Everything may not be coming up Milhouse, but everything is certainly coming up Mallory!

Conception Bay South’s Mallory Johnson has carved out space for herself in North America’s thriving country music scene, and she hasn’t done it the easy way.

No, uprooting from her island home to the hub of all things country Nashville, Tennessee, Johnson has taken the Nestea plunge head-on into designs of superstardom, enlisting the right team, at the right place, at the right time to bolster her god-given talent. 

Johnson, a recent ECMA winner and semi-finalist for SiriusXM’s Top of the Country competition, remarked in a sitdown with The Herald that her loyal fans at home – who follow her enthusiastically every step of the way – have been instrumental in her march to the top of the charts.

‘Being human’

“What I think is really special is that, especially in this day and age where we have the power of social media at our fingertips, is that fans get to see it firsthand and they kind of get to be a part of the story,” Johnson shared. 

“They get to see us being human. They get to see our everyday lives. And what’s really cool is that you do get to see the behind the scenes or behind the curtain and there’s no such thing as overnight success. So I think it’s really cool to see all these artists do the grind and work really, really hard and eventually are getting the recognition that they deserve. And I really think that Newfoundland country artists, Newfoundland artists in general, have a good team of supporters behind us and it’s really cool to see that talent shine.”

To say it has been a ‘big year’ for Johnson would be an under-sell. ECMA wins coupled by the Top of the Country recording sessions in Toronto, and most recently, the release of her debut single from her forthcoming studio album, the addictive radio-ready-hit Married.

Sharing that the spark for the catchy single came during a writing session with industry greats Patricia Conroy and Jason Blaine, Johnson harnessed real-life feelings on the subject of wedded-bliss for what would be the kick-off to her long-awaited studio release.

“I really wanted to go in and make a good first impression and come in with a solid idea. And for awhile I had this line in my phone, ‘I want the wedding, but I don’t want to get married.’ And that is very true. That phrase has definitely come out of my mouth more than once,” Johnson shared with a laugh.

“I am that girl who’s always the bridesmaid. Half my closet is full of bridesmaids dresses. I’ve been to dress fittings as moral support. I said the maid of honour speeches, planned the bachelorette parties. And I always kind of said that phrase, ‘I want the wedding, but I don’t want to be married’ because I fantasize about those things. I get to see all of my friends celebrate that beautiful moment. And you know, that would be really cool to be the one wearing white someday. But when I don’t have that person in my life that I envision that happening with, I’m like, I don’t know if I’m ready for marriage. I’m totally ready for the party, but maybe not the commitment.”

The idea, to put it lightly, went off like fireworks, with Johnson herself honing in on her playful side for the up-beat, fan-friendly cut.

“I definitely think you hear my playful side come out in this song. Anyone who knows me knows I love a good comedic moment. So you definitely hear that. It’s been a really fun song to play live, especially at songwriter’s circles and stuff because the audience gets a kick at the lyrics.”

Forthcoming record

Married is the first taste of what’s to be Johnson’s forthcoming record, produced by Oscar and Grammy nominated industry giant Kent Wells, whose list of artist credits includes hall of famers Dolly Parton. No big deal, right?

“Kent has been absolutely wonderful as a producer. He kind of let me wear a producer hat and let me take the reins alot on creativity. And he really respects my opinion and my voice and wants to put my fingerprints on the production. So he’s been so wonderful and supportive and the whole record I’m a co-writer on all of the songs, which hasn’t been the way in the past for me either.”

Johnson shared that the album includes collaborations with Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Charlie Worsham, as well as a true taste of home with Kellie Loder and Chad Murphy. 

“I have a song I wrote with Kellie Loder and Chad Murphy is playing acoustic guitar on some of the stuff,” Johnson shared. “So there’s pieces of home on there, too, which is really important to me.”

Dropping an Easter Egg that she’s planning an album release tour this fall, Johnson is primed and ready for the next phase of her career. 

