5 Reasons Why Minnesota's Wild Horses Band Is The Most Authentic Americana Act Of 2025
The Wild Horses band from Minnesota has quietly become one of the most compelling and authentic acts in the Americana music scene, blending deep-rooted folk, western, and rock influences into a sound that is as expansive as the northern woods they call home. As of late December 2025, the trio is riding a wave of momentum, fueled by their unique lifestyle and a commitment to raw, emotional songwriting that has captured the attention of fans across the country. This article dives into the complete story of the band, from their off-grid origins to their highly anticipated 2025 activities.
Rooted in the rugged landscape of Grand Rapids, MN, Wild Horses is not just a band; they are a lifestyle project. The core of their sound comes from a husband-and-wife team whose music is a direct reflection of their decision to live a simpler, more connected life. Their recent activities, including new music releases and major festival appearances, prove that this Minnesota-based group is poised to break out from the regional scene and onto the national stage.
The Wild Horses Band Minnesota: A Complete Biography and Current Lineup
The story of Wild Horses is inextricably linked to the personal journey of its founders, a couple whose life choices have profoundly shaped their art. The band’s powerful, rootsy Americana sound is a direct product of their environment and history.
Core Members and Formation
- Jed LaPlant: Frontman, lead songwriter, and guitarist. Jed’s musical heritage is deeply tied to the Minnesota bluegrass community, giving his songwriting a genuine, narrative-driven quality.
- Ariana LaPlant: Vocalist and instrumentalist. As Jed’s wife, Ariana brings a complementary musical background and emotional depth to the duo’s harmonies and instrumentation.
- Landon Pahl: Current member, completing the trio. Landon's addition solidifies the band's current configuration, which is frequently cited in their latest promotional material for 2024 and 2025 performances.
The band formed with the intention of creating music that connects with people through shared lived experiences. While the current, most active lineup is a trio featuring the LaPlants and Landon Pahl, earlier iterations of the group were a four-piece, including musicians like McKeon Hugh Roberts and JJ Snell, who contributed to their debut album.
The LaPlants, who hail from Grand Rapids, MN, started Wild Horses to hit the road and share their songs, which draw inspiration from the vast landscapes and emotional complexity of life in the northern woods of Minnesota.
Living Off-Grid: The Cabin That Defines the Americana Sound
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Wild Horses band is their unique living situation, which serves as the physical and spiritual anchor for their music. The LaPlants live a minimalist lifestyle, residing in a hand-built, off-grid cabin in Northern Minnesota.
This commitment to self-sufficiency and a life closer to nature is not a gimmick; it is the source of their musical authenticity. The stark beauty and isolation of their home in the woods directly infuse their Americana sound with a raw, reflective quality that is hard to replicate. The music feels weathered, honest, and deeply rooted in the American landscape.
The "Cabin Sessions" Series
In a nod to their unique environment, the band has begun releasing intimate acoustic performances known as the "Wild Horses Duo Cabin Sessions." These videos, such as the one announced for January 2025, offer fans a raw, uncut glimpse into their creative process and their home life. Shot simply on an iPhone, these sessions strip the music down to its most essential elements—just the two of them, as simple and real as their daily life.
This series acts as a powerful marketing tool, satisfying the modern listener's desire for genuine connection and behind-the-scenes content, while reinforcing the band's image as true artists of the wilderness.
Discography and New Music Updates for 2025
Wild Horses has built a solid foundation with their debut release and is actively working on new material, keeping their sound fresh and their audience engaged through 2025.
The Debut Album: Runaway (2022)
Their debut full-length album, Runaway, released in 2022, was the official launchpad for their journey. The album successfully brought their rootsy Americana sound from their home in Minnesota to venues across the West.
The record is a powerful collection of songs that showcase their ability to blend genres and tell compelling stories. Key tracks from the 11-song album include:
- "The Ledge"
- "All That's Left"
- "And It Rained"
- "Light of Day"
- "Like the Sea"
- "Dear Loretta"
The success of Runaway established their place in the regional Americana landscape and secured them slots at notable venues like the Turf Club and First Avenue.
The Road Ahead: 2025 Concerts and New Releases
The band has confirmed multiple exciting activities for the 2025 calendar year, indicating a significant push in their career.
- New Music: Wild Horses is set to return with new music, with a recent track being highlighted in a July 2025 roundup of new Minnesota music. This continuous release schedule ensures they remain a relevant and "fresh" act.
- Major Festival Appearances: They are scheduled to perform at the Minnesota State Fair on August 25, 2025, a major platform that will expose their music to a massive audience.
- Regional Performances: They continue to be featured at regional events, including the Lutsong Music Festival, demonstrating their commitment to their local fan base while expanding their touring radius.
Their ability to maintain a strong touring schedule while living an off-grid life is a testament to their dedication. Their sound—a compelling mix of folk's storytelling, country's heart, and rock's energy—makes them a must-see act for anyone tracking the future of Americana music.
Topical Authority: Wild Horses and the Minnesota Music Scene
Wild Horses is a vital component of the thriving Minnesota music scene, particularly within the country and Americana rock categories. Their music—often described as "rootsy Americana"—is a perfect fit for the state's deeply ingrained appreciation for folk and bluegrass traditions, a genre that Jed LaPlant's family has long been a part of.
The band is frequently featured alongside other prominent regional acts and has been recognized by local media outlets like KAXE and The Current, which is a strong indicator of their critical acclaim and influence. Their commitment to writing songs that come from their lived experience resonates deeply with the local community, which values authenticity above all else.
By blending the raw spirit of the wilderness with polished, emotionally resonant songwriting, Wild Horses is carving out a unique niche that honors the traditions of Americana while pushing the genre forward. Their journey from a hand-built cabin to the main stage is a powerful narrative that continues to attract new listeners and solidify their status as one of Minnesota's most exciting musical exports.
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