Bio

Cawlings is an up-and-coming group based in Birmingham, Alabama, originally formed in late 2019 by Drew Romanowski, Andrew Bullard, and Maddie Harper. Though Drew has since stepped away from the project on good terms, the band remains grateful for his role in starting Cawlings and helping shape its early direction.

Today, Cawlings is made up of Andrew Bullard, Maddie Harper, Josh Meredith, and Andrew Spear. Outside of the band, Andrew Bullard is a music educator, Maddie Harper is a marketing director, Josh Meredith works in construction, and Andrew Spear is a computer programmer.

The group was brought together by a Penny and Sparrow concert and a shared love of harmony-driven artists such as The Civil Wars, Nickel Creek, and others who value intimacy and storytelling in their music. Maddie brings over 15 years of vocal performance experience, while Andrew Bullard’s background in percussion and multi-instrumental performance helps form the rhythmic and tonal backbone of the band.

Josh Meredith (violin) and Andrew Spear (upright bass) originally met while attending Samford University and later reconnected through Cawlings, bringing a long-standing musical trust and shared history into the project. Their addition expanded the band’s dynamic range while preserving its core identity and focus on connection.

The name “Cawlings” comes from a love of Collings instruments—a playful nod to the brand that has become part of the band’s sonic DNA. Andrew Bullard is often seen playing his Collings MF mandolin, Ruby, and the group’s acoustic approach and instrumentation help define Cawlings’ signature tone.

Rather than forcing their music into a single genre, Cawlings lets story lead sound. Their affinity for bluegrass and acoustic music is woven together with influences from classic rock, pop, and beyond. The band is best known for rich harmonies, emotional honesty, and a comfort with imperfection—creating music they are proud of and genuinely want to hear.

This philosophy is reflected in their debut EP, When The Leaves Change, which serves as both a foundation and a starting point for continued storytelling. Rooted in community and collaboration, Cawlings draws inspiration from people and place and remains deeply connected to Birmingham’s growing music scene. They are humbled by the opportunity to create alongside their city and continue shaping songs that feel real, intimate, and lived-in.