~Photos by Trish Cassling, Calgary Flames, Canadian Country Music Association, Country, country music, JJ Shiplett, Sturgill Simpson, Tom Petty, Toronto Maple Leafs Awesome, Entertainment, Music
Back in September we had the chance to sit down with JJ Shiplett during Canadian Country Music Week - and we roped the talented redhead into answering our 5 quick questions.
If you don't know JJ, you're missing out. This Canadian is working hard and making people take notice with his sound, and with his debut full-length album coming soon... there are going to be a whole lot more people on board soon!
Now, without further ado, check out 5 Quick Questions with JJ Shiplett - and then listen to his EP, The EP!
Q1: If you're on the road for a long drive between cities, and can only put 1 album on to listen to on repeat, which album are you choosing?
JJ: Tom Petty, Anthology: Through The Years.
Yes, we know it's a double album. And no, we didn't ask JJ to pick a disc... and that's mostly because we were too busy agreeing with him that Petty is great for singing along, or sitting quietly and getting lost in the music and the road.
Q2: What is the first song you remember knowing all of the words to?
JJ: The American National Anthem.
JJ told us a story about watching sports when he was a kid, and if you're watching sports, you're hearing the anthem - and that is how JJ Shiplett learned the Star Spangled Banner before any other song.
Q3: What is your favourite thing when you're not working on music?
JJ: Hanging out with friends and a fire - any time of the day.
Having grown up with a fire pit in the back yard, I 100% agree with JJ on this one!
Q4: What is the 1 thing you need for a songwriting session?
JJ: A willingness to cooperate and work with other people.
After apologizing that he hadn't named a tangible "thing", JJ explained that the whole process and session can be a real waste of time if he doesn't come in ready to listen to other people's ideas - and if other people don't come in ready to listen to his. Makes sense to us.
JJ: 1) The Maple Leafs will be better, but won't be in the playoffs. 2) The Flames D will be better, and they will be back in the playoffs.
These are going to play themselves out of course, but they don't sound crazy.
Bonus: What artist do you think people should be paying more attention to right now?
JJ: Sturgill Simpson
A lot more people know Sturgill Simpson's name now than they did even just a few months ago - but if you don't know his music, we agree with JJ, you should take a listen!
Now, hit play and check out some more pics of JJ from the our hangout, the CCMA Awards show and The Dakota Tavern in Toronto circa CMW 2016.
