Chris Nikiforuk-Rhyason, better known as Damn Coyote Chris, has been a vital presence in Alberta’s cultural landscape for more than 35 years. A multi-award-winning tattoo and visual artist, as well as a musician and writer, his career has always been defined by creativity in many forms.
From 1992 to 2012, Chris was the driving force behind Them Damn Coyotes, a cornerstone of Alberta’s stoner rock and hardcore scene. The band rose through the late ’90s, topped the province’s independent charts in the early 2000s, and landed tracks on several independent film soundtracks.
As a solo artist, Chris brings together blues, jazz, and classical guitar techniques with a lyrical approach that gives his songs a distinctive voice. His versatility has also led him to contribute guitar work to acclaimed acts such as The Renee Rockarts Band and Long Story Records artists Sofa Gnomes.
His most recent release, Departures, is an intimate and deeply personal collection—what Chris calls “comfort-food songs from my private reserve.”
Name:
Damn Coyote Chris (aka: Chris Nikiforuk-Rhyason)
Genre:
Alt Country, Canadiana
Founded:
Participated in various music projects since 1993
# of Albums:
Solo: 1 LP, 1 (covers) EP
Latest Album:
Departures
Latest Single:
Bethy’s Gift
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
My all-time favourite album is Fearless by Hoyt Axton (1976 A&M)
Favourite musician now:
Probably Jason Isbell
Guilty pleasure song:
It is hard to pick one to feel guilty over. I unapologetically love stuff that others may find guilt-worthy. I feel guilty for liking certain musicians lately because I have learned what bad stuff they’ve done. That being said: Wildcat by Ratatat
Live show ritual:
I do setups on my guitars and polish them.
Favourite local musician:
Dr. Curtis Smith
EP or LP?
I love LPs, but sometimes the point can be made in an EP. Justin Townes Earle’s EP Yuma is a good example. Can you tell a complete story in 4 songs?
Early bird or night owl?
Both! I warm up early and get more and more technical as I wake up
Road or studio?
I prefer road…
Any shows or albums coming up?
My belated album launch is on October 10th… and I will be playing 2 sets (just as a guitar player for Sofa Gnomes and Renee Rockarts) on September 26 at Better than Fred’s.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | YouTube | Facebook
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Red Rock
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Prairie Rd because I am almost home
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Henderson Park- after a rain, it is a congregation of dozens of ravens, worm hunting
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Better Than Fred’s
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Manic Records.
