I caught up with Ryan Kemp and Cody Perkins of the Magnificent Mullets of Lonedell recently and asked them the questions I ask all of the bands I feature during Bootsy’s Band.
This is their story.
How did you guys get together?
Ryan and Cody met at a bluegrass jam in Eureka, Missouri during a time when reality was uncertain and inspiration was flowing like the Meramec River. Having similar lifestyles and living only ten minutes from each other, they became fast friends and began spending an enormous amount of time sitting around a campfire making music. Using loop stations and adding some theatrical elements, the two quickly gained a fan base. But wait, there’s more…
Who’s in the band?
Finding it difficult to get the sound they wanted just using the looper and wanting to start performing for a live audience outside the campfire jams, Ryan and Cody decided to put together a band.
The current band lineup is:
- Cody Perkins (lead vocals/songwriter)
- Ryan Kemp (bass)
- Kyle Ray (drums)
- Tim Woest (guitar)
- Kris Shewmake (banjo)
- John Brighton (fiddle)
Over the years the cast has rotated a few times depending on the sound the band was looking for. Magnificent Mullets has had a few phenomenal shows with outstanding musicians like Nick Stanford (keys), Tim Moody (lead guitar) and Chad “Gravy” Graves (all the slidy things like lap steel, pedal steel and dobro). Chances are, they’ll be jamming together again in the future!
Where did the name, Magnificent Mullets come from?
A joke Ryan made about Cody’s “magnificent mullet” hairstyle is the inspiration behind the band’s name. They both decided it was too funny not to make it part of the band’s identity!
What genre (or genres) does the band play?
From Rap to Bluegrass, Soul to Honky Tonk, the band likes to call their sound Yall’ternative Hick-Hop.
What are your plans for the future?
You can say (and they do) that the future of the band is “uncertain while promising.” The music keeps on coming and continues to attract the attention of incredible artists and audiences around the Ozarks (and beyond). In the near future, they’re looking forward to playing at Pickin’ on Picknic 2023 happening from July 6-9 where they expect to meet up and jam with musicians they’ve met and haven’t met yet!
Where can listeners hear your music?
Listeners can hear the Magnificent Mullets of Lonedell online:
And of course, you can always take in a LIVE SHOW. Subscribe to their newsletter for updated info!
You can stream/download the whole show (and we hope you will) but if you just want to hear the Magnificent Mullets, go to 19:43 in the player!
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