The Bon Mots

Formed in Chicago, the Bon Mots brought together a pair of Michigan natives, each a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who had previously fronted separate acts. During the 1990s, Mike Coy fronted Big Angry Fish while Eric Chial led Mitch, and both outfits issued recordings on the local Beluga Records label. Coy and Chial departed their earlier projects in 2000 to establish the Bon Mots, enlisting Coy’s drummer Kevin Hoetger, who then brought keyboardist Chris Frantisak into the fold. Coy and Chial shared bass guitar responsibilities as well. Working with producer Neal Ostrovsky, the group completed its first album, Le Main Drag, for Mellifluid Records, featuring an even split between songs written by Coy and those penned by Chial. Once the sessions ended, Hoetger departed for Austin, leaving Jason Styx to take over on drums.