The Co-Dependents
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Defunct | 2004 |
| Headquarters | Calgary , Canada |
| Products | Live Recording Event (2001), Live At The Mecca Café, Volume 2 (2005) |
The Co-Dependents were a roots and alt-country ensemble hailing from Calgary, Alberta, active between 1998 and 2004.
History
Originating in Calgary, the band was founded by Billy Cowsill (lead vocals, guitar), Tim Leacock (bass), Steve Pineo (guitar, vocals), and Ross Watson (drums). Initially, Cowsill and Leacock collaborated on local performances. Prior to forming this group, Leacock, Pineo, and Watson had been members of The Burners, whose 1988 cassette Low Tech/High Torque was produced by Cowsill. Following the dissolution of The Blue Shadows in 1996, Cowsill returned to Calgary primarily to confront personal addiction challenges rather than to focus on music.
Comprising three accomplished singer-songwriters, the band began as a part-time endeavor during weekends while Cowsill pursued psychology studies at Mount Royal College. Their sound, a fusion of country, bluegrass, blues, rock, and rockabilly, garnered them a growing fan base across Calgary, western Canada, and the United States. They maintained a recurring weekend residency at The Mecca Café in Calgary and captured live performances over three nights in June 2001.
These sessions were issued by Indelible Music, a Calgary-based independent label managed by promoter Neil MacGonigill. The releases included Live Recording Event (2001) and Live At The Mecca Café, Volume 2 (2005). By 2004, Live Recording Event had become one of Alberta's top-selling roots albums. Production was handled by Nashville’s Miles Wilkinson—renowned for his work with Anne Murray and The Band—who utilized his mobile studio for the recordings. Financial backing came from Calgary developer Abe Epp.
In the early 2000s, Cowsill’s health deteriorated due to emphysema, Cushing syndrome, and osteoporosis. Despite these challenges, the Co-Dependents continued performing until late 2004 when his condition allowed. Subsequent performances without Cowsill were presented under the name Joe Defendants. Remaining band members honored Cowsill at his 2006 memorial service and have continued performing as Joe Defendants.
Discography
- 2005 Live At The Mecca Café, Volume 2 (Recorded 2001) Indelible
- 2001 Live Recording Event Indelible