I've been asked to join a band that plays what the leader calls "Cow Punk." I Googled that and it actually is a thing.
Here's the eyebrow-lifting part: I'll be the lead instrument. It's a guitar/bass/drums trio and the leader wants the harp to play the prominent musical role. I almost had to keep from laughing out loud when he told me that. Basically, I'll be responsible for coming up with my own parts for songs like a punk version of "It Was a Very Good Year", and playing all the solos.
I know. There's just no goddamn way, yet he's a very sincere guy and he also happens to be somewhat established on the touring circuit. We haven't talked money yet.
This is such an out-of-left-field thing that I felt I had to share it. Oh, and I have every intention of taking the gig.
No, it's more of an Americana/Velvet Underground sort of thing. A lot of up-tempo guitar strumming, sort of like country music.
Last Edited by Dr.Hoy on Oct 18, 2015 8:32 PM
Wikipedia lists The Blasters and Jason and the Scorchers as Cowpunk bands. Since I have played a cover of Long White Cadillac for years, I guess I have played Cowpunk.
Looking at bands classified as "Cowpunk" by Wikipedia a lot of the music should translate well for harp. You will need punk/country/rockabilly chops, not just blues chops. Unless you are in an acoustic version of this music you will also have to be prepared to get loud. As far as making up your own parts, that is the most fun I have playing harp!
Love the Bottle Rockets, too! Their sound has been described as Neil Young-turned-Cowpunk... Their first album is fantastic: Early in the Morning; Kerosene; Wave That Flag...
Dang. Now I'll have to go put some of it on... Have fun and best of luck! HJS
Last Edited by Harpin.J on Oct 19, 2015 8:16 AM
Dwight Yoakam and the Alvins are cowpuk in my mind. Acid Western Swing, sounds groovy to me.
I hate the term "Americana" . That's what club managers tell me they speacialize in and it doesn't includes blues. Sheeesh, mostly dead cover bands, lol!
A440, I'm going to have to give that whole album a listen. I don't know how I've managed to never sit down and give the Meat Puppets a good listen. They were a huge influence on Nirvana (Nirvana did a couple covers).
Dr. Hoy, it sounds like a fun opportunity. A couple of my band's favorites are really harp forward-ish, so I definitely think it can work.
