Every band name has a story, and Devon Coyote is no exception.
Guitarist and vocalist Devon Bjarnason, known colloquially as Devon Coyote, would have had a simpler name for his act, were it not for the hurdle of rising above the noise in a Google search.
“I just wanted to go by Devon, and it wouldn’t work because of the way the internet works, too many things with Devon,” Bjarnason said.
During the early days as a solo artist, he was touring in a truck and camper with his Shepard Husky.
“People would say ‘hey, did you bring that coyote of yours?’ After shows he would lurk and scavenge in the shadows,” Bjarnason said.
The name stuck and Bjarnason eventually recruited drummer Rod Anderson bassist D’Arcy Booth.
The group has played with Victoria indie rockers Current Swell and world-famous names like George Thorogood.
The band’s operation is completely independent.
“It’s a big team effort from all three of us really,” Bjarnason said. “It’s nice because it’s all in house and there’s no confusion.”
Not having to worry about a public relations manager somewhere across the country is another bonus, said Bjarnason, who admits he’s a bit of a “control freak.”
He’s a guitarist first and foremost.
“My love of music came from guitar,” Bjarnason said, recalling the lessons he got from local guitarist Scott Feelman. “I definitely created a burning desire to always be playing guitar.”
Going to shows in Kelowna drove him to start writing songs, and performing fuelled his passion to keep creating.
Devon Coyote is currently working on a new album, still in the early stages, with an expected release sometime next year.
Catch Devon Coyote at the Dream Café on June 17. Tickets are $14 available by calling 250-490-9012.
