Emma McGill | Reporter

Look out and saddle up for Toledo’s new up-and-coming indie, alternative rock band HorseLover, an Ohio-based group since September 2020. 

HorseLover continues to grow into a local favorite, and has five members; Cameron Morrissey, Sam Gold and Jake Cassidy, all who are guitarists and vocalists, then Alex Dapkus on bass guitar, and the newest member, Tanner Wertz on drums. 

Where do you perform?

HorseLover has performed at multiple local venues in Bowling Green, including Howard’s Club. They also play shows in Toledo, and bigger events like the Ice Cream Militia at Ottawa Tavern, Old West End Festival and the Platinum Filament 5K Costume Run and Music Festival. After performing, the band spends time meeting those in the audience. 

“The biggest aspect when you’re performing is to interact with the people who came out to your show afterward,” Cassidy said. 

How did the band develop?

Before they were a band, they all became very close at different times of their lives. Then, they began to start jamming out together to express their love for music as well as hanging out with one another. As time went on, they thought of the idea to create a band to keep this passion going.

“It just kind of all happened that we knew each other and knew we all played music. We started jamming out together and then we got the idea to start performing.”- Morrissey said.

How did HorseLover get its name?

When hearing the name HorseLover it makes you wonder, how did this name even come about? In school, they received an email titled, “Calling All Horse Lovers” which caught their attention. When taking the time to come up with a band name, they wanted something that was unique that stuck with their audience. 

While brainstorming, HorseLover just happened to be intriguing enough. It was initially going to change as time went on, but it happened to grab the attention of more fans.

“When I (Alex) joined, to be honest at first I thought it was pretty funny but I didn’t know if it was going to stay that way. But it grew on me really fast. Our music doesn’t have anything to do with horses but it’s such a cool name.” Dapkus said

What is your discography?

HorseLover has performed some original songs, along with covers during sets. They don’t have any of their music on streaming platforms yet but plan to within the year. Additionally, they will be releasing a new EP. Some of their songs include Up in Smoke, Nostalgia, Giddy Up, Skunk Funky and Welcome to the Ranch.

 “We probably have six or seven original songs. We are also in the process of recording an EP, but its still in the works.” Gold said.

What are some of your favorite memories?

The band said their first show together was their most memorable experience. The feeling they got during their first live set was irreplaceable. 

“Playing our first show together was just a really memorable experience for me; we all connected really well,” Dapkus said.

Catch HorseLover at their next performance in Grand Rapids, Ohio. More information will be released on their social media.

Connect with HorseLover on social media:

• Instagram: @hrsl_vr

• Facebook: HorseLover