Chris Thile is an American mandolinist, singer-songwriter and composer from Oceanside, California, who began performing professionally as a child and rose to prominence in progressive bluegrass and acoustic folk circles through leadership of ensembles such as Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers. His musical style blends bluegrass technique with elements of classical, jazz and pop, encompassing intricate original compositions, cross-genre collaborations and work as a radio presenter that expanded the contemporary mandolin repertoire and brought acoustic music to wider audiences.
