I don’t like e-mail interviews as a general rule. I find they lack the spontanaeity, intimacy and personality of doing them live.
But considering I just remembered the fourth annual Highway 3 Roots Revue tour with Leeroy Stagger, Dave McCann and John Wort Hannam ends in Lethbridge at the Slice, Dec. 19, I caught up with Dave McCann on the road to Sakatchewan through the magic of e-mail.
So here is the transcript of the interview.
1. How is the tour going so for? What year is this for the Highway 3 Roots Revue?
This is the fourth tour I've done with Leeroy and John. The tour has been a blast so far, we've had good turnouts and other than the snow loaded backroads in Saskatchewan being a little sketchy in places I really can't complain.
2.How does it compare to previous years? What is different this year?
Things have obviously changed for all of us as artists as it always does from year to year. I think this time around we've grown more comfortable with each others songs. There is a familiarity with how we each like to perform and a stronger bond of friendship created in the process. I guess the big difference would be new material and the fact that this year we decided to expand the tour into Saskatchewan for four dates.
3. What are you enjoying most about this particular tour? Has it become a December tradition for you? Is it something you look forward to doing each year?
It's always great to experience new venues and meet new people. I think because our schedules seem to have a gap in December that works for all of us it has become a bit of a tradition. I always look forward to touring, I think we all do. We have a great time for the most part.
4. What is the format? is it each of you playing a set or alternating songs? playing on each other's songs?
We just play what we want and go down the line with them , some of the song get collaborated on some are left alone. For the most part we showcase our own songs and try and accent the other person's work somehow.
5. Some of the Saskatchewan shows have already sold out. Is that a gratifying feeling?
It's always nice to play a packed out venue to a couple of hundred people who are intent on listening. I guess you could say that's what it is all about.
6.How have the audiences been? Are you seeing some familiar faces? Are they calling out requests?
Great people, Quite a few familiar faces, people always want to hear their favorite songs.
7. Are you premiering new material on this tour or just old favourites?
Both!
8. You are finishing the tour in Lethbridge. Why?
It just where the tour ends I guess Leeroy and I both Live in the Bridge and John in Fort Macleod so it is home for us. It seemed like a great place to end it.
9. Are you recording any of these shows live? Is that something you have discussed or are interested in doing for a possible live CD?
We've talked about it, nothing is in the works at this point. But who knows?
10. How are the three of you different from each other as songwriters? Is that part of the appeal?
We have a similar thread through our work, but at the same time it is completely different. I guess our differences and similarities are part of what creates interest in the show.
11. What have you got planned for the Lethbridge show?
Lethbridge is close to home for us so we've decided to make our show a Food Bank benefit. We'll be handing over partial proceeds to the food bank.
It's our community, so being able to give back feels pretty great particularly at this time of year.
