Neosho
Jackson Bennett and Justin Bernard Williams met on a forum online for introspective extroverted Ableton artists called solipsism. Once they realized that they were different types of weird they agreed to start a band, tentatively. They started out as a two-piece and later put together a four-piece band, twice. Once bitten twice shy, twice bitten, just do what works. A dreamer and an operator, pilot/co-pilot, two heads are better than four.
They called it Neosho because Jackson is from Missouri, and Justin is from Oklahoma. There is a town, of course, and river on the border with their namesake, and “Missouri Oklahoma Borderline” sounds dumb anyway… with or without the hat.
Jackson’s clever vocals draw familiar scenes atop addictive melodies and undeniable grooves. Justin tells another side of the story with his saxophone, synths, and sample chopping. The duo perform and sequence a variety of instruments throughout their live set which often includes a live drummer. Driving beats and bass make it as exciting as it is prescient. Their debut album, Borderline, was released November 2017.
Q&A
1) Who are the members of your band and how did you meet?
Jackson Bennett and Justin Bernard Williams. We met 2009 because of Ableton Live, and tried to make a band a few times before settling on working as a duo. This process ran about two cycles before settling on working as a duo. (That last sentence was not redundant) Neosho started in 2016. .
2) How long have you been in Austin and how long have you played music?
Both of us got to Austin separately about 2007. Both of us had been in a variety of bands before moving here. We played our first show together as Matsukaze Apocalypse Pony in 2009(ish). Things have come and gone since then.
3) Has the city of Austin had any influence in the style or direction of your music?
I would say so. Austin is spoiled with “access.” There are tons of great bands that live here, and that come through town. We’ve gotten to see a lot of what works, and breakdown why it works, and flirt with that in our writing. However, we also like to throw that sentiment to the wind and just let the music fall out of our brains. I also think that the saturation of music options in Austin really helps you consider how to do something new.
4) Do you perform live shows in Austin, and if so, what are your favorite venues?
Indeed! It’s hard to beat Cheer Ups! The vibe and sound are solid! We also love the living room vibe of Native, but I wouldn’t call them a “regular” venue.
5) Are there other bands in Austin you’d recommend to your fans?
Sydney Wright, Primary Mystical Experience, Exploded Drawing (not a band, but anyone associated), Fever Bones, Lunar Gold, The Grassy Knoll, Lord Buffalo. These are off the top of my head. There are, of course more.
6) What musicians have most influenced you?
For both of us – David Bowie, Destroyer, Alan Watts (lectures) are the main crossovers. Individually, our influences diverge.
7) What’s the best thing that has happened to your band?
Deciding to go forward as just the two of us. We have complimentary skills, and can write/produce seamlessly. This took awhile to realize.
8) Any cringe-worthy moments the band has endured that you’re willing to divulge?
Not as Neosho… but the saga of getting to Neosho has some gems, I’m sure.
9) Is there anything you’d care to share or anything else you’d like to let us know about?
You should probably know we’re giant nerds for Moog, Teenage Engineering, Elektron, and Ableton, but who isn’t?!
10) Give us one fun fact.
Jackson’s hat size is David Lynch.
