We’re rolling back the calendar for a quick one today. Chicago-based instrumental power/post-metal trio Coyote Man released their new full-length album, Prosthetic Memories, back on August 14th and it’s one you’ll be glad to spend some time with. While Coyote Man officially formed in 2015, members Augie Portugal, Ian Wheeler, and Rene Rodriguez had been working together far longer than that, and it’s apparent on this effort. It’s a collection that doesn’t lack a punch, to be sure, but it also has a certain… brightness to it. Positivity, perhaps. It makes for a really engaging listen end-to-end. So give this brief Profile a read to learn a little more about Coyote Man and be sure to hit that Bandcamp link along the way.

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How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?

Two out of three of us were playing our instruments for years before we linked up in our high school years back in the early 2000’s. We started by covering nu’ metal bands such as: Linkin Park, Deftones, POD etc.

Most of our family members were supportive as starting a band was more of an after school activity.

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

The best way to explain our most recent releases over the past few years are considered “Post-Metal”. Even though we have elements of other genres in our music, we get lumped into more of the metal scene.

Is there anything about your latest album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?

This is our most concerted effort in writing and how we went about releasing this new album.

Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?

We had the opportunity to open for Taproot in the Chicago burbs and our number one fan aka “Crazy Eyes” went to the wrong venue and missed his only Coyote Man show. It was an emotional experience for him but we hugged it out. He also came dressed as a pirate and it wasn’t even Halloween. (Hahaha)

What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?

The average smaller band has a farther reach via online platforms. However, in our
personal opinion, it’s mostly content driven.

Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music?

We really don’t have direct social or political stances in our music only because it’s a sensitive topic. We let the listener decide what to feel.

Do you have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?

We all have day time jobs and this band is our main hobby.

What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

No advice but we hope people appreciate their roles in the scene. We hope all the people appreciate what they do because they help get the word out for bands like us who would relatively go unheard of.

Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?

Were not overly ambitious. For starters, playing the Metro and Riot Fest in Chicago
would be amazing. Also, we would love to be on a movie/tv show or videogame soundtrack.

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently?

Blood Incantation – “Absolute Elsewhere”
Oliver Tree – “Ugly Is Beautiful”
Marcus King – “Darling Blue/No Room For Blue”

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

We will have a small midwest fall run this year. We also are having our album release show on August 21st at Liars Club in Chicago.

Summarize your band in one word.

Individualistic, Nonconforming or Eccentric.

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Many thanks to Coyote Man for the time!

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Prosthetic Memories is out now. For more information on Coyote Man, head over to Facebook or Instagram.