Ty Gilpin & Unspoken Tradition: Bluegrass Insights & Music News

By Prof. Cindy RogahnMay 03, 2025

Can bluegrass music truly evolve while still retaining its soul? The answer, as demonstrated by the ever-evolving sounds of acts like Unspoken Tradition and the individual journeys of its members, is a resounding yes. Bluegrass, a genre rooted in tradition, is constantly being reshaped and reimagined by artists pushing creative boundaries.

Unspoken Tradition, a bluegrass band, exemplifies this evolution. Formed with a lineup that includes Audie McGinnis on guitar and vocals, Lee Shuford on bass and vocals, Tim Gardner on fiddle and vocals, Ty Gilpin on mandolin and vocals, and Zane McGinnis on banjo, the group has carved out a distinctive niche in the contemporary bluegrass landscape.

Category	Details
Full Name	Ty Gilpin
Occupation	Mandolin Player, Music Marketing Director
Band	Unspoken Tradition
Instrument	Mandolin
Years Active (Music Marketing)	20+ years
Associated Company	Crossroads Record Label
Solo Album	Crooked Hollows
Birthplace	Suburbs of Nashville
Link	Ty Gilpin's LinkedIn Profile

Ty Gilpin's journey into music was influenced by his upbringing in a Nashville suburb, where the sounds of country and bluegrass were ever-present. The proximity of legendary bluegrass musician Bill Monroe, who frequently played gigs near Gilpin's home, undoubtedly fueled his early interest. At about 15 years old, Gilpin began to play the mandolin, a pivotal moment that set the course for his musical career.

The band's approach reflects a modern perspective on the genre. Gilpin, a key member, makes a compelling point about the evolution of bluegrass, a perspective thats crucial to understanding acts like Unspoken Tradition. He acknowledges how bluegrass has always been in a state of flux.

The core of Unspoken Tradition is anchored by the McGinnis brothers, Audie on guitar and Zane on banjo. Tim Gardner adds the vibrant voice of the fiddle, while Ty Gilpin rounds out the sound with his mandolin. The groups dynamic is further enhanced by the addition of Sav Sankaran. As the "new guy," Sankaran reflects how "Moments," the band's recent single, came to be recorded.

The band's latest single, "Moments" (released in May 2023), is a testament to this enduring vision. It is available on most streaming platforms. This single showcases the band's ability to re-imagine and revitalize existing material. "I'm so happy to be giving 'Moments' a second life," remarked one of the band members, highlighting their commitment to both honoring their influences and injecting fresh perspective.

In conversations with the band, including Audie and Zane McGinnis, Ty Gilpin, Tim Gardner, and Sav Sankaran, they discussed their musical philosophies. These conversations delved into their early experiences in bluegrass music. As stated by Ty Gilpin, "The intent was for us to push our own boundaries and not be constrained by what a bluegrass band is supposed to sound like." This philosophy is evident in their music.

When discussing their musical influences, the band members often speak of the impact of artists like the Stanley Brothers on their sound. While they pay tribute to those earlier arrangements, the group leverages their years of playing together to craft performances with a deeply organic feel.

The band's rendition of "Lookout Mountain" is a prime example of their abilities. They give the song a somber and mournful reading, which sets off the tenor voice. This demonstrates how the band can create a listening experience that's both deeply respectful of the material and innovative in execution. The bands focus on relatable themes has proven to be successful. As Ty Gilpin noted, "All that really matters are songs that people can universally relate to."

Ty Gilpin is not only a musician, but also a senior director of marketing at Crossroads Record Label. He acknowledges the evolving landscape of music distribution, noting that many artists share their music online. This includes music videos, and sound files through platforms like YouTube and Facebook. Gilpin's dual role as a musician and music industry professional gives him unique insight into how to navigate the modern music scene.

The band Unspoken Tradition, featuring Audie McGinnis (guitar and vocals), Ty Gilpin (mandolin and vocals), Tim Gardner (fiddle and vocals), Sav Sankaran (bass and vocals), and Zane McGinnis (banjo), has been active in the bluegrass scene. The band's presence is also felt beyond the studio and stage. Unspoken Tradition is deeply rooted in Western North Carolina. They have also been part of major events such as the Brewgrass Festival in Asheville.

Western North Carolina's original craft beer festival, Brewgrass Festival, will return to the Salvage Station in Asheville. The event embraces a format that's slightly different. The lineup includes bassist Sav Sankaran, guitarist/vocalist Audie McGinnis, brother Zane McGinnis (banjo), mandolinist Ty Gilpin, and Tim Gardner (fiddle, vocals). Their music ranges beyond typical lyric themes, digging into songs about work ("Irons in the Fire," "Back on the Crooked Road"), reaching out across boundaries.

The Blue Ridge Music Trails of NC is an initiative of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. Mountain Home Music Company congratulated Unspoken Tradition on the success of their single, "California," which reached No. 1 on the Bluegrass Today chart. This was during their album release show at 185 King Street in Brevard, North Carolina.

Ty Gilpin & Unspoken Tradition: Bluegrass Insights & Music News

Detail Author:

Socials

tiktok:

linkedin: