Jeffrey A. Meyer

Hey everyone, Jeff here. Happy New Year! Some of you might know me from my days playing alongside the one and only Joey Kuntz in the Fargo rock band, "The Fillers." It’s been a blast catching up with him, and I wanted to share a bit of our conversation. Joey is living and playing music in Bakersfield, California, and his journey has been nothing short of remarkable. He's a dedicated father of four, and his family always takes first place. He’s been happily married for 12 years. Along with being a family man, Joey's music is a core part of who he is, always present and close to his heart.

Joey's bluesy harmonica playing was inspired by his older brother, Corey Kuntz. Joey remembers being just 12 years old, watching Corey shred the harmonica at a park band shelter. Joey recalls thinking, “Wow, my brother is a rockstar.” Corey would pass down old harmonicas and teach Joey a few things.

Joey's harmonica playing really came into its own when he co-founded The Fillers. “There were too many guitar players,” Joey explains. He found his niche playing the harmonica, and his cross-harp playing was a process of "trial and error.” Countless shows allowed him to practice for hours each week, and it all eventually came together. He became a magnetic frontman, the kind you couldn't take your eyes off. Even during his bandmates’ solos, all eyes were glued on Joey. I witnessed him crowd-surfing, climbing speakers, and even jumping off drum kits! "I remember a few times nearly falling off the kick drum, but I didn't care what anybody thought," he recalls. "I was just being myself and having fun. No nerves, just living for the moment and letting whatever happen naturally happen.”

Today, Joey is playing a blend of solo shows and with his full band, “Silver Wings,” which leans into that old-school country sound with a bluesy rock edge. He also works as a studio musician, lending his talents as a harmonica player and harmony singer to other artists including myself. Joey is featured on a handful of my songs such as "The Good Old Days" and "Slow Down."

In 2021, Joey released his debut album, "Lost in Oildale," produced by Kyle Appleton. The album title was inspired by his younger years. "The title was a throwback to when I was a teenager. I grew up in Bismarck, ND, and then moved to Bakersfield, specifically Oildale. It was a night and day difference. I remember feeling lost, like I had been plopped into a different world. I had to adapt and overcome." The album is killer, full of twangy country, but it also has some surprises. My personal favorite, "Bring Me Down," is a straight-up rock anthem.

"Bring Me Down" was born from a very challenging time. Joey explains, "It was inspired and written when my family and I were living in the hospital parking lot for 6 months while my son, Isaac, was in the NICU."  Isaac was born with esophageal atresia and everyday was filled with worry. Joey wrote half the album in his camper during that time. “It's one of the more layered songs in terms of its meaning, but basically, we were fighting for our lives in that hospital. It was one way I could express it.” Thankfully, Isaac, now known as "The Champ," is healthy and thriving!

So, what's next for Joey? A new album maybe? "I can't give a date at this time," he says, "but I have some plans in the works. I have one track recorded and a few ideas in my head.”

You can find Joey's music and upcoming shows by following him on his Instagram @joeykuntzmusic.