Daniel Zezeski and Melissa Wright – each notable artists in their own right – are Mink’s Miracle Medicine, a band striving (and succeeding) to fuse their own zest with the traditional country duo format we all know and love.
With its rocky urban country, Bob-Dylan-meets-First-Aid-Kit vibe, “Pyramid Theories” reminds us of a woodsy, winding trip down a road we’ve driven a thousand times and to this day never fail to enjoy every second of. The single takes on a decidedly modern sound for such a simple, classic concept, and their twist on the genre has us hanging on every note. Combining surprising sonic simplicity, just the right amount of depth and moodiness, thought-provoking lyrics, and soulful melodies, the track is an elixir, somehow reminding us of home and the past while launching us into the new age of alternative country in the best way possible.
The minds behind Mink’s Miracle Medicine sat down with us and answered some questions about life, songwriting, and what’s next.
How did the two of you meet and what made you decide to form a band together?
We met at a show! We both were friends with people in the same band we were going to see. We started hanging out a lot and being that we were both already musicians, just felt it natural for us to play together. We’ve been doing it for almost 6 years.
You’ve both had lots of experiences in and around the music business. What was the moment for each of you that you decided you had to have a career in music?
I’m not really sure it was a decision, more of a calling. It almost feels wrong not to do it.
You came from almost opposite ends of the musical spectrum; how have your separate experiences with music influenced the way you two work together musically?
It’s awesome because there’s a big push and pull, and yet, at the same time, we’re always finding things that are the same across all genres. It’s great to have a different perspective on music, and makes it feel like we’re creating something wholly our own.
What is your process for songwriting?
I have to write every day, or else I feel a bit insane. I like to sit down with coffee and just write until I get something I like. Then I pick up my guitar or piano and twiddly dee! A song.
What were some of your influences for your latest project?
Gosh, that’s so hard to pinpoint. We listen to a lot of music and I think it eventually all gets jumbled together. I love Jonathon Richman, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Chuck Berry, Patsy Cline, and Danny loves Belle and Sebastian, Mississippi John Hurt, Leo Kottke, etc.
What was the inspiration behind your song, “Pyramid Theories”?
The song was inspired by a good year of binge-watching “Ancient Aliens.”
Your sound is a very classic take on music; are you often compared to artists of the past? If so, are you a fan of that, or do you feel like it pushes you into being something you are not?
I get the Patsy Cline comparison fairly often, which I don’t mind at all because I love her voice. Other than that we get comparisons like The Breeders, New Pornographers, [or] early Fleetwood Mac. It’s always nice to hear comparisons to awesome artists like those, because, you know, it makes us feel like we’re making something worthwhile.
Are there any upcoming plans to tour? What should we expect from Mink’s Miracle Medicine in the future?
Yes! We do a lot of short tours on the east coast, pretty close to home. We’re looking to a full US tour and Europe in the coming years.
