Interview: Steven Mougin

At RockyGrass 2025, Steven Mougin of the Sam Bush Band sat down with KGNU to reflect on the band’s deep dive into bluegrass and Newgrass classics, including rarely performed songs revived for the festival. Beyond his work as guitarist, Mougin discussed running Dark Shadow Recording with his wife, a boutique label known for high-quality projects with artists like Becky Buller, Henhouse Prowlers, and Rick Faris. He shared the label’s philosophy of focusing on a small roster to nurture long-term careers, highlighting creative projects like Rick Faris’ striking Huey Lewis cover. Mougin also spoke about the joy of performing with Sam Bush, whose boundless energy and foundation in traditional bluegrass continue to inspire both the band and its audiences.