to his roots makes him a distinctive voice in contemporary music.
John Mailander’s band Forecast are releasing their album “Let the World In” in January 2025.
External links
Website: JohnMailander.com