Emerging bluegrass vocalist and mandolinist Lydia Hamby is quickly carving out her place in the genre with a compelling blend of technical skill, heartfelt storytelling, and faith-driven inspiration. A graduate of East Tennessee State University's renowned Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music program, Hamby's journey-from early musical beginnings to festival stages-has been marked by growth, gratitude, and a deepening artistic vision. Following the strong reception of her debut single, she now opens up about the personal and spiritual story behind her latest release, "Paid In Full," and what lies ahead.
Q: Lydia, for those just discovering your music, can you share a bit about your background and how your journey into bluegrass-and your time at ETSU-shaped you as an artist?
I started playing the piano when I was four years old, so I have been a musician for as long as I can remember. I played the mandolin briefly around age seven, but didn't really pursue it seriously until high school. Everything changed when I enrolled in the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music program at ETSU. Studying under industry legends like Tim Stafford and Mike Compton shaped not just my musical knowledge but also my practice style. Touring with the ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band gave me real-world experience and deepened my love for both the music and its community. I truly can't imagine doing anything else.
Q: Your debut single "The Cards You've Been Dealt," featuring Tim Stafford, received strong airplay-what did that early response mean to you, and how did it influence your confidence moving forward?
I never would have imagined my debut single being received so well. I'm still blown away by how much people connected with it on streaming platforms and radio. That response really encouraged me to keep making music and reassured me that I'm on the right path.
Q: "Paid In Full" is rooted in a powerful sermon experience-can you walk us through that moment and how it translated into the songwriting process?
I wrote "Paid In Full" one Sunday after a season of running from the Lord. I hadn't been in church for a while and was nervous about feeling condemnation when I returned. Instead, my pastor spoke about the cross and how Jesus didn't just partially cover our sins-He fully paid our debt, stamping it "paid in full" over and over again. That imagery was so powerful that I went home and wrote the song in one sitting. It's the only time that's ever happened, and I think it's because the message was so clear and exactly what I needed to hear.
Q: The song wrestles with themes like guilt, anger, and personal failure before moving into peace-how intentional were you about structuring that emotional and spiritual journey in the lyrics?
Honestly, I wasn't intentionally structuring those themes in a specific order. It just reflected my thought process-that every sin, past or future, is covered by Christ's sacrifice. I did intentionally repeat the phrase "paid in full" after each one, because that's the conclusion of the story-Jesus wins.
Q: You've performed at respected festivals and venues across the bluegrass scene-how have those live experiences shaped your identity as both a vocalist and mandolinist?
I feel incredibly honored to be included in those lineups. Every organizer, promoter, and audience member who has supported me has made a huge impact. Performing live pushes me to grow every day. I really feel like I'm living the dream, and it motivates me to keep improving as both a musician and performer.
Q: Looking ahead, what can listeners expect next from you-are there new singles, collaborations, or a larger project in the works?
I have a few things in the works! I don't want to give too much away just yet, but there are definitely more singles coming-possibly with some special guests-and hopefully a larger project not too far down the road.
