In a bold move that many would consider reckless, the Minnesota folk trio Wild Horses made the life-altering decision to sell their home and hit the open road. Rather than following a more traditional path in the music industry, the band embraced a nomadic lifestyle, fundamentally committing themselves to their passion for music.
From House to Highway: The Leap of Faith
The journey began in 2021 when band members Jed LaPlant and his partner Ariana were booked for a prestigious slot at the Grand Rapids Riverfest, a notable festival that has previously featured luminaries like Jason Isbell and Wilco. Excited by this opportunity, the couple decided to make a significant leap. “We decided this is what we’re gonna do,” Jed recalls. “We’re going all-in.” With that conviction, they sold their house, acquired a 1989 Chevy Astro van, and set off on their musical adventure.
A Nomadic Life as Creative Fuel
Since embarking on this path, Wild Horses has dedicated themselves to touring, playing their own gigs and supporting headliners like Charley Crockett, Trampled by Turtles, and Sam Barber. The LaPlants discovered that life on the road provided an invaluable source of inspiration for songwriting. “Whatever it is — roots or Americana music — is unique, in that the job of it fuels the inspiration,” Jed explains. “Being out on the road is the fuel.”
New Music Reflecting Their Journey
These experiences coalesced in their second studio album, The In Between, released in October through Atlantic Outpost Records. The record serves as an autobiographical snapshot of the challenges faced by a grassroots folk band navigating the complexities of a music career in today’s world. Following their 2022 debut album Runaway, Wild Horses upgraded from their Astro van to a high-miles coach, converting it into their tour bus. The lineup, which once fluctuated between four and six members, has now solidified into a trio featuring bassist Landon Pahl, who left his day job to join the LaPlants on the road.
Album Highlights and Themes
On The In Between, Wild Horses showcases nine tracks, all penned by the LaPlants. The lead single “Sunrise on the Absaroke” encapsulates the album’s themes, presenting a weary perspective on life’s difficulties while on the road. The poignant lyrics reveal the emotional toll of their experiences: “Livin’ in the in between, trying to beat the desert heat/there’s nothing I could do to keep from crying my way home.”
Another compelling track, “Take It As It Comes,” features a lively guitar-and-fiddle melody evocative of galloping horses. “There’s a sense of urgency in that song,” Jed notes. “That urgency came from the idea that this had better work.” This urgency reflects their experiences playing in noisy bars, striving to connect with audiences in challenging environments.
A Love Story Born on the Road
The roots of Wild Horses trace back to Grand Rapids, a town in north-central Minnesota known for its namesake river. Jed and Ariana met there during open-mic nights and subsequently fell in love. Jed reminisces about their past lives: “We were both working other jobs, paying for a house and all that. Then, during Covid, I ended up with a broken back, and the construction job I had wasn’t gonna cut it. We were at a crossroads.” Their decision to focus entirely on music came from this pivotal moment.
Finding Connection Through Music
So far, the gamble has paid off. Wild Horses has been embraced by audiences, particularly during an October tour with Trampled by Turtles. Looking ahead, they are scheduled to join Sam Barber for a series of performances starting in the Midwest and concluding on the West Coast. Jed is keen on understanding how people connect with their music: “It’s satisfying when you have moments where you can see people crying along with moments that came out of the grief of tearing down our dream house. Then equally, seeing the joy on people’s faces when we get to those moments where the music climbs and builds.”
Josh Crutchmer is a journalist and author whose upcoming book, Sonoran Sounds, is set for release in March 2027 via Back Lounge Publishing.
