Melody Walker

"I think the bluegrass scene was broken wide open in the ‘70s and ‘80s revival -- Not only to women, but also an expanded definition of the genre. That revolution fostered this new generation of pickers that have grown up largely up encumbered by past limitations. We still encounter echoes of the past, but as we grow and the next generation of young players comes along, we all become an integral part of the industry and change it from within. We are starting to have some much more open and radical conversations within the IBMA about breaking those next barriers of inclusivity, and making sure LGBT and people of color are included, and that even more political and musical viewpoints are welcome. It’s really exciting, and it makes me proud of my scene and hopeful for the future."

"Melody Walker is an outspoken force in bluegrass. She routinely calls out the sexism, racism and injustice she sees in the world, a difficult thing to do in an industry still run by many conservative elements. A product of the Left Coast bluegrass world, Walker came up in the Bay Area bluegrass scene. The progressive bluegrass world on the West Coast is sometimes pejoratively referred to as “CPG” by Eastern conservatives-CPG stands for “Colorado Pussy Grass.” It’s a title that Walker and others have reclaimed, making it almost a badge of honor."