Nienke Griffith-Bruinsma
"Bass is my calling"
Nienke Griffith-Bruinsma is a Dutch bassist and vocalist primarily known for her work in the international bluegrass scene.
From Boornbergum, Friesland, the Netherlands, she underwent a significant musical evolution, transitioning from a background in hardcore metal to becoming a mainstay in bluegrass music.
Nienke Griffith-Bruinsma is a member of King Springs Road, a bluegrass ensemble that began in the United States and eventually transitioned into a European-based project. Her involvement with the band grew through both professional and personal connections:
Joining the Band: She met American guitarist Tyler Griffith (who later became her husband), and initially signed up to play bass for a few songs during one of the band's shows.
European Tours: After filling in for the band's first European tours and discovering a passion for the genre, she became a permanent member.
Current Role: She provides both bass and vocals for the group.
Instruments & Vocals: In addition to playing the upright bass, she is one of the vocalists in the ensemble.
Current Status: She is a permanent member of the band, which has transitioned from a U.S.-based group to an international,European-based outfit.
International Life: She and Tyler divide their time between East Tennessee in the United States and Friesland in the Netherlands.
"Trading my distortion pedal for a piece of wood and the mosh pit for an upright bass was a natural shift, as the raw, driving rhythm of a high-speed bluegrass breakdown hits with the same intense energy as a metal one."
Professional Activity
Performances: With King Springs Road, she has toured extensively across Europe, including the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, Ireland, and Northern Ireland.
Venues: Her performances range from local house concerts and old windmills to major festivals such as GrevenGrass (Germany), EWOB (Netherlands), and the OMAGH festival (Northern Ireland).
Musical Style: The band blends traditional bluegrass with progressive elements, country, rock, and recently, Irish and old-time influences. Their repertoire consists of both original music and covers of artists like Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, and the Bluegrass Album Band.
