OUTSKIRTS is a tribute to the awesomeness of the Canadian band, Blue Rodeo. Jeff Callery and company have assembled what we prefer to describe as one of the best shows to come out of Canada when comes to paying homage to the music of BR and the overwhelming discography of country blues rock classics in their memorable jukebox. Q10 invited Jeff to sit down with us, and tell us about Outskirts ahead of their summer music schedule.
1. What was your motivation behind starting up a Blue Rodeo show?
Ever since the first night I played a show in my teens, as a solo artist or in a band, I’ve been doing Rodeo Songs….they’ve supplied the soundtrack to my life as a working musician in Ontario….no matter what room I’m playing in, to whatever size crowd that’s joined me, a Blue Rodeo song wins the crowd over everytime. With that in mind, after a few years of mulling it over, once COVID disappeared, I figured I may not get another chance to do something this cool with such a great group of guys! So happy we decided to pull the trigger!
2. Of all the Blue Rodeo songs in your playlist, what’s your favourite song to play and why?
Bad Timing - I love that tune and have been playing it live since it was released…either solo or in the various bands I’ve been in …. it’s a beautiful song and the combo of melody and lyric just gets me in the feels..makes me want to write better songs!!
3. If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
If I could make one principal change, for Canadian Indie artists would be a government backed, artist focused streaming platform that puts priority on fair compensation and visibility for indie canadian artists. Could be a whole thing….I’ve got pages of a manifesto…lol
4. How do you think social media has altered the music industry?
Well, it has drastically increased accessibility to music and lowered barriers for entry…it’s shifted income streams and empowered alot of indie artists… fundamentally altered the industry.
5. What is the most challenging part of being in a Blue Rodeo tribute?
I can only speak for myself, but trying to capture Cuddy’s vocal is the hardest thing for me….he’s one of the finest singers to my mind, and I’ve been inspired for years by him. Every night I work hardest at trying to deliver it in a way that pays homage to the song as they were recorded and I’m never quite there in my mind.
6. What do you feel sets you apart from other ‘Blue rodeo” tributes?
Not sure about that one, but I think my bandmates are a notch above…they are incredibly talented fellows who bring their very best every show, every song. That’s our difference maker come out to see the show leave feeling like they were part of a great experience!
7. What would the ideal venue for a band like Outskirts to perform in , and the ultimate dream venue?
I think it would awesome to play this show at Massey Hall….it’s always been a dream of mine to play there, and there is something about doing this show in that room that would be pretty cool. As far as ideal venues for us, I think we have been able to do well in soft seat theatres, festivals and dance halls….really any room where folks have gathered to share in the Canadiana that is Blue Rodeo has seemed to hit the mark for us! And we’re just happy to playing this music and want to share it with everyone who wants to listen!
8. If you met someone not familiar with Outskirts or Blue Rodeo – how would you describe your music to them?
I would tell them that Blue Rodeo is a Canadian Band that seamlessly blends country, rock and folk music into a really rootsy and raw, heartfelt sound. Twangy guitars, soulful harmonies and lyrics about all the things we share - life, love and all the stuff in between
9. What’s a belief you had about being a band that has completely changed since you started in the music business?
I used to think being in a band was all about raw talent and late night jam sessions, just playing music and letting it happen, but I quickly learned that it’s as much about hustle, networking, marketing and grinding through the business to get heard and get some good shakes out of it!
10. On a personal note, what’s the best concert you have ever been to, and why was it so memorable?
Has to be James Taylor at the KRock Centre. A dear friend got me front row centre tickets for my wife and I and we were blown away. JT sat and spoke with me for a bit on the front of the stage for a couple minutes between sets and then proceeded to serenade my wife and I for the whole evening with nothing but hits. He sits on a stool when playing, so staring right down his mic stand… he was looking at us for most of the night. For me…it was like going to church….like Blue Rodeo, James Taylor has been a huge inspiration on my playing and writing…and he’s just such a cool guy. It was something we’ll always remember - but mostly him taking time to talk with us and be just a great guy.
