Sitting Down with Cowboy and Indian

They are the sound of nights under the stars, simple instrumentals and beautiful harmonies. Their melodies are catchy, often haunting, the kind of music that lingers in the air long after the instruments have been put away. Among the six members of Cowboy and Indian, influences as diverse as Townes Van Zandt, Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone and Disney music are cited. Perhaps it’s this diversity that makes them so wonderful. 

Their start was serendipitous, Jazz Mills calling upon friend, Jesse Plemons to play a SXSW gig she didn’t want to play alone, and calling Daniel James when suddenly a tour was booked and they weren’t quite ready. From this trio has grown a band of six, writing, playing, touring and creating together. 

These musicians each have lives and some have jobs in other cities and so rely on email and iphones for writing music, using them to send lyrics, sound bites and ideas. Jazz reflects, “Jesse will be in LA and he’ll email us a song idea and by the time we meet up with him we have our own ideas or we’ve built off of it. So much of the writing is done while we’re in different places. We’ve rarely sat down in a room all together to write. Everybody’s input is important.” Daniel continues, “Being how old our music can sound, technology is our greatest ally. I don’t think we would be able to bridge all the gaps without it.” 

The group recently put the final touches on their album, which they recorded all over the country as they were able to meet up. “The album is very different from song to song.” Jazz says. If their recent two hour set at Momo’s is any indication, it promises to be great. Their show featured all six members showcasing their many talents in groups, solos, and as a whole band. “It’s a lot of fun being in a band with all different voices working together.” Jesse says. Their genuine enthusiasm and love for each other and of playing music is unmistakable in person and on stage. 

Cowboy and Indian continue to write and tour. “I’m excited to show what everyone can do.” Daniel says. “I knew this was a needle in a haystack. I’m really confident in our group and what we have.”  On their upcoming gig playing at Austin City Limits Music Festival, the band is very humbled. “I’m really moved by it,” Jazz says. “I was really surprised. I mean, we’re really  new. We’re honored.”