Let’s start from the top. Who are you? Where are you from? What style of music do you create?
We are the Syn City Cowboys, a rock band, from Kansas City, MO. Our music is straight-ahead rock n roll!
How long has the band been together? How did Syn City Cowboys form?
We have been together with this lineup since early 2010, when we started recording our first record. Dylan “wolf” Maloney (bass) and C.C. Ellis (lead guitar) met in High School and had been playing together for years. In 2009 they joined a band called the third rail. Ethan Cole (vocals, rhythm guitar) was currently playing guitar in the Third Rail. Things went south with that project but Dylan and C.C. had already formed a great connection with Ethan and had new songs and new ideas formed already. The three of them decided to start a new project form scratch and record an album of new material. The album “Blow Me Away”, was engineered by C.C. and self produced by the three members. Dylan played the drums on the recording because drummers were still auditioning. After many months they were introduced to Dillon Gasca (drums) and it was an immediate fit. The record was finished and the band played their debut live shows. The single “Control Freak” charted at #91 on active rock radio.
At this point in your career, what has been one of your favorite moments? What about worst moment?
Favorite moments so far would vary member to member, but a band favorite would have to be playing to a sold out crowd of 11,000 in our hometown, Kansas City. There is a youtube video of us playing a Metallica cover and an original at that show.
Who influences your writing style and your sound? What music did you listen to when you were younger? Have your tastes changed with time?
Every member has their own unique influences. For instance Dylan Maloney and C.C. both listened to classic rock the entire time they were growing up (eagles, foreigner, boston) whereas Dillon Gasca grew up on modern rock of the 90’s and 2000’s (breaking benjamin, trapt, dark new day) Ethan and C.C. both share a love for heavy metal, Metallica is one of their biggest influences, and its not uncommon for them to break out in a lamb of gad jam on guitar just for fun. Dylan Maloney is a huge 80’s hair music fan, def leppard being one of his favorites. C.C. listens to and has studied jazz and classical in depth. Dylan Maloney also listens to classical.
What was the last song you listened to?
(i cant speak for the whole band on this one but as im typing this the last three songs have been “Radiant Eclipse” by Avenged Sevenfold, “Letters from the Sky” by Civil Twilight, and “The Moonlight Sonata” by Ludwig Van Beethoven
What role is the Internet/social media playing in promoting your music and connecting with fans? Are there any challenges you have had to overcome?
Social media plays a huge part in our marketing because it allows up to tap into markets that we wouldn’t not be able to reach as easily without it. We can access a huge database of rock fans just by searching for similar artists on twitter or facebook and sending them our stuff. Plus it makes it easy for people to find us if they are looking for us.
You guys spent quite a bit of time in Texas recording the new album. How was that experience? Who did you bring in to engineer/produce this album?
Recording down in Texas was great! not only did we have a lot of fun we ended up with a product that is second to none. Tom Zutaut( A&R Guns n Roses, Motley Crue) produced the album. We brought in Paul David Hager (goo goo dolls, hoobastank, van halen) to mix the album and he did an INCREDIBLE job. Really great guy too. Ted Jensen (eagles, santana, metallica) mastered the record at sterling sound.
Are you guys on tour? Where can we see you live?
We are currently just getting started with some touring in the radio markets that are adding our new single “Bad Side” on Aug. 6th. We have Madison, WI the 16th and 17th of august. Syracuse, NY the18 with Candlebox. Tiblow Days in Kansas City, MO on the 23rd. Then Riverfest with Rev Theory in September. And plenty more to come!!
Where can we grab the album? Where can we connect with the band online?
The album is going to be for sale at our shows. As soon as the single hits radio you will be able to get it on itunes and amazon also!
Any last thoughts? Shout outs?
Just a big shoutout to our management team, Chris and Cathy Ellis, and Andy and Shelly Iseman for believing in us!
