Check out our interview with NY talented artist Coyote Eyes who just released her new single “Gasoline” today!
Coyote Eyes is the dark pop alter ego of New York bred Jo Eubanks, a multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles. Known for lush soundscapes, haunting vocals, and eerie piano melodies, the music of Coyote Eyes is, like her, equally tragic and seductive. Coyote Eyes began training to be a classical singer in early childhood, and by 16 she was already capturing label attention for her distinctive, emotionally charged voice which held “the pain of a 30 year old woman inside a child’s body”. After years of wrestling to harness creative authenticity in a time when nice girls sang nice songs, the three time southern debutante shocked both industry and audiences alike when she reemerged as Coyote Eyes in 2018, a powerful and mysterious persona unafraid of delving into the far corners of the human experience.
Follow Coyote Eyes @iamcoyoteeyes
Hi Coyote Eyes, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! I’m a multi-disciplinary artist based in Los Angeles and New York. Meaning I’m all over the art scene – I sing, write, act, create visuals, and a lot of other things.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Haunting, seductive, tragic
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
My parents claim I started singing before I started talking, so it’s always been my path and what I wanted to do. I think music chose me more than the other way around. Originally I was training to be a classical singer, but was heavily influenced by grunge in the 90s as well as powerhouse female vocalists and songwriters like Tori Amos, Sarah McLaughlin, and Alanis Morisette.
Do you play any instruments?
Piano
Tell us about your new single “Gasoline?”
“Gasoline” is a phoenix rising song that goes on a pretty epic sonic journey. The vocals go from delicate and angelic to intense, and there are even chains and a demon vocal in the track.
What’s the story behind the song?
Okay so “Gasoline” is a pretty existential song, but basically it’s about how we as humans have become disposable to one another and what that feels like. We all develop these ideas of other people in our heads, which makes sense because we can literally curate who we want people to think we are via social media. So if you meet the real person and they don’t live up to the idea of them you had in your head, it’s easy to go on to the next. It’s created this huge disconnect because no one knows who we really are anymore – including ourselves.
Why the name Coyote Eyes?
I decided to take on a moniker because I really wanted to experiment with a new sound. Coyote Eyes just kept coming to me – I would just hear it in my head over and over. I’ve been told I have pretty intense eyes and for whatever reason it seemed to fit, so I just went with it. When I brought up the idea, someone on my team was like, oh we just assumed you chose the name because of the symbolism. So I looked it up and I was stunned because the coyote literally symbolizes…me. Apparently, the coyote represents the one creature that’s impossible to categorize; it’s this paradoxical creature sent to reveal the truth in a multitude of ways. I’ve always been a paradox; I’m extremely sweet and wear ruffle dresses and bows in my hair, but when I get on stage I’ve got this seductive, commanding presence and turn into this hot witchy creature and perform an exorcism half way through my set. I’m this lighthearted, funny girl who posts comedy content but then turns around and writes songs about having an affair with baphomet or haunting someone to the point of insanity. It’s always confused people, but to be honest I’ve learned to love being an enigma. And so Coyote Eyes made perfect sense.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Seeing my music affect other people – I mean really affect other people. When someone thanks you for telling their story or getting them through a hard time – that’s the whole point.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Write everyday, Whether it’s a few lyrics or a short idea or a full song, it doesn’t matter. Just keep the muscle moving. Learn to produce. Be as self sufficient as possible. Harness your darkness and step into your power. And above all, never ever make yourself small or water down your uniqueness to please “the industry”. Or anyone for that matter.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
I’ve made various jokes about this for years, but if I had to give a serious answer it would be…The Paradox
What’s next for Coyote Eyes in 2023?
I’m releasing three songs in the next couple months that I’m extremely excited about. I’m at a point in my career where I’ve outgrown one chapter and have blank pages to fill in front of me. It’s equally exciting and a little scary, but I’m ready to create new music and take some risks.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Having purpose, feeling creatively fulfilled, and feeling free.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Great question. Okay so I’m going to give two and they’re going to seem incongruous but just go with me here. Dead, I’d choose William Shakespeare, probably for obvious reasons, but I’m so fascinated by greatness – when he sat down and wrote was it for pure pleasure, or purpose, or did he know the impact he would have? But living, I’d want to meet Dave Matthews – just the sheer volume of what he’s written is so vast and meticulous and again I’m so curious about that experience and process. When you look at an early album like Under the Table and Dreaming, every song is so different and so perfectly written – I just want to know what that writing and inspiration process was like!
Best advice ever given?
All of your dreams will come true, just not the way you expected them to
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I see myself as a signed artist, producing my own music and performing at the Grammys. Hopefully helping other artists and creating a way for the industry to feel more inclusive.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Monsters ft. blackbear by All Time Low
Where can we follow you on social media?
@iamcoyoteeyes on Instagram or @coyoteeyesmusicl on TikTok
Book: Tie between Bad Behavior by Mary Gaitskill and Tweak by Nic Sheff
Quote: “I have this theory that if we’re told we’re bad then that’s the only idea we’ll ever have // but maybe if we are surrounded in beauty someday we will become what we see” – Jewel, I’m Sensitive
Movie: Baz Lurhman’s Romeo + Juliet
Tv Series: Breaking Bad
Travel Destination: My parents mountain house in North Carolina
Sports Team: UNC Tarheels
Photo Credit: Kimeth McClelland @kimphotos.nyc
