A Journey to the Edge of the World
In June 2023, the members of Greensky Bluegrass embarked on a transformative journey to rural Iceland, setting up shop at the remote Flóki Studios. The band—Anders Beck, Michael Arlen Bont, Dave Bruzza, Mike Devol, and Paul Hoffman, joined by longtime collaborator Holly Bowling—sought to capture the intersection of their creative process and the stark, ethereal beauty of the Icelandic landscape. Under the perpetual light of the midnight sun, the band found themselves in an environment where time seemed to dissolve, allowing for a deeper exploration of their collective artistry.
The resulting documentary, Find Ourselves Lost: The Iceland Sessions, directed by René Huemer and cinematographer Chérie Hansson, transcends the typical concert film. While it documents the band’s recording sessions and their subsequent three-night Camp Greensky Iceland event in Reykjavik, the film serves as a profound, intimate portrait of a group approaching its 25th year. It is a raw, honest look at the struggles and triumphs of five individuals navigating the complexities of friendship, sobriety, and the pressures of a life in music.
The Intersection of Nature and Creativity
For the band, the decision to record in such an isolated location was intentional. As Mike Devol notes, the band has a history of seeking out immersive environments that strip away the distractions of city life. The Icelandic wilderness provided a unique backdrop that forced the musicians to confront their own internal landscapes. “The story kind of told itself,” Devol explains. “It’s interesting for me to see it in retrospect, watching what the narrative became through what we were all feeling and sharing while we were there.”
René Huemer, known for his work with Phish and the Dave Matthews Band, approached the project with a vision of using the landscape as a metaphor for the human experience. “I was inspired to highlight that even well-achieved artists grapple with their own struggles, a reality often obscured by the facade of social media,” Huemer shared. This vision resonated deeply with the band, who found the filming process to be an organic, almost therapeutic experience.
Vulnerability and the Human Experience
The film does not shy away from the difficult topics, including the band’s collective history with addiction and the personal growth required to sustain a 25-year career. Dave Bruzza, reflecting on his own journey, notes that the camera provided a space to address long-standing personal challenges. “It was easy to talk with René and Chérie about that kind of thing—just where we were at as human beings,” Bruzza says. “It was very organic in a way of opening up and letting it all out.”
The documentary has already garnered praise from peers, including Billy Strings, who described the film as “extremely touching, vulnerable, sweet, and just beautiful.” This sentiment is echoed by the band members, who view the film as a testament to their enduring bond. As Anders Beck puts it, “We’re not just making music together, we’re navigating life together, whether that’s kids or drug problems or whatever.”
A Lasting Impact
The connection between the band and their fans remains a central theme throughout the documentary. By sharing their own vulnerabilities, Greensky Bluegrass has fostered a community that feels deeply invested in their journey. The film highlights how the band’s acoustic music and lyrical depth serve as a lifeline for listeners, creating a shared experience that extends far beyond the stage.
Ultimately, Find Ourselves Lost is a reminder that even in the most remote corners of the world, the most important discoveries are the ones we make about ourselves and each other. The film is currently available for streaming on YouTube and Nugs, offering a rare, unfiltered look at one of the most resilient bands in the modern 2025 music scene.