-Based in NYC, originally from Minneapolis -Steve Almaas led NYC-based Beat Rodeo during the mid-80s -Beat Rodeo released 2 full-lengths on IRS/MCA, in 1985 & 86 -Almaas also led the MN-based punks the Suicide Commandos, late 1970s -Commandos reunion shows in mid-90s well attended -Also performed w/ Alex Chilton in the Kool Kings (1990) -First solo release, East River Blues, released in 1993 -Has worked with Mitch Easter since 2nd solo disc (Bridge Songs, 1995) -Kingo features appearances from Doug Wygal, Richard Barone (Bongos) Chris Whitley, and others