Bo DePeña

Bo DePeña’s new record “Crash My Car” is an album that draws upon his own interpretation of the American ideal and socio-economic landscapes. With a mix of classic hometown country and commentary-folk music, Bo has created a tour-de-force with ups and downs precisely executed by a crew of great Austin musicians. The songs on this record are upbeat, humorous, and sometimes very dark as they attempt to capture a realistic picture of life for many Americans. This no-holds-bar album will bring a worthy addition to the Alt-Country world of Hayes Carll, Jason Isbell, and Chris Stapelton. 

Bo DePeña was born in San Antonio, TX and raised in the bordertown of Laredo. The Rio Grande Valley has a very unique culture, rooted in its history under several different flags; even having a brief period as The Republic of the Rio Grande. Growing up in South Texas, Bo acquired unique perspectives on life, growing up sandwiched between the two North American countries. The town is painted vividly in the tune “Hello, Webb County”, which emphasizes the dichotomy of a love-hate relationship with one’s hometown. While the song is about a specific place, it’s story really applies to ‘Anytown’, USA. “Cocaine and Jesus” is another song that has garnered some attention. It’s controversial title draws you in, but the stories in the song touch on real difficulties experienced in small-town America with addiction and the way Southern churches approach the issue. 

Bo spent his college years in San Antonio, where he did a very ‘un-folky’ thing...He joined a fraternity. While the experienced revolved around college antics, Bo always felt like an outsider. It exposed him to the rowdy lifestyle surrounding partying, drinking, and debauchery. During an overnight camping trip, one of Bo’s friends managed to roll his car into the Guadalupe River, totaling the vehicle. While all parties were safe after the incident, Bo was stunned to find his friend got off with a slap on the wrist and ended up with a nicer vehicle within a matter of days. This event inspired Bo to reflect back on the gungho southern attitude of kick ass first and ask questions later. The “Crash My Car” single was written to purvey an image of those who never learn their lesson and continue down a road of mischief, crime, and trouble until the later years of their life. 

Bo spent three years in Austin post-college playing lead guitar with blues trios and making his first serious attempts at songwriting. After a stroke of musical disillusionment, he moved to New York City on a whim. It was there that his love for songwriting really began to blossom. He managed a residency at the historic Living Room Lounge in the Lower East Side of Manhattan and frequently played popular indie venues such as Pete’s Candy Store and Rockwood Music Hall. 

During his time in New York, he managed to make acquaintances with other songwriters in the area, including fellow Laredo native Aly Tadros. He spent several months performing with Miles Pittman and Rebekah Durham (Violin - San Fermin) in a project they called Simple Minded Predators. It was through his work with Miles and Rebekah that Bo was challenged to revisit his musical ideology and question his own methods. During this period, he was mentored by his friend and poet, Todd Colby, who influenced him to think more deeply about lyricism and the art of storytelling. This period influenced him to write his first record which was released in the Fall of 2014. “There’s No Way Out of Here” gave Bo the ability to tour the nation for his first national tour covering 23 states and performing over 90 shows. 

Upon returning from tour, Bo had a surplus of new songs and experiences. Some of his (mis)adventures on the road made him delve deeper into his own psyche - for the first time writing songs about hitting rock-bottom and battles with depression. “Fit” is one of those songs that exposes mental turmoil while continue to promote the human element in all of us. “Who Will Bring You Whiskey When I’m Gone” takes an issue such as alcoholism on and its effects on a relationships, then spins it in a way that is humorous yet poignant. 

With a host of talented young musicians, Bo DePeña’s sophomore record has a bigger sound and livelier feel than There’s No Way Out of Here. Crash My Car was co-produced with grammy award winning engineer, Charlie Kramsky. Kramsky’s client list is extensive, but includes Americana acts such as Ray LaMontagne, Sarah Jarosz, and Neko Case. 

Look for Crash My Car’s release and subsequent tour in the Spring of 2016.