COYOTE EYES
Interview conducted March 28, 2021
By Dan Locke
Jo Eubanks is Coyote Eyes
Coyote Eyes, a.k.a. Jo Eubanks, is a singer, songwriter, and poet from New York City. She began training as a classical singer at age 11 and was dubbed a “young Sylvia Plath” by age 16 for her jarring poetry and memoir pieces.
What is your upbringing?
Jo Eubanks: Surprisingly, I was raised in a small college town in North Carolina. My family is very tied to The University of North Carolina, and I was raised in an atmosphere of cultural awareness, artistic enrichment, and plenty UNC basketball. That said, I’m an only child and my family is very traditional in regard to how we are presented to, and perceived by, the world. Put it to you this way: I was a debutante — three times. As I grew into myself as an artist, my aesthetic and message certainly clashed with the conservative desires of my family, but that southern elegance will always live inside of me.
How did you discover music?
No one ever believes me when I say this, but I was actually singing before I could talk! I would coo little melodies and then eventually words followed. I wonder if that informed the way I write music today…
How did you start to write music?
I started as a poet, which developed into being a lyricist. When I was younger I felt illiquipt in my ability as a composer, but one day I realized that what I thought were weaknesses were actually trengths. Now I write all my own music.
Describe your music.
I usually describe my music as cinematic goth. My music is very visual, specific, and haunting. I’ve sometimes likened my music to those optical illusion paintings you used to see at malls; the ones where you have to let your eyes go out of focus in order to see the image buried within. Zooming out, my music is a quilt of catchy melodies and beautiful imagery, but tucked inside, I write about unsettling truths — addiction, violence, disappointment, sides of the human condition we’d rather remain blind to.
What makes a good songwriter?
I feel like good songwriting is indescribable, because as humans we feel and experience so many things greater than our realm of speech and definition. A good songwriter harnesses the indescribable and translates it in ways that only music can make sense of.
How did you get the name “Coyote Eyes”?
It just kept coming to me over and over, long before I decided to take on a moniker. But when I learned how many similaries exist between myself and legendary characteristics of the coyote, it all made sense. Personally, artistically, and aesthetically, I tend to be very paradoxical — one day I’m elegant and reserved, the next I’m wearing chucks showing off my Shakespeare thigh tattoos. I write dark, gritty music, yet I’m also a comedian. Traditionally, the coyote represents a creature incapable of being categorized.
Do you belong to any songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
Proud member of BMI!
Tell me about your new single “Chasing Ghosts”?
I love this song because it’s more about forgiveness than resentment. I wrote it about someone I was in love with who was still in love with someone else. We’ve all been through that all-consuming heartbreak that makes it so very hard to move on. We’ve also all had the experience of trying to move on and then realizing we’re not ready. I would never be her, and that wasn’t my fault, but it wasn’t his either. How heartbreaking is that?
Why did you release a bonus track “Haunt You in Your Sleep”?
Haunt You In Your Sleep was actually the first track released off of the single! It’s one of my favs — dark and fun and creepy. I hope you’ll give it a listen!
On January 11, 2020 was the first show of the year and the last before the pandemic at Ludlow House NYC. What plans did you have for the rest of 2020?
I feel like this question probably gets everyone. I had so many plans. It felt like I had my entire career trajectory mapped out; I remember feeling so secure in my future. But you know what? Covid presented some challenges that led me to grow and spread my wings. If it wasn’t for the pandemic, I wouldn’t be where I am now, so I’ve been able to find gratitude in the disruption of my plans for 2020.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I learned vocal production in quarantine. I never in a million years thought I would be producing my own work, but I’m so glad I learned. It’s become an invaluable skill, and I have such a passion for it.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
As soon as it was safe to be in small, socially distanced environments, I started training in aerial acrobatics. I’ve always wanted to do it, and now I’m absolutely obsessed!
What is your favorite song to perform?
Oh boy, what a hard question. Chasing ghosts is one of my favorites, for sure. It’s so universal and I love seeing people connect with it on a visceral level.
What is your happy place?
Anywhere my family is.
