‘This Had Better Work’: Why This Folk-Country Band Sold Their House to Go on Tour

In a bold move reflecting their dedication to music, Minnesota-based roots trio Wild Horses chose to sell their home and adopt a nomadic lifestyle centered around touring. This decision came after securing a significant performance slot at the 2021 Grand Rapids Riverfest, a regional festival known for featuring acclaimed artists in the Americana and roots genres.

The band’s core, husband-and-wife songwriting duo Jed LaPlant and Ariana, opted to purchase a 1989 Chevy Astro van to facilitate their travels, committing fully to the uncertainties and rewards of life on the road. This shift marked a pivotal moment where they embraced touring not merely as a promotional tool but as an integral part of their creative process.

Since embarking on this journey, Wild Horses have dedicated the majority of their time to live performances, both headlining their own shows and opening for notable artists such as Charley Crockett, Trampled by Turtles, and Sam Barber. Their evolving lifestyle has significantly influenced their songwriting, with the challenges and experiences of constant travel fueling the narratives and emotions found in their music.

The band’s second studio album, "The In Between," released in October under Outlaw Foundry/Atlantic Outpost, encapsulates this transitional phase. The record serves as an autobiographical account, capturing the complexities faced by grassroots musicians navigating a precarious industry. Its nine tracks, primarily penned by the LaPlants, reflect the realities of life between stability and pursuit of passion.

The title track, "Sunrise on the Absaroke," portrays the fatigue and emotional struggle of life in confined spaces on the road, while "Take It As It Comes" channels a dynamic urgency reminiscent of the trio’s efforts to connect with diverse audiences in challenging venues. The album’s sound is characterized by a blend of folk and Americana elements, with Ariana contributing fiddle and keys, Jed on vocals and guitar, and bassist Landon Pahl completing the trio.

Pahl’s inclusion marked a shift toward a more streamlined lineup after earlier iterations of the band fluctuated between four and six members. A longtime friend of Jed’s, Pahl left his day job to join the rigorous touring schedule, highlighting the collective gamble the group took to prioritize their music careers.

Wild Horses’ origins trace back to Grand Rapids, Minnesota, a small city known for its natural rapids along the Mississippi River. The LaPlants connected through local open-mic nights while balancing day jobs and homeownership. However, circumstances such as Jed’s injury and the broader challenges of the pandemic era prompted a reevaluation of their priorities, ultimately leading to their decision to hit the road full-time.

Their extensive touring has been met with growing audience engagement, as evidenced by recent performances supporting established artists. These opportunities have allowed the band to gauge the impact of their lyrics and melodies on listeners firsthand, refining their craft through direct connection.

The emotional spectrum conveyed in their performances ranges from moments of vulnerability—rooted in personal loss and sacrifice—to uplifting crescendos that resonate deeply with fans. This dynamic underscores the authenticity and relatability that Wild Horses aim to deliver through their music.

As they prepare for upcoming tours extending from the Midwest to the West Coast, Wild Horses continue to embody the spirit of dedicated musicians willing to forgo conventional stability in pursuit of artistic fulfillment. Their journey, captured on "The In Between," offers a candid look at the realities of forging a path in today’s folk and Americana scenes.