Wyatt Espalin, a native of Hiawassee, Georgia, began his musical career with the encouragement and influence of his grandfather. He released his debut album, Songwriter/Singer, in 2015, and his latest EP, Diamondback, is currently available.
I had the opportunity to catch up with Wyatt during the 2025 30A Songwriters Festival, where he has performed for several years. In addition to discussing his upbringing on his grandfather’s campground, we talked about the art of Appalachian fiddle styles, a genre in which Wyatt excels.
Wyatt and I met when he played a 30A Songwriters Festival a couple of years ago. His raw harmony, developed through years of playing in the North Georgia mountains stood out. He grew up learning guitar and fiddle with his brother, Matt. After graduating high school, Matt decided to hang up his fiddle. However, Wyatt wanted to explore and expand on his musical heritage and formed the Americana duo, Trees Leave.
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The group recorded two albums from 2008-2010, before calling it quits when his bandmate pursued other interests. Wyatt needed to care for his aging grandfather and used the time to plan his next steps. In between leading rafting trips, he continued writing songs for his solo debut album in 2015.
Wyatt Espalin performs at songwriter festivals throughout the U.S.
Living the “festival circuit” can be challenging. However, Wyatt joined forces with a group of fellow performers to teach songwriting techniques to inmates at a Florida correctional institution. To say the least, the experience has been life-changing for the songwriters and inmates.
Grant Walden, the shows audio editor and the owner of HearTell Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, also joined us for this episode. Grant’s guitar talent also came in handy when he accompanied Wyatt’s fiddle playing.
You can follow Wyatt and his upcoming tour dates on his website.