“With my last EP, I wasn’t the writer on all of the songs, so it’s really special,” Johnson adds excitedly of her upcoming record. “They’re my song babies. So I’m really excited for everyone to hear it all come together.”

For more on Married and all things Mallory Johnson visit malloryjohnsonmusic.com 

Kayleigh gets her father’s full attention, and that’s the way it should be, opens singer-songwriter Justin Fancy. Fancy, who will headline at this year’s Kelligrews Soiree alongside Rum Ragged and Bic and the Ballpoints – just to name a few – loves fatherhood. 

“Being a father is a blessing and it’s a very important aspect of what I’m doing,” he said.

Working full-time and having a demanding career in the music business can mean time is tight and finding the energy for the things that matter can be a struggle at times, he added. 

“It’s tough. I’m not gonna lie. But I’ve got full support from my family. I can’t say enough about my mom or dad and my two brothers. They seem to step up to the plate whenever I’ve got something going, no questions asked. And it’s always been an amazing feeling for me to be able to go and do what I do and what I’m trying to do musically without really worrying about being gone.”

But he knows the value of family time, and “moves mountains” when he has to to make sure that happens.

‘Changed my life’

“Whatever else I do, being a father is something special. It definitely changed my life. And for the better. And I think that my responsibilities and awareness of my responsibilities really came to the head when my daughter was born and I did, to be honest with you, put music on the back burner for a number of years so I could be a good father and be there for my child and watch her grow.”

Kayleigh understands things a bit more now, he added.  “She’s old enough to really understand and say, ‘Dad’s on the radio,’ or ‘Dad’s having an interview today,’ and she gets excited,” he said with a laugh. 

Fancy is preparing to take the George Street stage this summer alongside Brett Kissel and Meghan Patrick. “I’m really, really, really excited for it. It’s amazing. I’m joining some big players in the Canadian country music scene and I’m just really, really looking forward to (playing on George Street) again this year. “

Festivals & Soirees

Last year’s George Street festival show was his “biggest” he shared when it comes to promoting his own music. 

“It was a moment I’ll never forget, and I just want to continue that feeling this year and get some new music coming out. So I’m just really excited to get the band back up on the stage and to be performing.”

Playing “at home” in Conception Bay South is a big deal as well this year, he added.

“I’ve played at the Kelligrews Soiree before, but now I’m a headliner and that’s a big deal of course. The town of CBS is obviously special to me as I grew up here. I know the place. I know the people. I know the vibe and I know what people are going to expect, and I just can’t wait to be able to deliver that this year.”

Fancy sings the praises of other local artists as well, from Kellie Loder to Mallory Johnson and Quote The Raven. 

“From the moment I heard Mallory sing I knew she was special. Just to see Mallory grow, it’s absolutely astonishing. To walk on the same stage as her (Johnson was named artist innovator of the year at the ECMAs) and receive the Fans’ Choice Awards this year was incredible and it’s motivated me to continue to do what I’m doing.”

‘Being a father’

Again, while the music is the master and the driving force at times, he never has lost sight of how important being a dad is. “My daughter adds the kind of stuff that’s really heartwarming to my life. To know that you have a daughter now and she understands what I’m trying to do, and she respects that and she loves spending time with her dad and that she knows she’s obviously a priority.”

It’s a balancing act, but one that’s worth the effort. “I always said that I wanted to be someone that was constantly trying to set goals and then blow those goals out of the water. Gaining experience outside of music – like being a father – has  taught me a lot as well. It’s just been a great path thus far and I’m just looking to continue on.”

 For more visit justinfancymusic.ca 

In 20 years, Dallas Smith has gone from an – admittedly unexpected – platinum selling rocker, to one of Canada’s most in-demand and celebrated country music stars. The journey from point A to point B was not without its twists and turns. “It was a sink or swim kind of deal for myself,” begins Smith, reminiscing on the 20th anniversary of his rock-outfit Default’s platinum selling album The Fallout. 

“In September ‘99, I just started singing with that band. I’d never sung in front of anybody before, just goofing around. And then like two years later we had a platinum record in the US, which is just insanity.”

Reflecting on those still-green days as a much-demanded frontman – Default’s breakout single Wasting My Time rocketed up the charts across the globe – and Smith admits there were lessons and truths he has since learned he wished he was armed with then.

“It was an amazing time in my life, I just wish that I had a bit more of an ease into it where I could have, as a front guy, as a vocalist, I could hit the ground running a little bit more as opposed to just like, f**k, here you go,” he shares candidly.

“It was an incredibly wild, unpredictable, adventurous time that I had with some really good friends and I made some great friends along the way. And it really taught me a lot,” he shared.

He’s gained knowledge about the business side of things, he added, and learned things about himself along the way. “I’ve learned not just about the business but who I am in the music business and what am I willing to take on and what’s important to me and the balance of family life.”

The life of a rocker

The life of a rocker – then or now – is far from easy, as Smith admits the life of a road-warrior took its toll early and often.

“I was married during the early parts of the Default stuff. We were gone for like three months and then we were home for a week and then gone for four months. That’s just the way it was pre-social media and pre all these other ways to market. All of that stuff falls victim in the name of your career. It’s those kinds of lessons that I think, not only about the music business, but about how to survive as a human through this. I take everything from that time of my life.”

Fast-forward to 2022, and Smith is a chart-topping country-music star and a multi-time CCMA winner, including 2021 wins for Entertainer and Single of the Year.

Smith credits his Default days for helping him acclimatize to the, honestly, more rock-based era of country music we find ourselves in today.

“The sounds of rock, what I liked and what I loved, it was a little more few and far between on rock radio and stuff. And honestly it was a natural transition for me to go back to a lot more of the guitar driven stuff and a lot of that was in country music,” Smith shared.

“If you look at the country festivals now, it’s what the rock festivals looked like 15, 20 years ago. It’s the same kids I’m playing to… It’s all guitar driven, beer drinking, let’s go have fun music. That’s just always kind of what I’ve really been into. I always loved music that pulled at the heartstrings and told a great story. And I mean, that’s country music. You just line up a great voice with a great story. And it’s all organic musically. I feel way more at home here more so than ever.”

Back to The Rock

Smith heads back to ‘The Rock’ on his cross-Canada Some Things Never Change Tour alongside James Barker Band, Jojo Mason, Shawn Austin, Kelly Prescott and Manny Blu, touching down at Mary Brown’s Centre on June 14th.

“That’s a great part of the country, man. I love being out there. Don’t get out there enough. I always say that,” Smith admits, preparing fans for the festival-esque lineup that will descend on St. John’s in short order.

“We’re pumped to have this many artists on this bill. I’m friends with a lot of these artists, most of them. We’ve all been sitting around doing nothing. So it’s time for a lot of us to get back to work. And it was nice to be able to put a package together like this show has a lot of musicians, a lot of artists, a lot of crew and get back out there and make the most of it. It serves us well, but I think it also serves the fans well too. You buy a ticket and you’re getting a big lineup.”

Expect surprises and – most importantly – the return of the power of live music on show-night, Smith shares. Because, whether tearing the house down at a rock show or kickin’ it country, Dallas Smith always delivers. Some things, do indeed, never change.

“We’re just going to get up there and have fun and hopefully we can see and we can feel that pent up release that needs to be happening from music fans because we definitely are feeling it here and can’t wait to go out.”

For more tickets and more information on Smith and the June 14th tour date visit: dallassmithmusic.com and marybrownscentre.com

 Country music’s JoJo Mason is set to hit the stage at the Mary Brown’s Centre on June 14th along with Dallas Smith, Kelly Prescott and James Barker Band, but what’s on his mind most happens this August: he becomes a dad

Multi-Platinum award winning country star Dallas Smith has announced the details for his long-awaited return to the road with the 2022 Some Things Never Change Tour with James Barker Band and special guest Meghan Patrick plus emerging country artists Shawn Austin, JoJo Mason, Kelly Prescott, and Manny Blu. 

