Interview with John – vocals, guitar with Chuck Spadina and Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views (http://petesrocknewsandviews.com)
PD: How would you describe yourself or your band as an artist?
John: It’s a 90s skate punk melodic band. Songs are fun and easy to play. We started off as a 90s skate punk cover band and it slowly progressed into Chuck Spadina.
PD: Can you tell us briefly about your background – i.e. where you’re from, how you came to make music, etc.
John: I’m from Nova Scotia Al is from Vancouver Island and Mike / Jeff are both Alberta boys. So definitely have the whole country covered. Started playing guitar at 13. Fell in love with grunge / Nirvana / Green Day / punk and wanted to replicate that sound with my friends.
PD: Who and what inspires you to make music, both in terms of musical and other influences?
John: My dad and his harmonica are big inspirations. I also had a cousin Calvie that was into guns and roses/ drawing Conan comics. I looked up to him alot. He could play the start of crazy train on the guitar. I thought that was amazing. So made me want to learn. What do you like to write about in your songs? Anything and everything that jumps in my head. Friends / life stories / fun moments / the government/ my overall outlook on things.
PD: What are your aspirations as an artist?
John: I’d love to have a band that toured around and played shows in cool places as an avenue to see the world. I love playing in front of people and entertaining the crowd. Would be cool to see Europe or Japan.
PD: What is the proudest moment in your music career so far?
John: Putting out this record is a big one on the bucket list for me. I’ve always wanted to have a proper recording that sounded decent.
PD: Promoting one’s music is such a challenge these days, especially with so many new artists emerging from bedrooms
in the day of the home studio. How is that going?
John: It’s a struggle. Trying to get find fans / hussle to get playlisted by streaming services / keep up on socials/ practice with the band/ write new material it’s a battle but I like the challenge.
PD: And how do you book and promote your live shows and tours?
John: Just grind for gigs. Keep messaging people. Keep the feelers out. Don’t be afraid to ask someone if you can join a bill worst they can say is no. If they’re a musician booking it they’re compassionate about the struggle so I just try to put us out there for any opportunities. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t. That’s why they call it fishing not catching.
PD: Any performances coming up?
John: Yeah we have some fun ones. Edmonton with supermodel taxidermy / red Deer with Let’s Go and The Fomites/ we are playing alternative waves music festival. So pumped to be getting out there and making noise.
PD: What do you think about downloading music online? What about streaming sites like Spotify?
John: I’m totally cool with it. It’s not about the money. I’m in it for the creating and art. I’m glad music is free. Stream away. If you want to buy a t shirt or a cd that’s cool too but I think these streaming platforms get music in more people’s ears. We create music for everyone so the more streamers the merrier.
PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?
John: Tough one. Hmmmm. John Prine “that’s the way the world goes round” alway one of my favorites.
PD: Is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?
John: Nah not worried about it.
PD: So, what are you working on at the moment?
John: New record ready to record again in April.
PD: Where can we learn more about you and buy your music/merch online?
John: We are on all the socials FB / insta / twitter /tictok
Available on all streaming platforms / bandcamp for merch/ working on an online merch store.
Thank you for doing this interview. Appreciate you.
John.
Chuck Spadina links:
Band/Artist location – Red Deer, Alberta Canada
Facebook – You Tube – Bandcamp – Twitter – Instagram –
Apple – Spotify – Amazon – Deezer – LinkTree –
Check our page for Chuck Spadina
