GRAVETOWN rose from the dying embers of two other musical projects that songwriter/guitarist/vocalist J.P. Koester created long ago. These bands, the seminal Detroit '80s Goth duo Gargoyle Sox, and later the Trapdoor Spiders, were the springboard to the new project known as GRAVETOWN. GRAVETOWN's music is an eclectic blend of Outlaw Country, Folk and Gothic Americana. Steeped in storytelling roots music, J. P. weaves twisted tales from the dark past to the ever darkening future. Influenced by country legends George Jones, Hank Penny and Bob Wills, Koester's varied musical tastes include psychedelic, bluegrass, and punk. His Goth background sneaks into the mix and haunts the album with dark themes and a sinister vibe. Songs such as "Gravetown Bound" and "Down to Mexico" take you on a journey off the beaten path. The band was created after Koester received a request for songs from a prominent Nashville management agency. He wrote six country tunes and sent them down to the Music City and then decided to release the songs himself. He formed a band to record an E.P. in 2009. Joined by bassist Big Joe Rudski, guitarist The Rodman and Jim Rotay on drums, the foursome released their self-titled debut album, "Red River," in the spring of 2011. The 15-song album was recorded, produced, and engineered by Koester at his own Manster Music Studios in Detroit. The album was mastered in New York by fellow Detroiter Tom Durack, known for his work with The B-52s, Lou Reed and David Byrne.