Interviewed by: Payton Butler | Photos obtained via email correspondence.
How did you guys come up with your band name?
Honestly we just thought “The Ugly Cowboys” had a nice ring, and we couldn’t believe no other band had took the name.
What genre would you use to describe your music?
Tough question. We’ve been called indie to punk, but smutrock/cowpunk/sleaze seem to be the best descriptors.
Do you have a favorite song you’ve written?
I’m pretty partial to “Nancy” myself, although our bassist really likes “pussycat” (unreleased) and our drummer likes “puppy dog.”
What are your top three favorite artists?
I like the Violent Femmes a lot although I’ve recently gotten into Doechii, our bassist is a big Kimya Dawson fan and our drummer likes Rush a lot.
If you could do anything with your band, what would you want to do? What’s the ultimate goal?
A solid national tour would be amazing. Not like stadiums or anything, but like a month across the country playing clubs/small venues that aren’t empty.
What’s your biggest inspiration as a band?
Personally, I’m inspired by Brian May (Queen) and Dexter Holland (The Offspring). Both of them have PhDs, and as a PhD candidate playing in a goofy “punk” band I’m glad to see you can do both.
Ugly Cowboys are one of eight bands performing in the KJHK & SUA annual Farmer’s Ball Semi-Finals event this Friday, March 28th at the Bottleneck. If you’re interested in seeing the “goofy ‘punk’ band” known as Ugly Cowboys live, be sure to arrive before 8:15 to grab a voting wristband for your chance to help them advance to the next round. See you there!