1. What was your motivation behind starting up a Blue Rodeo show?
Ever since the first night I played a show in my teens, as a solo artist or in a band, I’ve been doing Rodeo Songs….they’ve supplied the soundtrack to my life as a working musician in Ontario….no matter what room I’m playing in, to whatever size crowd that’s joined me, a Blue Rodeo song wins the crowd over everytime. With that in mind, after a few years of mulling it over, once COVID disappeared, I figured I may not get another chance to do something this cool with such a great group of guys! So happy we decided to pull the trigger!
2. Of all the Blue Rodeo songs in your playlist, what’s your favourite song to play and why?
Bad Timing - I love that tune and have been playing it live since it was released…either solo or in the various bands I’ve been in …. it’s a beautiful song and the combo of melody and lyric just gets me in the feels..makes me want to write better songs!!
3. If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
If I could make one principal change, for Canadian Indie artists would be a government backed, artist focused streaming platform that puts priority on fair compensation and visibility for indie canadian artists. Could be a whole thing….I’ve got pages of a manifesto…lol
4. How do you think social media has altered the music industry?
Well, it has drastically increased accessibility to music and lowered barriers for entry…it’s shifted income streams and empowered alot of indie artists… fundamentally altered the industry.
5. What is the most challenging part of being in a Blue Rodeo tribute?
I can only speak for myself, but trying to capture Cuddy’s vocal is the hardest thing for me….he’s one of the finest singers to my mind, and I’ve been inspired for years by him. Every night I work hardest at trying to deliver it in a way that pays homage to the song as they were recorded and I’m never quite there in my mind.
6. What do you feel sets you apart from other ‘Blue rodeo” tributes?
Not sure about that one, but I think my bandmates are a notch above…they are incredibly talented fellows who bring their very best every show, every song. That’s our difference maker come out to see the show leave feeling like they were part of a great experience!
7. What would the ideal venue for a band like Outskirts to perform in , and the ultimate dream venue?
I think it would awesome to play this show at Massey Hall….it’s always been a dream of mine to play there, and there is something about doing this show in that room that would be pretty cool. As far as ideal venues for us, I think we have been able to do well in soft seat theatres, festivals and dance halls….really any room where folks have gathered to share in the Canadiana that is Blue Rodeo has seemed to hit the mark for us! And we’re just happy to playing this music and want to share it with everyone who wants to listen!
8. If you met someone not familiar with Outskirts or Blue Rodeo – how would you describe your music to them?
I would tell them that Blue Rodeo is a Canadian Band that seamlessly blends country, rock and folk music into a really rootsy and raw, heartfelt sound. Twangy guitars, soulful harmonies and lyrics about all the things we share - life, love and all the stuff in between
9. What’s a belief you had about being a band that has completely changed since you started in the music business?
I used to think being in a band was all about raw talent and late night jam sessions, just playing music and letting it happen, but I quickly learned that it’s as much about hustle, networking, marketing and grinding through the business to get heard and get some good shakes out of it!
10. On a personal note, what’s the best concert you have ever been to, and why was it so memorable?
Has to be James Taylor at the KRock Centre. A dear friend got me front row centre tickets for my wife and I and we were blown away. JT sat and spoke with me for a bit on the front of the stage for a couple minutes between sets and then proceeded to serenade my wife and I for the whole evening with nothing but hits. He sits on a stool when playing, so staring right down his mic stand… he was looking at us for most of the night. For me…it was like going to church….like Blue Rodeo, James Taylor has been a huge inspiration on my playing and writing…and he’s just such a cool guy. It was something we’ll always remember - but mostly him taking time to talk with us and be just a great guy.
Meet The Band
Jeff Callery - guitar/vocals
Randy Orr - bass/vocal
Andy Shick – steel guitar
Leigh Graham - keys/vocals
Mark Hunt - lead guitars/vocals
Glen Crotty - drums
Randy Orr - bass/vocal
Andy Shick – steel guitar
Leigh Graham - keys/vocals
Mark Hunt - lead guitars/vocals
Glen Crotty - drums
Upcoming ShowsJune 20th - Cruisin’ the 50’s 60’s 70’s Rock and Roll Festival - Stirling
July 5 - Rock the Acres Festival - Happy Green Acres - Mallorytown July 25 - Delta Fair - Delta ON November 15 - Brockville Legion |
Outskirts Video - Click and Enjoy! |
