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Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners’ Dreamy Folk-Rock Enchants Railbird Festival 2025

By Larry Philpot on June 17, 2025

The Kentucky evening was cooling off on May 31, 2025, when Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners hit the Burl Stage. Their 6:30 p.m. set at the Railbird Festival was a warm, folk-rock embrace, blending indie and Americana. Consequently, the crowd, now basking in the sunset, swayed to their introspective tunes. For an hour, this Colorado-based band, led by Mitch Cutts, spun a dreamy spell, leaving fans humming under the stars.

File Photo: Members of Richy Mitch and the Coal Miners band perform in Lexington Kentucky at the Railbird Festival on May 31, 2025. (Photo Credit and Copyright; Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

Their performance was a mix of gentle melodies and raw emotion. For instance, they opened with “Evergreen,” its soft strums pulling listeners in. Meanwhile, Mitch Cutts’ vocals carried a tender ache, like a late-night confession. The band—tight yet loose—kept the vibe intimate, with Niclas Cutts’ guitar adding texture. Moreover, “Lake Missoula” had the crowd singing softly, its haunting chorus echoing across the infield. By the time they closed with “Sage,” cheers rose, a nod to their quiet power.

From College Jams to Festival Stages

Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners formed in Fort Collins, Colorado, in 2017, born from college jam sessions. The core members—Mitch Cutts (born ~1995), Niclas Cutts (born ~1993), Jakob Ervin (born ~1994), and Charlie Meredith (born ~1995)—met at Colorado State University. Mitch, the frontman, started writing songs at 16, inspired by his dad’s Bob Dylan records. Niclas, his brother, picked up guitar young, drawn to folk’s storytelling. Ervin’s bass came from punk roots, while Meredith’s drums were shaped by jazz.

Their early days were spent playing dorm gigs and local coffee shops. Consequently, their 2019 single “Evergreen” went viral on Spotify, racking up millions of streams. By 2021, their album RMCM solidified their indie-folk sound, blending Bon Iver’s introspection with The Lumineers’ warmth. For example, they’ve played festivals like Lollapalooza and opened for Mt. Joy, building a grassroots fanbase. Now split between Colorado and Nashville, they’re known for lyrics that cut deep and melodies that linger.

Bands and Bandmates

Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners is the main project for all members, with no major side bands noted. Their core lineup includes:

Mitch Cutts – vocals, guitar
Niclas Cutts – guitar, vocals
Jakob Ervin – bass
Charlie Meredith – drums

They’ve shared stages with acts like Noah Kahan and The Head and the Heart, but formal collaborations are rare. Meanwhile, their work with producer Andrew Sarlo on RMCM drew praise for its polished yet raw sound. As for relationships, the band keeps personal lives private, with no news of romantic ties to other artists. The Cutts brothers’ sibling bond is their public focus, adding warmth to their shows.

Television, Film, and Awards

The band’s media presence is modest, fitting their indie ethos. They performed on a 2022 Colorado Public Radio session, playing “Evergreen” live. Additionally, their song “Lake Missoula” appeared in a 2023 episode of Outer Banks on Netflix, boosting streams. For awards, they haven’t nabbed major ones yet, but they won the 2021 Fort Collins Music Association Award for Best New Artist. Moreover, they were nominated for a 2023 Americana Music Association Emerging Act, though they didn’t win. Hall of fame nods are distant, but their growing buzz suggests future recognition.

Biggest Songs

Their music thrives on streaming platforms and festival crowds, with a few tracks standing out:

“Evergreen” – Written by Mitch Cutts, this 2019 single exploded online, nearing 100 million streams.
“Lake Missoula” – Penned by Cutts and Niclas Cutts, this 2021 track from RMCM is a live-show favorite, with millions of streams.
“Sage” – Also written by Mitch Cutts, this 2021 song resonates for its introspective lyrics, gaining steady streams.

Controversies

Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners have dodged major scandals, keeping their image clean. However, in 2022, they faced minor backlash when a festival set ran over time, delaying the next act. Fans grumbled online, but the band apologized, citing tech issues, and the fuss died down. Consequently, their focus on music and low-key vibe keeps them out of drama. Their reputation as earnest, hardworking musicians remains untarnished.

The Railbird Dreamscape

At Railbird, the band turned the Burl Stage into a folk-rock haven. Their set felt like a campfire singalong, intimate yet expansive. For instance, “Evergreen” set a tender tone, with Mitch’s voice floating over gentle strums. Meanwhile, their banter—about Colorado hikes and late-night songwriting—drew the crowd closer. The band’s chemistry shone, with Niclas’ guitar weaving around Ervin’s bass in “Lake Missoula.”

The stage setup was simple—acoustic guitars, bass, and minimal drums—but it fit their vibe. As a result, the crowd, a mix of indie fans and festival regulars, leaned in, some closing eyes to soak in “Sage.” During “Lake Missoula,” Mitch invited the crowd to sing, sparking a soft chorus across the infield. Moreover, their cover of Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” nodded to their influences, earning warm applause.

Yet, the set wasn’t perfect. A brief sound glitch muddled “Evergreen’s” intro, but Meredith’s quick drum fill saved it. Additionally, the evening slot meant some fans were distracted, grabbing drinks before headliners. Nevertheless, those locked in were captivated, snapping photos and swaying to the music. By the end, the Burl Stage glowed with connection, fans buzzing about the band’s soulful sound.

Their Railbird set was a quiet triumph, blending introspection with festival energy. For example, Mitch’s story about writing “Evergreen” in a dorm room got laughs and nods. Meanwhile, their music carried a weight that felt personal, resonating with young fans especially. Consequently, they proved they belong on bigger stages, holding their own amid Railbird’s heavyweights. Their performance was a perfect sunset soundtrack, grounding Day 1’s closing hours.

As they left the stage, fans lingered, swapping tales of “Evergreen” and hunting for vinyl. Their set showed why Railbird champions rising acts. The band brought heart, harmony, and a touch of Colorado magic, making the Burl Stage their own. As a result, their music hung in the air, a soft echo under Kentucky’s twilight. The crowd left humming, ready for the festival’s final act.