Dinosaur Boyfriend is an alternative shoegaze band from Oklahoma City. They are currently creating new music to release in 2024. Mario Amador is a songwriter who also sings and plays guitar. Founding the band in 2018, Amador is excited to release new music co-written with his 5 member band.
Dinosaur Boyfriend’s sound is a fusion of shoegaze, alternative rock, indie rock, and indie pop. Moreover, it contains elements of dreamy melodies and energetic rhythms. With a sense of nostalgia, it embraces a contemporary edge that draws in listeners. Additionally, this 5-piece band is very excited to announce their new album, set to release this year.
The History Behind Oklahoma’s Alternative Band
I feel like we’re more locked in than ever right now. New music will just sort of happen at practice, a song we’re all playing but we’ve never played before and everyone and everything feels like it’s just working together despite that. It just feels really good right now and I think it’ll reflect in the recordings too.
Connor Bowen
Mario Amador is from a small town in northern Oklahoma and he has been immersed in the world of music since his early years. Raised in Oklahoma, but born in Wyoming, Amador’s music journey began in elementary school. His elementary school had a vibrant musical program, leaving Amador to discover the viola and cello.
The unique thing about Dinosaur Boyfriend is that so much can come out of one single moment. When we get together and focus on nothing besides having fun, some fantastic things happen musically. Lately it’s all clicked so well and I can’t wait to see what’s to come.
Jessi McCord
From there, Amador found his rhythm on the snare drum, and eventually learned the drums as he progressed through high school. It was during this time he became involved in the local music scene. He would travel to Oklahoma City to catch live performances.
The alternative sounds that Amador encountered led him to take a plunge into creating his own music. Despite experimenting with a few solo monikers, it wasn’t until late 2016 when he settled on the name, Dinosaur Boyfriend. The inspiration comes from a movie called Tammy and the T-Rex. The film may have been a cinematic oddity, but the impact on Amador’s artistic identity was profound.
“The movie was so bad but so good at the same time.”
Mario Amador
Dinosaur Boyfriend Releases Their First EP
Since then he has found himself surrounded by an exceptional group of friends and fellow musicians. Dinosaur Boyfriend debuted their first release as a 5-piece band in 2022, with the Fuzzy EP. This tight-knit 5 piece band creates and collaborates with a sound of dynamic energy. Currently they are hard at work recording new material with a release anticipated for 2024. With each step forward, Amador’s passion for music continues to evolve with the support of his band members.
The Musicians Behind the Music
Amador is joined by a talented ensemble of musicians, each bringing their own unique flair to the Dinosaur Boyfriend sound. Tristan Todd wields his guitar with finesse, adding layers of melody and texture to the music. Jessi McCord lends skills on keys and synth and Connor Bowen holds down the low end with his bass guitar. Behind the drum-kit is Jaime McKnight, who drives the rhythm forward. Together Amador and his band mates are contributing their own unique ideas to the new music coming out this year.
As ‘the newbie’, I’m excited to bring my unique style to the album. Coming up with creative material comes easy with this talented group of musicians. I’m stoked to be a part of the process.
Jamie McKnight
Photo by Dinosaur Boyfriend
The new songs are all in a genre and mood that I really enjoy listening to. It makes it more exciting to work on and add to the compositions when it’s something I would sit at home and listen to myself. I think in a way it makes it even more challenging to write music, because I know what I want it to sound like in my head. Now I just have to make it happen with my instrument.
Tristan Todd
Dinosaur Boyfriend comes from the vibrant music scene of Oklahoma City and is on the cusp of an exciting new chapter. Furthermore, Amador and his band are gearing up to unveil fresh music with a new sound. Additionally, you can catch them live at the Blue Note in Oklahoma City on March 22.
Stay in touch with the Oklahoma music scene via Respect My Region.
