Who are you and where are you from?
Kody West, I’m from Denton, TX
What is your favorite song you’ve ever written and why?
My favorite song would have to be Ogygia, I like playing it both acoustic and with the band. It’s a song that also gets me in the mood to play more songs Some songs are for a lack of a better term, boring to play. That one always seems to do something for me.
Tell us how the band came together…
First was Kyon Barnes (bass) we got together in his living room and ran through just about anything I could throw at him and he nailed it, so he’s been with me from the start. Then we found Matt Beaver (drums) through a close friend of mine and started having him come to practices and gigs when ever we had them then eventually just started booking more and more so I brought him on full time and haven’t looked back since. Finally Ben Johnson (lead guitar), a close friend of Kyon from when he had attended Texas State, had graduated from Texas State and moved up to Denton to join the band to complete who we are now.
What other artists have influenced you the most?
Whiskey Myers, Foo Fighters, Noah Gundersen, Mumford & Sons, John Fullbright, Incubus, Linkin Park, Sturgill Simpson, Johnny Cash, Turnpike Troubadours, Randy Rogers Band, John Mayer
Give us a few recommendations to add to our playlist..
Brent Cobb, Ruston Kelly, Lukas Nelson
What is your favorite three-word sentence?
I Don’t Care
What is your spirit animal and why?
My spirit animal is a Grizzly Bear. I naturally enjoy long naps and snacking on berries and salmon.
How has your writing and music changed since the release of your first album?
I pay more attention and am a lot more critical about every part of the song. I spend more time editing and constantly trying to make it better and better. Also has taught me to better manage my time and spend it in writing!
Who are you most excited to see at The MusicFest?
Turnpike Troubadours, John Fullbright, Hayes Carll, John Baumann, and all the rest of my friends