Mussel

Mussel started as Cactus Kid, the solo venture of Ricky Stamton upon his arrival in Austin. After recording one EP under that name (Bad Vibes & Strange Dreams), Stamton added fellow Southern California transplant Mycole Thistle (ex-Boa Constrictors and also of Shitty Band) full-time on the drums; the duo then adopted the Mussel moniker and recorded a second EP (Love & Magic Pt. I). Together, they began to solidify their signature throwback rock-n-roll sound. Mussel soon brought long-time Austin musician Kevin McCann (ex-Carpetbagger and also of Anthony Ray Wright Band) into the mix on bass, and they began playing shows in town at the end of 2016. After releasing part two in the Love & Magic EP trilogy in the spring of 2017, the band added lead guitarist Geoff Jensen (also of Trevor Borden) and keyboardist Rias Reed (also of Bullmoose & Bonnie). They've recently played awesome Austin-area spots such as Mohawk, Cheer Up Charlie's, The Sidewinder, and Kiva alongside bands such as Shivery Shakes, Soaked, Troll 2, and Rusty Dusty, among others. Guided by Biscuits Calhoun, Mussel is currently gearing up to record Love & Magic Pt. III later this year.