The Gully Boys origin story plays out like the perfect domino effect. While sorting vintage clothes in a Minneapolis-area thrift store in 2016, Kathy Callahan (she/her) shared her dream of becoming a vocalist with their co-worker, Nadirah McGill (they/them).After encouraging a friend from middle school, Natalie Klemond (she/her), to join the trio on bass, Nadi picked up a pair of drumsticks and counted off a cover of Best Coast’s “Girlfriend.” Gully Boys had officially been born. Having to master their instruments on the fly, the band's sound grew quickly - taking inspiration from '90s icons like No Doubt, Garbage, and Hole. After 2 years of relentless gigging, Gully Boys released a collection of demos, Not So Brave, in 2018, earning Best New Band honors from their hometown City Pages and sharing the stage with everyone from The Hold Steady to Third Eye Blind. The band’s Phony EP arrived in late 2019 right as the live music industry came to a screeching halt.
Inspired by this break in the action, the band started working with Zach Zurn at Carpet Booth Studio and added lead guitarist Mariah Mercedes. They released their first produced EP, Favorite Son (2021), followed by singles ‘See You See’ (2022) and ‘Optimist’ (2023).
Throughout this aggressive release schedule, the band has continued gigging - appearing at official SXSW showcases and playing iconic stages across Minnesota including First Avenue’s main stage, and across the nation, touring with artists Nova Twins, Motion City Soundtrack, and Bad Bad Hats.
With a recent trip to Audiotree, a debut LP in pre-production, and an upcoming set at the Minnesota Yacht Club festival, Gully Boys have no plans to slow down.