The High Street Drifters are a bluegrass band from Victoria carving out a distinctive place in the Australian music landscape. Led by mandolinist Justin Vilchez and guitarist Daniel Watkins, the band features a cast of some of the country’s finest bluegrass musicians on fiddle, banjo, and bass. Together, they deliver the drive and energy of modern bluegrass while staying true to the places they've grown.
Known for their rich harmonies, breakneck instrumentals, and heartfelt songwriting, The High Street Drifters bring a fresh and unmistakably Australian voice to the genre.
Their self-titled debut EP firmly established them on the national scene, earning the 2025 AFMA Award for Debut Album of the Year and a CMAA Golden Guitar nomination for Bluegrass Recording of the Year with their standout single Back to the Hills.
Following the success of their debut, The High Street Drifters continue to expand their reach with new singles Words for Leaving and Snakes Reach earning two CMAA Golden Guitar nominations for Bluegrass Recording of the Year and Instrumental of the Year and a packed touring schedule ahead.