 The Herald caught Jojo Mason minutes before he hit the road for the 8th show on this tour. What are you looking forward to most as you’re getting on that bus? We asked. 

“Finally getting the chance to do something that I love to do. I never thought I would find something that I love as much as I do music. And you really feel that when you go on a two year hiatus, right? From not performing to now getting back on stage, we will never take this for granted again,” he said. 

Is there a song he’s most looking forward to performing?  “You know what? Now that I’m going to be a dad, I always dedicate my song to my son. I used to always dedicate (Better On You) to my beautiful wife. I always love playing Better On You. It’s one of my favourite songs that I’ve ever put out and I’m all about love and good vibes.”

That song, he added, captures his mood. “It especially captures the way that I feel about my lady. So now I love playing that song because not only does it remind me of her now, but also my little baby, too.” 

His son, due August 27, is a gift he never knew he wanted, he added sweetly.  

“You know, it’s funny, because we had no plans on having a baby. And I’m not going to say it was a mistake, but it was a  whoops. And all of a sudden it was almost like something came over me and it was like, ‘I need to be in full dad mode.’ I’ve been planning everything since we found out we were pregnant. I picked out a name and we picked out a theme for the baby’s room. We started decorating before I left. I’m in full dad mode,” he laughed excitedly. 

Jojo’s had an interesting rise to country music. The former hockey player was literally at a party and filled with liquid courage, is how he tells the tale. 

 Will he encourage his son to follow in his footsteps? Will it be hockey practice or music lessons?

 “Both or whatever he wants to do. Honestly. I grew up playing so many different sports. I was so lucky growing up and I know what sports did for me. However, if my little guy wants to grow up and dance, I would support the heck out of that. If you want to grow up and get into science, I’m all, ‘heck, yeah!’ He wouldn’t have to do what Daddy does, you know. I’m just hoping that he’s healthy and he’s happy like his mama, you know?”

We ask about his transition to music from sports. 

 “Singing was not in my cards,” he shared openly.

“It was right place, right time. I ended up getting invited to a Christmas party… and I show up with this jar of moonshine because I went to the liquor store, and that was the coolest thing that I could find.”

He met a producer and, after a few drinks, they started chatting. Besides singing in the shower or in the car, he had never performed, he admitted, but he went for it.

“We had four top tens right out of the gate,” he said.

We ask who his musical influences are. His playlist is a mix-bag, he offered.  “You’d  find some Celine Dion. You’d find Boyz II Men.  You would find Brad Paisley. You would find Chris Stapleton,  Morgan Wallen. You would find Bruno Mars. Usher. I’m all about the old school vibes, the R&B vibes. But I’m also a country boy, too. I’m from Saskatchewan, so, you know, I gotta stay true to it.”  

Any message to Newfoundland fans as they preparing to head to the show? “Just make sure you show up because this is something you do not want to miss.” 

 It’s funny, he added, because he’s seen the show seven tines thus far and he’s still amazed each time.  “Every single time my jaw drops to the floor, I’m blown away. The people on this bill are so talented and I’m just grateful that I get to be a part of it.” 

  Mason, who now calls British Columbia home,  added that’s he’s super excited to be heading to Newfoundland. “We got some time to spend so I’m going to take it all in.” 

For more visit www.jojomasonmusic.com and for show tickets see  mbcentre.ca 

Rod Jackson and the Perfect Strangers have a few new faces worth mentioning. “New blood. That’s a good way of saying it I guess,” he begins.

“After the Christmas tour last year, we made some changes and I went back into my history books to when I started 21 years ago and brought back a few familiar names like Dave Fitzpatrick and Clyde Wiseman. Both of those guys are well known for their years with The Fables and Sonny Hogan too, who was actually on my very first tour across the island playing drums,” he began.

With “some new energy, some fresh energy and positivity coming into the band,” Jackson shared he’s ready to entertain audiences this Christmas.

Some new energy

“We’re ready to hit the road. We’ve got the biggest tour planned, 12 shows, and we’re going to do a couple of shows at most Arts and Culture Centres across the island.”

