Bio

Coax From Chuckanut formed in 2008 as a solo project by Ryan Sutherland.  

Ryan plays cozy indie pop leading with his 80s' Casiotone MT-68 keyboard. Ryan writes simple songs about relationships, Jesus, and Katy Perry. In 2009, Coax released their first album, "Singing in the Breeze of I don't know".  After meeting Libby and reading "A Severe Mercy"  by Sheldon Vanauken together, they vowed, "if one of us liked anything, the other, in the name of sharing, must learn to like it too". Libby landed on drums and background vocals. They teamed up with members Grant Adams and Peter Bodurtha from Good Diction for an EP in 2014.  

When Covid hit, Ryan and friends settled in at home, writing, and recording songs for a full length album titled, "New Voice" released in June 2022 produced by Peter Bodurtha(Good Diction). This album touched on the highs and lows of pandemic life, "If this all lifts and we get to hold each other",  along with sending joyful messages like, "All of the Stuff You Do Matters". The feeling on this album is softer and allows more space for new voices, sounds, and instruments that accompany CFC in a warm way.  

When not playing music, Ryan and Libby are teachers, explorers of the north shore, and hanging with their own kids in Northeast Minneapolis. They are inspired by MN music artists such as Cloud Cult, Rachel Kilgour, and Mason Jennings. Telling stories that cause one to pivot or feel something new and refreshing is a goal of Coax From Chuckanut.