On The Trail Breaks Through to National Bluegrass Audience with SiriusXM Airplay

By Renee Clark Quade

It’s a big moment for Connecticut-based bluegrass band On The Trail, as their latest single “What Do I Need With Love” just landed a coveted spot on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction—a massive leap for a group that’s been steadily building a reputation for their modern, genre-bending acoustic sound.

The track, pulled from their latest full-length Where Do We Go From Here, highlights everything that makes this band one to watch: standout songwriting, tight musicianship, and that rare ability to honor tradition while pushing it forward. If you’ve seen any of their live videos, you know exactly what I mean—there’s an undeniable energy and intention behind everything they do.

Fiddler and vocalist Austin Scelzo shared just how much this milestone means, calling the airplay “a testament to the hard work and passion we put into our music.” And he’s not wrong—this is no overnight success. The band has been grinding, playing festival stages and snagging accolades like the 2022 Thomas Point Beach Band Competition win and being named an Emerging Artist at the 2023 Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival.

“What Do I Need With Love” feels like a defining moment for the band. Penned by guitarist Charlie Widmer, the song has become a staple in their set and a fan favorite for good reason—its heartfelt lyrics and melodic pull are everything bluegrass fans (old and new) crave.

It’s also worth noting the kind of company On The Trail is now keeping. Thanks to the SiriusXM nod and the support of The 615 Hideaway Records, they’re spinning on the same station as legends like Bill Monroe, Dan Tyminski, Molly Tuttle, and Mac Wiseman. That’s not just exciting—it’s inspiring.

If you haven’t tuned into the new record yet, do yourself a favor. Where Do We Go From Here is streaming on all platforms now. And if they’re swinging through your town, grab those tickets—this band’s trajectory is only going up.