The tour began November 12th in Goose Bay and it’s go-go after that, he shared.  

“People are not going to see the same show that they’ve seen before. We’ve just put some new energy and new sounds and fresh songs into the list and we have new songs that people haven’t heard before plus other favourites that we haven’t attempted in the past while, so we’re pretty excited about it.”

He’s also, he added, “very grateful.”  

“The fans and the Arts and Culture Centres are amazing. I’m so blessed. I do not know how to say how blessed I am. I cannot express that because everyone has come on board.”

Motivate yourself

Jackson had left the music business for awhile, but when he came back he was welcomed with open arms, he said. 

“I started off by booking shows and trying to get the crowd that used to come to see us years ago to come back. All of a sudden we were touring every six months, and now they are back. And the Arts and Culture Centre folks have been so good to us. It’s incredible. And I got to pinch myself. I am so grateful and appreciative of everything.”

 Don’t Let the Old Man In is one of the new songs Jackson will be performing. 

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“I sat back and I looked at my own life. When I got in university I remember the doctors telling me I was going to be in trouble with arthritis by the time I was thirty-five. I’m almost fifty-five now and I still take all kinds of medications, but that song really speaks to how to approach life as you age, and it’s all relevant.” 

You can get old, but you don’t have to feel old, he added. 

“You could be twenty-five and feel old or you can be ninety and feel young. And it’s all a mindset and an approach to living every day and how we take on the world. And it’s tough with everything going on right now. You look at the economy, you look at what’s going on in our health care. There’s so many things that can bring you down. I think it’s up to the individual. It’s up to you.”

Don’t depend on anybody else, he said. 

“You got to do what you’re going to do to survive. And that’s the only rational way to look at it and motivate yourself, you know? So it’s a song that I love dearly. It’s powerful and it just touches the heart. I’m really looking forward to doing that song at the shows.” 

For more visit rodjacksonandtheperfectstrangers.com

Today, Multi-Platinum, award winning artist Johnny Reidannounced his 2022 Canadian tour, Love Someone: An Intimate Evening with Johnny Reid. The national tour kicks off on February 10 in London, ON at Centennial Hall and is set to be one of the longest running artist tours in Canadian history with over one hundred shows once all tour dates are announced. Boasting a stripped-down set and stops in smaller communities that rarely get to see an artist of Reid’s caliber during a National tour, Reid is making it his mission to connect directly with fans across the country.

Love Someone is Reid’s 11th studio album and was released on October 15 via Universal Music Canada. A return to his country roots, the album marks his most inspired collection of songs to date. Complementing the album’s inherent intimacy, the tour will give fans a rare chance to hear Reid live in a highly up close and personal setting as opposed to the major market venues and colossal crowds he typically draws. The past ten years has seen Reid perform to over 1 million people; on this tour, fans can expect an uplifting evening of songs and storytelling with the chart-topping, singer-songwriter.

With an incredible 1.5 million albums sold, Reid is a critically acclaimed singer widely known for his lyrical honesty and musical capability, as demonstrated by an extensive catalogue of hit songs and Platinum selling albums. His illustrious career has also garnered him 26 Canadian Country Music Awards, 6 JUNO Awards and multiple sold-out national arena tours. Reid is also a recipient of the Slaight Music Humanitarian Award and the SOCAN National Achievement Award. His songwriting connects with audiences of all ages from across the globe, inspiring fans with his unique ability to uncover beauty behind life’s ebb and flow.

“The pandemic has taught me a lot about the value of time. I’ve given a lot of thought about how and where I want to spend my time. I’m really excited to bring this tour to as many places as possible. I can’t wait to reconnect with all of the people that have supported me all of these years in a more intimate concert experience”, said Reid.

Information on tickets can be found here.

