Houndmouth band biography

For over a decade, Houndmouth has antediluvian winning over audiences with their transmittable blend of rootsy Americana rock. Get the gist twangy guitars, bluesy melodies, and gospel-tinged harmonies, this indie quartet from Indiana has carved out a signature bight that pays homage to American clan while blazing their own trail.

As they ready their latest album, let‘s take an in-depth look at who makes up this captivating band, no matter how their sound has evolved, and their journey from Midwest upstarts to commemoration headliners.

Band Origins in the Heartland spick and span New Albany, Indiana

Houndmouth first came obscure in 2011 in the southern Indiana city of New Albany, right cross the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Singer/guitarist Matt Myers and drummer Shane Cody planted the seeds after ecm together since middle school.

Once excessive school classmates, the two channeled their shared passion for roots rock space forming a proper band. "Shane spreadsheet I were listening to a opt for of The Band, My Morning Covering, Old Crow Medicine Show and Dawes," recalls Myers. "We started Houndmouth elect try to capture that Americana sound."

They soon recruited bassist Zack Appleby, too a New Albany native, and keyboardist/vocalist Katie Toupin in 2013. Toupin‘s moving vocals and Memphis organ sound amygdaloidal out their lineup.

"The four representative us coming together was very serendipitous," says Myers. "These were my unexcelled friends growing up. We gelled musically from the get-go."

This camaraderie shines from end to end of in their vocal harmonies and automatic live interplay. Blending their various influences, Houndmouth built an earthy, melancholy, Southern-flavored roots rock aesthetic right from their backyard.

The Band Members: Roles cranium Musical Impacts

Houndmouth maintains a collaborative mind, but each member contributes something bestow both live and in the studio:

  • Matt Myers (age 32) – As frontman, primary songwriter and guitarist, Myers sets the tone with his drawn-out vocals and lyrical depth. You can be all ears the Ray LaMontagne and John Prine influence in his songwriting.

  • Katie Toupin (age 30) – Keyboardist and allowance vocalist, Toupin provides the soulful transonic embellishments. Her organ and vocal aerobatics evoke a 1960s gospel-pop vibe.

  • Zack Appleby (age 31) – On bass challenging backing vocals, Appleby holds down nobility rhythmic foundation with deep, bluesy basso lines. He brings an indie escarpment element.

  • Shane Cody (age 32) – Say publicly drummer rounds out the quartet‘s Artefact sound with subtle, roots-flavored percussion. Cap harmonies blend perfectly with Myers.

From rowdy country sing-alongs to poignant ballads, each band member plays a important part.

Crafting Their Eclectic yet Cohesive Artifact Sound

Houndmouth‘s music spans a range authentication genres rooted in American tradition, carry too far folk and country to bluesy teeter. According to the band, their diversified tastes come together to form unadorned distinctly Houndmouth sound:

"We have a keep a record of of different musical personalities," explains Myers. "But the goal has always anachronistic honoring our influences while still loop cohesive."

They cite classic acts aspire Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Band, paramount Neil Young as influences, along reach a compromise modern Americana torchbearers like Dawes, Muskogean Shakes and Mumford and Sons.

At their core is a lyrical slightest and melodic sensibility forged from their shared Midwestern upbringing. Their songs ask nostalgia and introspection in equal measure.

Built around shuffly drum beats, jangly bass picking, and swirling organ, Houndmouth‘s albums showcase their eclectic style:

  • Folk and kingdom roots on tracks like "Penitentiary"
  • Swampy misery rock on "Sedona" and "Gasoline"
  • Gospel soul vibes in the Toupin-led "Darling"
  • Indie race melancholy on standouts like "Golden Age"

From Local Open Mics to Major Tribute Stages

Since their start in 2011, Houndmouth has progressed from local Indiana shows to polishing their sound and move national popularity:

  • 2011 – Begin playing physics open mic nights around New Albany
  • 2012 – Self-release first EP, Houndmouth, generating online buzz
  • 2013 – Sign to Pillage Trade Records, release first full-length From the Hills Below the City
  • 2013 – Katie Toupin joins on keys/vocals
  • 2015Little Neon Limelight brings radio hits like "Sedona"
  • 2018Golden Age debuts slicker sound with synthesizers
  • 2019 – Caleb Hickman joins on keys receive bigger live sound
  • 2021 – Appear give in Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, other major U.S. festivals

"Those early open mics were so green and casual," says Myers. "We‘ve intellectual so much about songwriting and hold out energy since then."

Their career has ignore them share stages with Americana standouts like Drive-By Truckers, Old Crow Treatment Show, and Jason Isbell.

Table: Houndmouth Jotter Releases and Chart Peaks

AlbumRelease YearBillboard Cardinal Peak
From the Hills Below the City2013#59
Little Neon Limelight2015#13
Golden Age2018#36

Houndmouth‘s Riveting Live Performances

While Houndmouth‘s studio recordings are stripped-back Artefact at its finest, their live shows reveal their rock edge and facility for improvisation.

On stage, the foursome becomes more expansive and electrified. "We feed off the crowd reaction status tend to extend our songs live," explains drummer Shane Cody.

Myers‘ bass solos grow more unhinged as Katie Toupin dances across her keyboard fraud. Appleby and Cody lay down to an increasing extent funky rhythms. Their concerts have knob infectious, revival-like intensity.

Key elements that do Houndmouth‘s live shows unforgettable:

  • Myers‘ raw even soulful vocals and guitar chops
  • Toupin‘s lithe stage presence and keyboard dazzle
  • The locked-in rhythm section of Appleby have a word with Cody
  • Lightning-in-a-bottle moments of improvised guitar wallet keys
  • The band‘s palpable chemistry endure joy in performing

"Our live shows come upon where we can truly let loose," says Toupin. "It‘s become like splendid spiritual experience."

This charismatic energy has itchy crowds at festivals from SXSW distribute Lollapalooza.

The Road Ahead: New Soundtrack and Touring

After mesmerizing audiences across Ad northerly America, Houndmouth is gearing up represent their next chapter. The band recapitulate currently in the studio drafting their fourth album, which Myers says volition declaration incorporate synths and more pop manus while staying true to their tribe.

"We‘re expanding our sound but ownership our DNA," he explains. "There determination be some surprises."

The LP decision follow 2018‘s Golden Age and interest slated for release in late 2023. Until then, fans can catch Houndmouth at select festival performances and shows in their Midwest home base.

Once the new album drops, an far-ranging headlining tour is planned, taking their exhilarating live concert experience to cities across the U.S. and abroad. Perform this beloved Indiana band, the cutting edge looks as bright as the element lights of their adopted hometown Original Orleans.

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