Inspired #393 - cowboyy
Art pop four-piece cowboyy have just announced their debut EP - ‘Epic The Movie’, which is due out in March next year via Nice Swan Records. Along with this news - the band have shared the visuals for their new single ‘Gmaps’.
Pulling inspiration from math rock all the way to jazz, post-punk and electronic music, with a fresh and modern outlook on writing and collaboration, cowboyy strive to create their own unique sound, refusing to be anything but themselves. The result? Something that straddles the lanes of art pop and alternative rock, with guitar lines and bold ambitions to create new sounding music at the forefront of the project.
They took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind their music.
Hey cowboyy, how are you? So your debut track ‘Gmaps’ is out now - can you tell us what it is about?
Stan: It is about human ignorance, moving through life not understanding things or taking a moment to think.
Where are you from and what are your favorite things to do there?
Reubin: I'm from Southampton and I like to make music, play cards and chess.
Stan: I live in a town called Emsworth. There’s not much going on there…so I go gig in more interesting places…
Kai: I live in Bournemouth but I don’t really get up to much to be honest, most days when we’re not doing band stuff I’m just at home really.
Rhys: I’m from Portsmouth, but last year I moved to Brighton. There tends to always be something to do here but usually I just play the drums.
What are the key influences when it comes to your music?
Stan: I'm a big fan of artists such as: Aphex Twin, The Beach Boys, Minuetmen, Talking Heads, Tera Melos and Hella. Nick Reinhardt is definitely a massive influence on me when it comes to all my pedals and sounds. If I’m honest though, I normally get inspired by what the others in the band like, I may lay down a lead line or effect that they love and that then leads me down that path more, without them I think I’d get stuck on where I’m going with my playing. I also listen to a lot of jazz and am a big fan of players like Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Pat Martino and early George Benson
Kai: The first three artists that spring to mind are Frank Zappa, Palm and Mogwai especially when it comes to guitar playing.
Rhys: I take a lot of influence from Tony Williams, Chris Pennie (Dillinger Escape Plan), Thomas Haake (Meshuggah) and recently Zach Hill’s playing in Hella.
Reubin: I'm inspired by Kim Deal and Peter Hook because of how memorable and simple their basslines were, so for me I really liked that because anyone can pick up a bass and play along but I’m also really inspired by a lot of reggae and funk bassists too
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to your music before?
Stan: Err I’m not sure because I’m always just writing what I like but I guess the easiest thing to say is like “experimental” guitar music, influenced by math rock and electronic music with a pop undertone
Now the track is out there, what next for you?
Reubin: Now that it’s out we’re just enjoying the responses the track is getting and looking forward to how our next release will be for people
Stan: Next thing we will release is a music video for ‘Gmaps', a second single and then an EP to follow early next year
