Canadian music icon Gordie Johnson describes singing for two bands. “I can’t even wear the same boots on stage for those two bands” referring to his former band, Big Sugar, and current band, Grady.
Johnson with Grady, a trio of Canadians based out of Austin, Texas, played at Average Joe’s sports bar Tuesday on their Calling all my demons tour before heading north to Edmonton.
In his career Johnson has meshed an eclectic mix of musical styles ranging from guitar-driven rock, pop, reggae, dub, jazz and the current fusion of metal and country that Grady is best known for.
However, he isn’t concerned with labeling his sound. “Music just goes with your different moods and it’s a wonderful thing to have in your life. I don’t expect people to only listen to one kind of music.”
Even though Grady calls Texas home, Johnson says, in his smooth drawl, that Americans don’t treat them any differently. “Growing up, I’ve lived on both sides of the border so my development as a musician happened on both sides of the border…and they don’t think we’re Canadian”
Big Sugar has recently reunited and is performing as part of the Grey Cup 2010 celebrations.
“I’m a little concerned actually” Johnson said of playing outdoors in Edmonton. “I’m gonna be wearing long underwear”.
The Grey Cup celebration also features popular Canadian bands the Trews and Wide Mouth Mason. Johnson has written and produced for both and will be playing bass for Wide Mouth Mason “because I’m not in enough bands already.”
Ironically, Johnson claims to be “so not a sports guy” but when asked what his career highlight has been so far, he lists performing the national anthem at a Toronto Maple Leafs game as a main one.
“I sang Star Spangled Banner and then I played O’ Canada and when I played it, the whole place went mental! I started to actually choke up.”
When asked for parting advice on how young bands might break into the music business today, Johnson says “you have to something that’s uniquely yours, sound like yourself and then people come to you. There’s no way to bust your way in.”