~Photos by Trish Cassling, Brett Kissel, Canadian Country Music Association Awards, Chad Brownlee, Chase Rice, Country, country music, Dallas Smith, Dan Davidson, Rod Gun and Barbers, Toronto Music
Dan Davidson may be becoming known for his wacky videos, but country radio and country music fans know that he's the real deal, And he's just getting started.
We met up with the former Tupelo Honey rocker at Parkdale's Rod, Gun & Barbers during a stop in Toronto to talk about his music, DIY videos, dad life and more.
As Davidson's current single Say We Did rolls through country radio, CMT, and streaming services across the country (and beyond) the singer/songwriter continues to put in work on new music and his live show.
We asked about an album and Dan told us that he's be perfectly happy to be a singles guy. Writing, recording, releasing and playing a new song and then moving onto the next one... but he also understands the importance of an album, and told us that there will be an EP release this fall after the CCMA awards in Saskatoon.
With two nominations ( Rising Star Award, Songwriter of the Year + Video Director of the Year: Travis Nesbitt for Davidson's Found) at this year's awards, Dan Davidson is quickly making sure his name has been added in the up and coming crop of country music talent in Canada. And with bangers like Found and Barn Burner leading the way, he is definitely making it easy to put his name in that group.
We would have been foolish not to ask Davidson about the video for Say We Did. The fan favourite features a DIY construction of the Starship Enterprise's bridge in Dan's garage... with costumes to complete the look. He told us that the build took about two days, and was a lot of fun. Added to his previous videos, the reputation as a dude who has fun with this part of the process is becoming more solidified - and he's happy to be that guy, and not just another dude standing in a field or on a river bank to shoot a country video.
He also told us that his indie status allows him to come up with these kinda ridiculous ideas without worrying about anyone telling him that he can't. And he loves that freedom.
When he's not on the road, Dan Davidson is probably at home having tea parties or playing in the sprinkler with his little girls. It's easy to tell when you talk to him that dad time is important to him and he truly loves it. And while he's not sure his girls understand what dad does (it all seems like a lot of playing dress up and singing songs with his friends), we're sure they'll figure it out sooner than later.
As we hung out by the pool table at the back of Rod, Gun & Barbers, we hit the subject of the Canadian Country Music scene and Dan echoed what we hear so often, that it's a good place to be. He told us about the supportive feel that flows from artist to artist. And he shouted out artists like Brett Kissel, Dallas Smith, and Chad Brownlee who he's toured with and given him their time along the way.
We also talked about the country music fans, and how cool it's been for him to see them cheering and singing along when he takes the stage all over Canada. We saw it in person this spring at Boots & Bourbon during Canadian Music Week, and the assembled mass of music lovers that night certainly got into it. They sang along, danced and whooped it up - showing Davidson that his tracks had travelled from the west to Ontario, and were working.
He told us about not being sure if anyone would know who he was while on tour with Chase Rice... and then being blown away by the fans in London as they popped for him and his songs. And with more music coming for those country fans, we're betting that those reactions are going to continue - and his surprise at them should fade.
While we had Dan Davidson for photos and hangs, he pulled out his guitar and played a sad one for us... with haircuts in the background and Parkdale's Queen Street West in the far background, we were pulled in.
Plugged in on stage, or on a stool next to a pool table, Dan Davidson is one to watch.
Stay tuned for new music, show announcements and more from Dan... it's coming soon.
And press play now for a special live performance of Laugh When You Lie, recorded at Rod, Gun & Barbers on Queen Street West in Parkdale, Toronto.
