Cinematic is the word most often used to describe Minneapolis based Coyote Kid's sound. Precise yet primitive jungle drums set the stage for the eclectic and powerful ensemble to sweep you away into their haunting world.
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Coyote Kid? How long has the band been around?
Wilder and I (Durry) started a band called Marah in the Mainsail when we were in high school in 2010. We developed this sound and this cinematic style for the last 9 years, and only a few weeks ago actually changed the name to Coyote Kid. Aside from that we’ve all played with more musical projects then we can count. Johnny Bones (Trombone) has played just about every kind of brass band you can imagine over the years. Coyote Kid is something really special for us though.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
Oh really hit the nail on the head there. Yeah we actually just changed the band name a few weeks ago! Over the years of Marah in the Mainsail we developed this universe we told these wild stories in, through the music, and by the time we were writing our third full length album the name Marah in the Mainsail just felt disconnected from the music and the story. So we decided to rename the band after the protagonist of our new story album “The Skeleton Man”.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
I (Durry) write all the lyrics. We write our albums to be large scale stories with overarching plot lines that span across each album. And try to fit the feel and musical style to fit the scenes and characters of each chapter of the story. The themes vary a lot from song to song. In general I like to ask myself “if the lyrics of this song were a movie, is it a movie I’d watch” and it’s not, then I don’t use it. The story evolves as the songs are developed, and each album kind of propels the story forward.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Personally I’m a huge fan of Murder By Death, and My Chemical Romance. They inspire a lot of the story elements and themes. I’ve also recently been really into the band Pup too. The band as a whole has completely varied musical inspiration, so everybody always brings a new angle to the music as a whole.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Pretty much every time I saw a band growing up I knew it’s what I wanted to do. But I didn’t go to a lot of concerts as a kid. The band just started really naturally, and got gigs right off the bat. So most of my concert experiences have actually been with the band. My first time seeing a show at the First Ave main room in Minneapolis was the first time we played it.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
Not a lot honestly. We just kinda go for it. I hurt myself on accident a lot, so if there’s any pre-show ritual it’s probably just tending to my wounds. Touring is rough when you’re as clumsy as I am.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Ugh so many. Playing SXSW, opening for my all time music hero’s Murder By Death, and playing the First Ave main room, were all massive markers for us.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We have an all new album coming in October, and a few singles and videos coming along as well. We just released our first single and music video Femme Fatale and would love for you to check it out! We filmed the whole thing on real 16mm film and had a blast working on it. Give us a follow on Spotify, Facebook and Instagram to keep up with what we’re up to! Thanks.