Indie Band Western Bisexual Infuses Dynamic Energy Into Live Performances

Western Bisexual, an emerging indie band known for its distinctive stage presence and sound, captivated an audience at a house show in November 2022 despite facing unexpected challenges. With one member fighting off the effects of food poisoning and another performing with bold black makeup and exposed nipples, their tight denim ensembles unified them visually as a group. This marked their unique introduction to the live Chicago music scene.

A Diverse Fusion of Personalities and Sounds

Composed of DePaul University students Ellie Pod, John Kaster, Jack Riley, and TJ Coppla, the band's name is a quirky combination inspired by Riley's interests in Western films and bisexuality. Their connection began during their first year of college when Pod initially thought her eventual bandmates were 'weird as hell'. However, the formation of Western Bisexual realized when Pod and Coppla contemplated starting a band and instantly knew Kaster and Riley had to be part of it.

From Personal Friendship to Musical Experimentation

The group prioritizes their bond as friends over musical collaboration, believing that relationship is key to their creative process. Despite varying musical backgrounds—the alternative rock sound of the band contrasting with Riley's jazz influence—they embrace the challenge, seeing it as a brain-expanding opportunity.

Western Bisexual's unorthodox approach to music and life was illustrated during a summer retreat that blended writing sessions with leisure times of making hot dogs and indulging in board games. Their discography so far includes two EPs and a single released in early 2023, with songs like 'Pedestal', 'Attention Seeker', and 'Do You Like What You See' earning them attention and emotional responses from listeners.

Influenced by artists such as Big Thief and Vashti Bunyan, the band experiments with varying sounds and has hinted at a more folk-oriented direction in their upcoming releases. Whilst their music's creation is mainly self-focused, aimed at producing content that they themselves find 'fire', they appreciate when it resonates with the audience.

indie, music, performance