The Wisconaut Proves You “Can’t Kill A Cowboy”

Milwaukee-born, New York-based The Wisconaut has released the official music video for “Can’t Kill A Cowboy.” Directed by Sam Fisher, the video is thrilling. Lead singer Andrew Idarraga, The Wisconaut himself, sets himself ablaze out of pure lust for validation, a journey played in reverse. This trippy, fantastical visual is the perfect complement to the somber yet beautiful melody of “Can’t Kill A Cowboy.”

Opening with a dark sea, it is clear that the footage is being presented backwards. The waves start to stir in reverse when the first line comes in, then a flaming epicenter emerges. As the flames rise, the instrumentals are built onto, a bright electric guitar joining the musical party, emanating the brightness of the fire. Idarraga’s limbs become visible amidst the bright yellow and orange explosion. Another figure is shown at the top of a cliff as the chorus swings along. At the song’s climax, the reversal reaches the point before The Wisconaut was ever ignited. The other figure, a mirror of The Wisconaut, lights a cigarette, closing on the shot of the pair shaking hands upon their meeting. The story is dark but poised, provocative and uniquely The Wisconaut.

“We blew all of our money on a few minutes of footage that captured the essence of what it means to be the cowboy.”

Andrew Idarraga

In this video, The Wisconaut and Sam Fisher pushed the boundaries and struck a balance between self-deprecation and an unwillingness to die. Sam Fisher is both The Wisconaut’s childhood friend and has directed for artists such as Lauv, so their artistic chemistry on the project shone through naturally. The stunt that the shot focused on was coordinated by Stuntworld Inc., bringing an element of danger that made the project one of a kind.

The Wisconaut, fueled by a classic case of Midwestern self-loathing, built a cult-like following on TikTok in 2020 after calling off the band in 2019. Revived, they released “Cherry Soda (and the happy medium),” which built their momentum and set them off on their satirical, wonderful indie-rock journey. “Can’t Kill A Cowboy” keeps up the good work, clearly done by a band who values a sense of humor as much as they do thoughtful music.