Since the moment he first picked up his dad’s guitar at the age of 8, Canadian Roots artist JJ Voss knew in his soul he found his life’s purpose, but it wasn’t just to be a musician or a singer. It was to become a songwriter and a performer sharing the stories and values of the working class that he and his family were rooted in. Over the past decade, JJ released his debut EP Hillbilly Storybook (2009) and his 2012 album Show ‘Em Who’s Voss, the latter earning him a Saskatchewan Country Music Association (SCMA) Award for Roots Album of the Year, five charting singles on Canadian Country radio and international radio play, which lead to tour dates through Europe, the Netherlands, Colombia and Mexico. Now he’s back with this third release Come Along With Me, which was just released in March (he’s also nominated for 3 more SCMAs!).
We caught up with JJ to talk about his musical journey then and now, the new album, and more
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, could you tell us a little bit about yourself and growing up in Saskatchewan, Canada?
JJV: I grew up on farm north of a very small town called Cupar (population 600). In my home town, sports were king but I didn’t really find one that I was good at. I found music.
CN: The Canadian Country scene has been solid for a long time, with artists such as k.d. lang, Terri Clark, Shania Twain having successful careers, and more recently Lindsay Ell and fellow Saskatchewan native Colter Wall. Can you talk a little bit about the current Canadian Country scene?
JJV: I think there’s finally some diversity in the Canadian scene. It’s encouraging to see pop/country artists like Lindsay get established internationally as well as roots artists like Colter and the Dead South. A few years back, there didn’t seem to be room for anything out of main stream/pop country in the Canadian scene. I think Corb Lund played a pretty big role in breaking trail on both sides of the border to make way for other roots artists to get noticed.
CN: Which musicians, country or not, have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
JJV: Steve Earle probably has had the most influence on me as an artist in my formative years, His music connected with me on cellular level and as I grew up his records were like the sound track to my life. Paul Thorn is another artist in the last decade that has really influenced my writing and most recently, Jason Isbell. These artists have never been afraid to write about sensitive topics and address important issues.
CN: What was the first album you ever purchased?
JJV: Kenny Rogers Greatest Hits cassette from the local hardware store in 1980
CN: With everything that’s going on in the world in regards to COVID-19, we hope everyone in your circle is safe and healthy. How are you holding up? Are you in a shelter at home situation?
JJV: Like everyone else we’re doing our best to follow the directions of our Chief Medical Officers in Canada. My partner and I are laying low at home, only making abbreviated trips to the grocery store, when need be and trying to keep a positive outlook on the future. Some days are better than others ( when it comes to positivity and being productive) but we’re doing the best we can.
CN: Unfortunately the pandemic has canceled your upcoming tour, but has it affected your craft in any other way? Perhaps productively such as inspiration (providing some or a lack of)?
JJV: It’s (literally) been a game changer. My experience performing in front of camera for broadcast has been limited. Over the past month, I’ve jumped in to the on-line live stream performance medium head first. It scares the hell out of me every time; it’s awkward and humbling to not have an audience to make eye contact with and to not feel any type of reaction. With all that said, It’s getting easier, I’m starting to get a handle on it and in the long run I think it’ll make me a better performer.
CN: Can you take us through your songwriting process?
JJV: I don’t write on a regular basis (although I should). I do keep a note pad in my cell phone where I’ll jot down a “good line” or a unique way of describing a situation that happens off the cuff. I have come to terms with the fact that I’m much more productive in a co-write situation. Staying focused is tough for me ( by myself ) and I struggle with confidence when I’m writing alone. When I have a solid musical hook and a topic I want to explore, I’ll sit down and start working on a new song, if I hit the wall before it’s finished, I call up a few different friends who I’ve written with in the past to bring their perspective to what I’ve started.
CN: This tour was going to get you back on the road after having back surgery in 2018. While you were recuperating, you did a bit of writing which led to your latest album “Come Along With Me” that was released on March 20. Can you tell us a little bit about your mindset while writing and recording the album?
JJV: Unfortunately, I’ve got a fair bit of experience in the social distancing thing. I had a 2 month waiting period for surgery to my lower spine and post surgery, It was about 8 months of recovery. I spent months in bed and other than family, I didn’t have a lot of in-person contact with anyone. The only way to stay in touch with the outside world was through TV news and social media; not very much of it was good. Our world has become a very divided and very polarized place. I’d turn on the news Ito see white supremacists marching, there were refugees being denied safety, mass shootings by the dozen. I’d turn off the TV and log into the social media and it was worse. I have been just as guilty as the next person in getting into pointless, hurtful arguments on social media so as an artist I wanted to use my platform and my voice as an artist to add something constructive and (hopefully) positive to the conversation.
CN: Being that the album’s material is very centered on universal issues that both our societies face – Canadian and American – what do you hope fans will take away from it?
JJV: I hope the listener will be able to think about their their own feelings on the topics of these songs without feeling like they are being preached at. I hope the listener will feel like it’s OK to have empathy and show kindness for our fellow man. No matter what their politics, race, religion or spiritual belief. We’re all in this together and nobody gets out of this world alive.
CN: If you could collaborate with any one artist, who would it be?
JJV: Jason Isbell
CN: What was the first concert you ever attended?
JJV: George Jones at an outdoor festival
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
JJV: Resilient ( a more flattering way of saying stubborn). I’ve managed to overcome some significant obstacles over the years and my resolve has never been an issue. It’s a blessing and a curse.
CN: What are your plans going forward while the necessary COVID-19 restrictions are in place? What about once the light at the end of the tunnel arrives?
JJV: I’m staying busy in developing and evolving with the fast moving target that is the live streaming performance medium. Trying to come up with ways to connect with my audience and provide content that adds value. We’re monitoring the numbers and trying to come up with a plan to re-book the cancelled tour dates whenever that may be. My hope is that whenever we are able to get back to our normal lives, we’ll place a lot more value on personal connection and live interactions. I’m hopeful that live music will come back and be stronger than ever…. and I’m hopeful that we might finally get ‘ over ‘ our addiction to virtual existence.
To purchase Come Along With Me, click here.
For more information on JJ Voss, visit his website at www.jjvoss.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.