Missy Raines and the New Hip

Missy Raines is the most decorated bass player in the history of the International Bluegrass Music Association – with 7 Bass Player of the Year Awards to her credit. A former member of the Grammy Nominated Claire Lynch Band, the acclaimed duo, Jim Hurst and Missy Raines, Missy is one of the most popular figures in the bluegrass community and a trailblazer in her field for as long as she’s been playing music. Her rich pedigree in the field reaches from legends such as Mac Wiseman, Kenny Baker, Josh Graves and Eddie and Martha Adcock, to contemporary artists like Peter Rowan, Laurie Lewis, Dudley Connell and Don Rigsby. Missy also toured and recorded with the rootsy, edgy Brother Boys.

Now, she is building her name as a bandleader with the New Hip (Ethan Ballinger – guitars, mandolin, vocals; Jarrod Walker – mandolin, guitar, vocals; Robert Crawford – percussion) – putting together a band that reflects her personal blend of roots-based sound. Missy and crew stopped by the Folk Alley studios for a conversation with music about the path she’s taken to her current success.