Biography
Ben Bergstrand started indie rock/pop band Cowboy Curse in 2003 as a way to keep little brother Josh (Jet Lucas, The Symptoms) off the streets and out of trouble. Longtime friend and musical collaborator Darin Strachan joined along with a fast-talking longhair named Tyler Campo to complete the band's original lineup. The outcome of a 9-day arm-wrestling tournament determined Darin and Ben would both play guitar and Josh and Tyler would learn to play drums and bass, respectively.
Imagery and narrative-based songwriting and three-part harmonies became an early signature of the band. The focus on vocals emphasized melody and lyricism, rather than overly complex instrumentation.
The band played its first show and created a five-song demo shortly before Darin's departure in Aug. 2003. Coinciding with the release the three-song EP "Welcome to Cowboy Curse," the band welcomed guitarist Matt Foster (The Affairs, The Faders) but has since returned to a three-piece format.
Cowboy Curse did a small tour in July of 2005. The band's return saw the amicable departure of Josh so that he could concentrate more on other projects. After a short search, Cowboy Curse added Erin Tidwell (The Flashbangs) to replace Josh.
The band released it's debut full length CD "NOD UP AND DOWN (to the simulcast singing)" in May 2006 on PUBLIC SERVICE RECORDS. The CD release was followed by a tour that included dates in Albequerque, San Diego, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Sacremento, Eugene, Portland, and Seattle.
Cowboy Curse has shared the stage with out-of-towners such as the GoGoGo Airheart, Earlimart, The Joggers, The New Amsterdams, High Strung, Grand Champeen, Grain & Demise, Nik Freitas, Liz Durret, Richard Swift, the Minni-Thins, Film School, Kultur Shock, Heroes and Villains, The Minders, Hillstomp, and many more. The band has also played with oodles of Denver's finest including Dressy Bessy, Porlolo, d. Biddle, Red Cloud (West), Hot IQs, the Denver Gentlemen, Bright Channel, Born in the Flood, The Omens, Tarmints, Ghost Buffalo, Moccasin (frmrly Nightingale), The Maybellines, Breezy Porticos, The Railbenders, and many other fine local bands.
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