The BossHoss

The BossHoss are a Berlin-based German group that forms in 2004 and remains active. Their line-up includes Guss Brooks, Boss Burns, Sir Frank Doe, Ernesto Escobar de Tijuana, Hoss Power, Russ T. Rocket, Hank Williamson, Boris Kontorowski and Michael Frick. They are associated with country rock and punk rock, and their music style is described by the band as “Country Trash Punk Rock”.

Style and repertoire

The group begins by performing country and western-style cover versions of well-known pop, rock and hip hop songs. Their early set lists include versions of “Hot in Herre” by Nelly, “Toxic” by Britney Spears and “Hey Ya!” by Outkast. They also adopt a cowboy image in their performances, using Stetson hats, tank tops, large sunglasses and whiskey bottles as part of the act.

Formation and early career

The BossHoss form in Berlin in 2004, originally with Alec “Boss” Völkel, Sascha “Hoss” Vollmer and Michael Frick. The name comes from “The Real BossHoss” by The Sonics. They appear on the television music programme Tracks on ARTE and perform live at Kiel Week. In late 2004, they sign to Universal Music Domestic Division.

Releases and collaborations

Their debut album, Internashville Urban Hymns, appears in 2005. That year, they also work with Langnese on a promotional campaign and record a cover of “Like Ice in the Sunshine”, the brand’s TV theme song. In 2005 they also adapt “Ca plane pour moi” by Belgian artist Plastic Bertrand. They play around 180 concerts that year.

In 2006, the band provides music for the football film FC Venus. They release the single “I Say a Little Prayer” and then their second album, Rodeo Radio. Half of that album consists of original songs and the other half of cover versions. After its release, Internashville Urban Hymns returns to the charts, reaches sales of 100,000 copies by the end of May 2006 and becomes a gold record in Germany.

Labels and recorded output

The BossHoss later appear on Internashville Recordings. Their recorded work combines cover versions with original material, while retaining the group’s country-and-rock approach and cowboy-themed presentation.