For Maygen & The Birdwatcher, creating music is as much about the journey as the destination. Over the past four years, the Minnesota-based Americana group has been meticulously crafting their latest LP, The Americana Dream. 

The record is a labor of love, a sprawling and heartfelt exploration of Americana – both the genre and the country itself. The well-rounded collection carefully blends folk, bluegrass, pop, and country influences into a sound that feels unmistakably their own.

“It’s been a four-year process,” explains Maygen Lacey, the band’s lead vocalist. “Some of these songs were written years ago, others more recently. The album captures who we’ve been at different points in our lives – it’s like a timeline of our musical and personal journeys.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maygen & The Birdwatcher (@maygenandthebirdwatcher)

The story of Maygen & The Birdwatcher begins in 2016 when Lacey and guitarist/vocalist Noah Neumann met at a mutual gig. Their shared love of storytelling, melody, and Americana-inspired sounds sparked a creative partnership. What started as an acoustic duo soon grew into a six- or seven-piece ensemble that also includes banjo player Nik Pellinen and mandolinist Jesse Maravec. This expansion allowed the band to explore bluegrass instrumentation without being confined to it, layering fiddle, upright bass, and other textures over their folk- and country-rooted songwriting.

“We didn’t come from bluegrass backgrounds,” Lacey told Fandom Daily. “But adding those instruments gave our songs a depth and richness that we couldn’t get on our own. It’s this beautiful collision of folk sensibilities with traditional Americana textures.”

Neumann adds, “We love experimenting. Sometimes the songs are acoustic, sometimes they’re electric. Some feel like folk, others hint at pop. But the common thread is our voices and the story we want to tell.”

The album’s title is a play on words and ideas: it references the classic American Dream while highlighting the band’s roots in Americana music. Rather than focusing on aspiration and material success, the album explores the richness of experience, connection, and discovery.

“We wanted to create something observational,” Neumann explained. “It’s about who we say we are versus who we really are. It’s about traveling, seeing new places, and finding ourselves along the way.”

Much of this perspective comes alive in their songs. The lead single, "Millie Moon," celebrates emerging from dark times into joy. Trading verses between Lacey, Neumann, and Pellinen, the song, enriched by Maravec’s harmonies, encourages listeners to embrace bliss. 

“It’s sing-and-dance-along friendly,” Neumann says. “It’s about welcoming joy, not just surviving.”

Other highlights include "Elizabeth," a cathartic track, “Feel Good” radiates pure optimism, perfectly capturing the band’s ability to move between reflective storytelling and uplifting energy. The well-rounded band provided fans with a  whopping 13 songs to choose from. The collection also features ear-grabbing tracks "Gates of Heaven," "Danny," "Montana," and more. Releasing just in time for fall, the album captures the cozy spirit of the season – best enjoyed with a warm drink and the sound of leaves underfoot.

A major step in the album’s creation was working with Grammy-nominated producer John Fields, known for his work with Brandi Carlile, Miley Cyrus, and the Jonas Brothers. Fields’ pop sensibilities pushed the band in unexpected directions while still honoring their roots.

"It was a risk, but that’s what made it exciting,” shared Neumann. "John’s pop background helped us see our songs in a new light. He pushed us to be precise and intentional, while still keeping the heart of our sound intact."

Lacey adds, "There was a lot of pushing and pulling – figuring out the balance between polish and rawness. That tension helped distill what the songs really are and gave the album a unique energy."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maygen & The Birdwatcher (@maygenandthebirdwatcher)

Lacey and Neumann’s voices remain the guiding thread, tying together songs that range from introspective to celebratory.

"We want people to listen, feel, and keep coming back," Lacey stressed. "There’s something for everyone – songs for reflection, for dancing, for sunsets, for the road. It’s really a journey through our experiences and the emotions that come with them."

For fans, The Americana Dream is an invitation to step into the world of Maygen & The Birdwatcher and experience the music as they have lived it. Fans can stream the full collection now and catch the band on tour, as they are hitting iconic venues across the country. For additional information and tickets, visit their official website.