With a background in rock music, Dan Davidson initially gained prominence as a member of Canadian rock band Tupelo Honey. However, it was his transition to country music that truly set his career ablaze. In 2016, he embarked on a solo venture, embracing the country genre with his unique blend of rock-infused country melodies and relatable lyrics.
Davidson’s debut single, ‘Found,' released in 2016, quickly became a radio hit in Canada, earning him widespread recognition. Infectious single ‘Barn Burner,' a high-energy track that further solidified his reputation as a rising star in the Canadian country music scene a year later. The song’s catchy hooks and Davidson’s dynamic performance resonated with listeners, earning him a dedicated fanbase that has supported his endeavours ever since. We had the pleasure of seeing Davidson in the UK the C2C festival in 2023 where he made a bunch of friends with his charismatic and infectious performances and so it was great to have him back in the country again at this year's Long Road festival where he closed down the Friday night and opened up the Saturday morning on the Front Porch stage, banishing the drizzle with a set of infectious songs and engaging on stage banter.
Welcome back to the UK Dan, thanks for your time today. You were last ones out, first ones in over the last 24 hours at the Long Road festival – how are you feeling?
(laughing) It didn't occur to me how early we were on this morning until I got into bed last night, looked at the clock and realised I needed to be back on stage in 5 hours time! We're here as an acoustic trio, which is not what we normally do, but the energy from the ‘big show' was still there in both sets, so that was great.
When you play festivals do you change your set or approach compared to when it's your own headline shows?
Not so much, although in this case, yes, because of the cost of getting over here. I'm still trying to establish myself as a headlining act in the UK and it will take a minute to get there but I want to keep aiming for it. The UK Country scene is becoming really cool and we're starting to see familiar faces at our shows now as well.
Canadian artists are becoming quite well loved in some important places over in the UK as well.
Yeah. What's cool is that we do Country music very similar to the way Americans do it but we also kinda have our own flavour. We're not all marching in the same direction and I think that appeals to UK fans as well.
After this festival you are playing a sold out in York I believe?
That's right. It's a vinyl shop and cafe. It's not a massive room but we have sold it out, which is all you can do! (laughing)
We last spoke in November around the release of your ‘Nineteen Eighty Something' project. How do you feel that project worked for you now that you have had some time to reflect on it?
It was an interesting project. It came out at a time I was heading out on my first headlining tour in Canada and it gave us a lot to talk about. There are a couple of songs on that record that I think are world class and that I really believe in. That record helped me land a record deal in Australia so that was cool, I have some boots on the ground there now too.
You've been to Australia, you've been to France, played Spain, Italy and the UK. Are Country fans the same the world over or have you noticed regional differences?
There are some differences. Australia and Canada are quite similar in terms of them being always in party mode! (laughing) In the UK there is some of that but there are a lot of people that gravitate towards the songwriting and the Americana side of things, I like that, because people will listen carefully to what the artist has to say.
In mainland Europe the focus is just mainly line dancing! (laughing) They're obsessed. The first time I ever went over there , when nobody knew who I was, there was still, like, 800 people line dancing in my soundcheck! (laughing) They kinda dress up in tassels and boots and really dive into the whole look and experience. However they want to love the music, that's fine by me. Luckily, I have a set full of great line dance songs because there's a lot of fiddle in there, right?
When we did speak last November you were hinting to me that your next project might be a little more on the songwriter side. Have you made any progress towards that?
I have. I do have a few songs more in that zone, a little more heartfelt, a little more artistic that I am working on right now. It'll be full band but leaning more on the acoustic instruments. I have two songs that I'm really excited about but I think I still need to balance things out because when people come and see me live it's the uptempo and energetic songs that really connect with people, so I need to keep those coming too.
The question mark in my head is how to thread the needle between my existing body of work and the newer songs, maybe we can still do both? A theatre gig is a different crowd and a different energy than a smaller, more intimate show, so I guess it's about knowing your crowd.
‘Found' is your signature song. Your ‘Livin' on a Prayer' or ‘Final Countdown' right? Have you ever done a stripped down or different version of that song as I guess you can't not ever play it?
Yeah, I've played that song about a billion times now! (laughing) Sometimes it just happens and I'm not even aware I'm playing it! (laughing) We did a couple of things for Sirius XM where we changed it up a little and did a Cyndi Lauper cover too!
You've been nominated for a number of CCMAs this year. Am I talking to the personality of the year right now? You are on a radio show with Stella Stevens that has been nominated, amongst other things. What's the deal there?
We're on one of Canada's oldest stations in Edmonton, it's over 70 years old. It's kind of classic station in Canada, right? They asked me to come in and do mornings and I was, like, ‘But I'm a musical artist that still has to go out on tour!' They were fine with that and it's been awesome, such a cool thing to be a part of. I get to learn a whole new set of skills and entertain people in the mornings. We talk about my career a lot and so it's good branding and exposure too! It all ties together really nicely.
My 21 year old daughter often gives me the advice when I'm online or talking to Country artists of ‘Don't get cancelled!' Does that worry you when you are on air?
(laughing) I'm pretty careful with what I say although there are some days where I'm, like, ‘let's just go to commercial, now then!'(laughing)
That's not the only nomination you are up for is it?
No, I launched a concert series this year called ‘Heartstrings and Honky Tonks' which I'm really proud of. It's like a Nashville style songwriters round which is broadcast live on air, like the Opry would be, but it's set up in a more Bluebird kind of way. It's been a huge success and we got nominated for that show. My band guys have been nominated for awards too, so we are well represented this year.
What's the plan for the rest of the year?
That's a good question! First up are the CCMAs in September. At the same time I've been developing a children's TV show too! After that I'm working on the next record and trying to get as many good, new songs as we possibly can for that. We're planning to head back to Australia next summer and some more ‘Heartstrings and Honky Tonk' shows in Canada too. I'd love to find the time to come back to the UK as well as I think we are starting to work here now as well, I love the people here and the respect they have for the artists and the music.
As far as the TV show goes, what's the deal there, is it an animated show?
No, it's a live action show with puppets! It's absurd. It's called ‘Dan Sandwich' and we've had some big meetings with international companies and it sounds like we are going to have it ready to go and roll out for next year.
I interviewed Kristian Bush from Sugarland recently and you remind me of him, a talented creative with your fingers in so many pies. You are not ever likely to get bored, are you? (laughing)
You can't stop in the entertainment world, if you stop you are standing still and you get left behind. It sucks sometimes because life is always so very busy but I'm grateful to be able to work on so many different projects.
Check our Dan Davidson on his website and socials right here.