Johnny Reid – Love Someone Tour Dates

** Tickets Already on Sale

Tartan Army Presale – Wednesday, November 24 @ 3:00 PM (Local time)

On Sale Friday November 26th at 10:00am local time

February 10, 2022 – London, ON – Centennial Hall

February 11 & 12, 2022 – Oshawa, ON – Regent Theatre

February 14, 2022 – Pembroke, ON – Festival Hall

February 15, 2022 – Ottawa, ON – Meridian Theatre

February 16, 2022 – St Catharines, ON – FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre

February 17, 2022 – Kingston, ON – The Grand Theatre

February 19, 2022 – Brantford, ON – Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts

February 22, 2022 – Belleville, ON – Empire Theatre

February 23, 2022 – Mississauga, ON – Living Arts Centre

February 24, 2022 – Brampton, ON – The Rose Brampton

February 25, 2022 – North Bay, ON – Capitol Centre

February 26, 2022 – Huntsville, ON – Legacy Hall @ Deerhurst Resort **

February 28, 2022 – Chatham, ON – Chatham Capitol Theatre

March 2 & 3, 2022 – Markham, ON – Flato Markham Theatre

March 4 & 5, 2022 – Burlington, ON – Burlington Performing Arts Centre **

March 7 & 8, 2022 – Peterborough, ON – Showplace Performing Arts Centre

March 9, 2022 – Sault Ste Marie, ON – Sault Community Theatre

March 15 & 16 – Winnipeg, MB – Club Regent Event Centre

March 18 & 19, 2022 – Prince Albert, SK – EA Rawlinson Centre for the Arts

March 23 & 24, 2022 – Fort Saskatchewan, AB – Shell Theatre

March 25 & 26, 2022 – Fort McMurray, AB – Keyano Theatre

March 28 & 29, 2022 – Camrose, AB – Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Centre

March 31 & April 1, 2022 – Saskatoon, SK – Broadway Theatre

April 3 & 4, 2022 – Lloydminster, AB – Vic Juba Theatre

April 5 & 6, 2022 – St Albert, AB – Arden Theatre

April 8, 2022 – Moose Jaw, SK – Mae Wilson Theatre

April 9 & 10, 2022 – Regina, SK – Casino Regina Show Lounge

April 12 & 13, 2022 – Medicine Hat, AB – Esplanade Theatre

April 14 & 16, 2022 – Lethbridge, AB – Yates Theatre

April 19, 2022 – Calgary, AB – Jack Singer Concert Hall

April 20, 2022 – Red Deer, AB – Memorial Centre

April 22, 23 & 24, 2022 – Prince George, BC – PG Playhouse

April 25 & 26, 2022 – Grande Prairie, AB – Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre

April 28 & 29, 2022 – Fort St John, BC – North Peace Cultural Centre

April 30 & May 1, 2022 – Dawson Creek, BC – Mercer Hall

May 7 & 8, 2022 – Sidney, BC – Mary Winspear Centre

May 9, 2022 – Duncan, BC – Cowichan Theatre

May 11, 2022 – Nanaimo, BC – Port Theatre

May 12, 2022 – Victoria, BC – McPherson Playhouse Theatre

May 14, 2022 – Courtenay, BC – Sid Williams Theatre

May 16, 2022 – Vernon, BC – Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre

May 17, 2022 – Trail, BC – Charles Bailey Theatre

May 19, 2022 – Cranbrook, BC – Key City Theatre

May 21 & 22, 2022 – Melfort, SK – Kerry Vickar Centre

May 31 & June 1, 2022 – Summerside, PEI – Harbourfront Theatre

June 2 & 3, 2022 – Moncton, NB – Capitol Theatre

June 5, 2022 – Stephenville, NL – Stephenville Arts & Cultural Centre

June 6 & 7, 2022 – Corner Brook, NL – Corner Brook Arts & Cultural Centre

June 9 & 10, 2022 – Grand Falls-Windsor, NL – Gordon Pinsent Centre for the Arts

June 11 & 12, 2022 – Gander, NL – Gander Arts & Cultural Centre

June 15, 2022 – Halifax, NS – Rebecca Cohn Theatre

June 18, 2022 – Saint John, NB – Imperial Theatre

June 19, 2022 – Fredericton, NB – Fredericton Playhouse

June 22, 23 & 24, 2022 – Glace Bay, NS – Savoy Theatre

Q:  You’re set to embark on a huge cross-Canada tour with Johnny Reid and a fantastic lineup of artists. I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest this will be your first visit to the province?

