Dark Shadow Recording (DSR) heads into the 2025 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) voting season with its most formidable showing to date, fielding contenders in virtually every major category. From marquee vocal honors to instrumental virtuosity and album-of-the-year consideration, the DSR roster underscores the label’s reputation for pairing forward-thinking artistry with deep bluegrass roots.

Becky Buller & The Becky Buller Band

    Female Vocalist of the Year – Becky Buller

Ned Luberecki and Stephen Mougin, who perform as the duo "Nedski & Mojo", release their new single "A River To Cross". The song premiered today on Hawkesbury Radio on Mike Kear's show "Music From Foggy Hollow" in Australia, and is available for downloading and streaming HERE.

There is a great deal of discussion of the rift between the progressive and traditional bluegrass scenes, yet a number of groups have taken great strides to tear down the barrier between the disciplines. Ned Luberecki is a perfect example of this dismantling, as he blurs the lines between traditional Americana bluegrass tunes and avante-garde interpretations of songs from outside the genre.

Described by Steve Martin as “an absolutely joyous, riveting, beautifully syncopated example of the beauty of the banjo,” Ned Luberecki’s new album, Take Five, demonstrates he is a master of his instrument, adept in multiple styles. Recorded at The Rec Room, Ben Surratt’s studio in East Nashville, Take Five will be independently released on March 31, 2017. Self-produced, the 14-track album is a mix of originals and covers and clocks in at just under 45 minutes.