The Rifters

The Rifters are a talented folk-Americana band that formed in 2002 in the vibrant music scene of Taos, New Mexico. The trio is made up of Jim Bradley and Don Richmond from the band Hired Hands, and Rod Taylor from the Rounders, all of whom brought years of experience playing acoustic dance-oriented Americana music in northern New Mexico. Their sound is a rich blend of acoustic and electric instruments with soaring three-part harmonies, moving effortlessly from driving bluegrass vibes to ethereal desert-inspired melodies. Known for their engaging, toe-tapping rhythms born from years of playing for dance crowds, The Rifters capture the spirit of their high desert and mountain surroundings with a warm, inviting energy.

Their recent album, *Heroes and Friends* (2025), is a tribute to songwriters they admire, featuring 15 songs mostly penned by their friends and a couple by well-known heroes, showcasing the band’s respect for community and musical connections. Outside of music, the members lead fascinating lives: Rod Taylor is a working cowboy in Texas, Jim Bradley has toured broadly, and Don Richmond is a local legend in the New Mexico music scene and founder of Howlin’ Dog Records. The Rifters’ music feels like a bridge connecting times, places, and people, an authentic voice of the Southwest’s rich cultural landscape.

Genres

Americana

Folk

Singer-songwriter

Indie Folk

Contemporary Folk

Country

Alternative Country

Bluegrass

Related Artists

The Lumineers

The Head And The Heart

Fleet Foxes

Bon Iver

Sufjan Stevens

Mumford & Sons

The Avett Brothers

Lord Huron

Gregory Alan Isakov

Mt. Joy

Caamp

The National

Latest Release

Heroes and Friends

The Rifters

Album - 15 Tracks - Released September 19, 2025