Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: I was born and raised in Toronto, ON and grew up with both my parents Boyd and Janet in an apartment in Etobicoke. I had a great upbringing with wonderful parents and was always sounded by family and family events. Music was always on and although none of us had great voices we certainly loved to pretend we could sing and I guess I just stuck with it and ended up with a career in music and I’m really grateful for that 🙂
Q: And what other artists have you found yourself listening to lately?
A: There’s so many to list but here are some of my favourites; Josh Ross, Chris Stapleton, City and Colour, Coldplay, Hardy, Morgan Wallen, Ernest, Nate Smith, Ashley McBryde, Garth Brooks & Lenny Kravitz to name a few.
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences?
A: Garth Brooks & Lenny Kravitz big time!
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘Bleed Country’. Is there a story behind it?
A: original collection showcasing Janes’ distinctive voice and creative song writing ability. DBJ wrote this song over a Zoom call during the pandemic and Janes says “there’s nothing like this on the radio right now in Canadian country music and I’m pumped to release it! I think it’s my best work yet!” DBJ continues with, “It was a very special and meaningful songwriting experience working with the incredibly talented Wes Mack and Dan Swinimer on this song and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it! BLEED COUNTRY is about bringing people together regardless of who you are or where you’re from. Our love for the community is our way of Bleeding County! It’s in our blood and our bones, WE all Bleed Country!”
Q: What is the message of your music?
A: “Thoughts Become Things” That is my biggest msg! To encourage others to chase their dreams no matter how big or small. We have one life to live so we should live it! My biggest goal is to be able to continue to make music that helps my fans through the good, the bad and all of the above and below! Music is therapy for a lot of us! Me especially.
Q: What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
A: I write or Co-write the majority of my songs so I speak from my heart and personal experiences. Our individual paths become other people’s survival guides and I feel that helping others through songs and similar situations is a gift that we leave behind far after we are no longer here. I would describe my sounds as exactly that, MY music. I’m not here to copy anyone or look like anyone else. I am me and I am proud of the man and artist I’m continually working on to become the best version of ME that I can be.
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more?
A: I am grateful for each and every day that I get to wake up and work on my music. I used to sell furnaces and air conditioners and the fact that I don’t need to hang out in people’s basements anymore is a huge win in my eyes regardless of how “successful” I become.
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: There’s no secret recipe, just live it and write about it. I am always trying to improve my songwriting through learning from other writers and artists. I make random notes, and vocal memos when an idea hits me. I call them nuggets.
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: Learning to stop comparing myself to others and to learn to fall in love with the process. Sometimes we forget how far we have come because we are too busy comparing ourselves to others. That can take a lifetime to master but I’m working on that each and everyday!
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: I am still making music and fans are still listening! To me in a world FULL of talent I would say that’s a very big deal and I hope they enjoy this new single!
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