Michael Jackson's music video for the song "Scream" cost more than $7 million to produce. The Prince of Pop probably could have used a lesson in thrift from Omaha-based lo-fi rockers, Coyote Bones.
The band produced its latest music video for "Living Breathing Demons" on a budget of just $18 dollars in a single shot.
"We spent most of the money on weird wigs and props from the thrift store," said David Matysiak, vocalist, guitarist, and on occasion, harmonicaist for Coyote Bones. "There was a six-pack there, too, but I think someone might have brought that."
The video features cameos by members from other bands, including Tilly and the Wall, Test Icicles and Son Ambulance.
"I'm not a believer in over-analyzing your art," Matysiak said. "We did it in one shot because we didn't want to get into editing."
Coyote Bones will perform twice Friday night at Box Awesome, 815 O St. The 6 p.m. show will also feature Lawrence, Kan., folk rock band Fourth of July. The two bands will be joined for a 9 p.m. performance by Omaha experimental indie-pop band Baby Walrus and Lincoln favorite Eagle Seagull.
Matysiak started Coyote Bones as a side project while he was a member of Jet by Day, an alternative rock band operating out of Dunwoody, Georgia. He and fellow musician Mason Brown began writing the song "39 Forever" in memory of Matysiak's childhood friend, Ben Eberbaugh, who was killed in auto accident. Matysiak and Brown went on to form Coyote Bones together.
"I wanted a song that was less rock 'n' roll; I was working on something more lo-fi," Matysiak recalled. "("39 Forever") was the first song Coyote Bones ever wrote. It spawned the whole band. (Mason and I) just loved travelling, being on tour, loved music. We didn't want it to end."
Although the origin of the band can be traced to a single song, the source of the band's name is a different matter.
"Actually, no one really knows," said Chris Rivera, drummer for Coyote Bones. "I heard that Dave wanted a coyote once. That didn't happen, so the dream died and turned to bones. Coyote Bones. But I'm sure if you ask him, he'll give you a completely different answer."
Matysiak did, in fact, have a different angle of the origin of Coyote Bones.
"So, one night, we were ice fishing in the Arctic Sea, and this ghost wolverine comes up to me and tries to serve me breakfast. Then I woke up from that dream and decided to name the band Coyote Bones," Matysiak said.
Regardless of where the name came from, 2007 was a fruitful year for Coyote Bones. The song "39 Forever" was picked as NPR's song of the day and the band was featured on SPIN.com. The band members also modeled for user-created T-shirt retailer, Threadless.com.
The success looks to carry over into 2008 as well.
"We're not going to follow anything any other band is doing," Rivera said. "The music industry is doing wacky things. It's not very friendly for new bands."
The band plans on a number of unorthodox moves, such as 4-day tours throughout the Midwest and the release of a limited number of one-of-a-kind tapes containing acoustic versions of songs and rare B-sides.
Matysiak had some poignant parting words for college students.
"Start your own bands, put out your own records. Be creative," Matysiak said. "But, that's just me. You know what I'd say if you gave me a soapbox to stand on."
adamtempleton@dailynebraskan.com
The fine print Coyote Bones w/ Fourth of July Box Awesome, 815 O St. 6 p.m. Friday $5, all ages
Coyote Bones w/ Baby Walrus and Eagle Seagull Box Awesome 9 p.m. Friday $5, 18+