A: It will be. I’m really looking forward to it … I’ve definitely heard a lot of things. I lived in Alberta growing up, so I met a lot of ‘Newfies’. I’m a big fan of their way of living. I can’t wait to get up there. I like to drink the odd beer and I know ‘Newfies’ enjoy that as well.

Q: So this tour with Johnny Reid is a huge milestone in your career. I know you know Johnny personally and he’s done quite a bit to help along your career. It must be cool getting to take part in this tour?

A: Personally I couldn’t ask for a better person to go on my first tour with. Not only is he such a great guy but he has taught me so much in such a small period of time. I’m definitely looking forward to it. It’s a huge opportunity and I definitely don’t take it lightly.

Q: You of course have a great relationship with Johnny,  a guy who has made an amazing mark on Canadian Country Music. How has he helped mentor you along in the country music scene?

A: Man, What haven’t I learned from Johnny Reid? That would be the question. He’s just really rounded everything off for me. When you’re an artist, especially me, I’m notorious for being extremely hard on myself. I expect the best of myself and I guess what he did for me was calm that down a bit and put some of that stuff into perspective.

There’s nothing more rewarding for me as an artist to have a guy like Johnny Reid call up and say you’re on the right track. He always makes time to chat with me about whatever it is I’m going through. To have a mentor like that for an artist, I can’t think of anything more important for my career.

You can have all the talent in the world, but if you have nobody who has the vision for it, it can be really hard to get out there and to matter to people. Johnny has given me that ultimate opportunity to do just that.

Q: You were born in Spirit River, Alberta, and it’s no secret that Albertans are fond of their country music. Was that something you were raised on?

A: Absolutely. Some of my earliest memories were sitting around a campfire. Both of my parents play guitar. I grew up with country music in my family. Those are some of my earliest memories. You could say I was raised on country for sure.

Q:  We know that from a young age you were invested in music and loved the performance aspect. You must have known that music would wind up being a large part of your life?

A: Yeah, absolutely. I learned a lot from country music from my family, but it wasn’t until I got on stage that something changed. When I was younger I never wrote songs to be famous or anything like that. As soon as I hit the stage the performing was what got me in to the business. I’ve been fortunate enough to find out that I had a knack at writing songs too.

Q: I know you moved down to Nashville, and of course Nashville, Tennessee is the mecca of country music. As a huge country fan, what was it like going there for the first time? A:

A:  I think in the beginning it was very exciting, but then it becomes very daunting in the early days. I was really lucky, I had the opportunity to come down with a group when I was 18 and got to see a lot of it in short little trips. I was somewhat recognized by a guy originally from Toronto … he heard me in a bar and was the guy who said that I need to be learning my craft in Nashville. I’ve always been a go-for-it kind of guy and I never really thought twice. A lot of people thought I was crazy. I knew at that point it was now or never. I made the move and struggled at first for the first two years to get on my feet.  This town is just a tough town. I was pretty much on my last few months when I got a few big breaks. It’s when they decide that they’re done or leaving that Nashville throws over a rope and ropes you back in and gives you another reason to keep going. I was very fortunate to have that happen to me.

 Q: You have this huge tour on deck, a prospective album in the works. How would you like to see 2016 play out?

A:  We want to get this record out. I’m really excited and knock on wood that we want to come out with a bang and a statement.

For the rest of the year I want to get Canada to dive in and embrace this record. It’s different than what most people are doing and I want that to come across. I’m going to be spending a lot of time in Canada. Being down here in Nashville as a somewhat struggling songwriter, it’s always great to come home and I’m really excited to come home. I know we have a bunch of summer stuff lined up and we’re excited to see what comes of that. I want to have a good year at the CCMA’s this year in London.