Past and Present and Rotating Castaways and Misfits:
Joseph Blood-Voice and Acoustic Guitar,
Jeff Younger-Electric Guitar,
Meredith Bates-Violin,
Aaron Joyce-Dobro and Mandolin,
Mary Kastle-Keys,
Tim Huston- Drums,
Michael Vaughn-Bass,
Russell Sholberg-Bass,
Johhny Walsh- Bass,
Mike Magnasun- Drums,
Michael Simpson- Drums
Influences
among many others
Sounds Like
"Swerves dangerously close to Susnet Strip during the Gn'R years: Mike Usinger (Music Editor, Georgia Straight)
"His knowledge of music and record making is second to none. I
would recommend Joseph for any session and or touring gig." Jeff Dawson (Record Producer, Dan Powter, Holly McNarland)
"A classy musician" Bruce Levens (founder, Greenhouse Studios, Vancouver)
He’s been called the “Second coming of Gram Parsons” a “true renaissance man” and “one of the classiest musicians you’ll meet”. However you want to see him Joseph Blood strives to entertain and expand his horizons at every turn on the road.
Blood’s career as an acclaimed Vancouver based guitar player has seen him play with groups like Jakalope, Bend Sinister, Crystal Pistol, Nim Vind and Jessica Beach. He has played stages on seven different countries and has shared bills with acts ranging from 2 Live Crew, Demented are Go and Spirit of the West. It doesn’t get more varied than that.
His self produced, debut full length “For Friends and Family” is his foray to the front of the stage. “Hitting all the best parts of modern Americana” Blood’s songs are a blend of dark country, celtic punk and chamber pop. His self described “acid-country” has been winning him fans across North America and Europe as more and more people latch on to his urgent, captivating melodies and songs.
He writes about living on the road, love found and lost and all the booze and heartache that fills up the cracks of life. And he certainly knows what he’s talking about.
After seven years of professionally touring, Joseph has his share of stories. From playing world war 2 army bunkers in Germany to showing up to gigs to find a dead body inside, he has seen just about everything that the road has to offer. Just about.
“That’s why I keep playing,” says Blood. “I’m pretty much unemployable in any conventional sense but I’m able to travel and have all these crazy experiences. There’s always somewhere new to go or someone new to meet. It never stops being exciting.”
Everything/person he comes across may not make it into a song but he certainly has a deep well to draw from. It’s evident in the self-deprecatory “Rock’n’roll is Gonna Ruin My Life” where he sings about loading up a van in the rain at five in the morning and eating nothing but toast. Or perhaps in “East Van Kitchen”, a straight up boot stomper that describes life in a squat in the notorious Canadian district.
“I always see the beauty and comedy in the things that other people might find bizarre or even repulsive. I like to draw out the parts of a situation that allow you to get through it.”
But don’t get him wrong, take a listen to “Best Not to Talk” or “Cemetery Town” and it’s evident that Blood has a distinct connection to the darker, heart breaking aspect of life.
Truthfully “For Friends and Family” is a remarkably diverse record. Four to the floor drinking songs are followed up with minimalist murder ballads. The smarmy swagger of “Whiskey and Wine” has you singing at the top of your longs while the album’s closer “November Morning” is a lush orchestral piece featuring a string quartet. Guest vocal spots from the Be Good Tanya’s Frazey Ford and Toronto’s Rebecca Ramone offer distinct shades of the great collaborations between Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris.
“Life isn’t one dimensional. It’s constantly in flux. Good, bad, love and anger. It’s all part of the same mess we’re in and my songs are just my own way of trying to come to terms with it all. If any one else happens to find something in them that they can relate too than that is just a bonus. It means I’m not totally nuts.”
Hi joseph.. yes.. i was at your last show.. i was.. but on the street.. driving round and round.. not finding a place to park without gouging my left eye as exchange for the spot.. so after half hour.. i thought that~~well, at the price of gas~~~ i may even miss his show by now.. or just arrive for the last 2 .. darn darn darn Joseph.. Sorry.. I know you must have cried not seeing me, i know i broke your heart not being squeezed to death in an uncalled for BEARHUG..
Joseph, Joseph!! We came to watch your performance yesterday but they told us that they were going to move it until much later because it was Wedn. night. So we could not wait 2 hours but I missed not seeing your show that is so neat, positive and invigorating. I hope I don't miss the next one!!
Your Invited to see Will Peppers perform Live at the 9th Annual Cops vs Jocks Celebrity Softball Game to Benefit MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Tues May 26th 2009 at Sgt Jerry Mundy Memorial Park in Mount Juliet, TN. Gates open at 6pm. Game starts at 7pm and concert will follow with performances by WILL PEPPERS and CHRIS YOUNG! Tickets are only $10.00 and Kids 10 & Under are FREE! The Mount Juliet Police Department will take on 98 WSIX, your favorite TN Titans Players, Vince Gill, members from Lonestar, Bo Bice, Carolina Rain, and Many more! Bring the family out for a night of fun and entertainment and support a great cause! Please pass the words to your family and friends. Hope to see you there! Peace, Will Peppers New Music Weekly's 2008 New Country Artist of the Year Award winner
Joseph your show was absolutely AMAZING at the BOURBON MAY 16th, there was not enough room for all the musicians everyone was so GRAND TO LOOK AT AND LISTEN TO. YOU ARE AMAZING JOSEPH. I SHALL TRY TO NOT MISS ANY OF YOUR OTHER SHOWS.. THANKS SO MUCH FOR SUCH A GREAT SHOW. THANKS.
We were happy to have you on the bill. Sometimes those random nights work out quite nicely. We can definitely help you guys out with more shows or whatever when you come back in the fall. We're heading West this August and it would be great to set up some shows in Vancouver/BC with a hot local act such as yourself.
YOU WERE SO GREAT TONIGHT AND THE BAND.. THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY SUPER. EVERY SINGLE PERSON WAS REALLY HAPPY. HAVE A SUPER TOUR..Sorry but in French STAGE MONSTER, means KING ON STAGE.. i had forgotten that i was translating.. I am so sorry. I hope you forgive me!!
Hello, it's that time of the month again when we add more lovely music to our site. This month's happy foursome are The Barker Band in wistful mode, the summer of love-ish Old Californio, the anything but summer love-ish Christopher Rees and, wait for it..."Travelling Salesman's Young Wife Home Alone On Christmas In Montpelier, VT" from Casiotone For The Painfully Alone, which evenr if it was rubbish (and it's not) just had to be included for the names alone.
YAYYYY All the way to Ontario, sault ste marie, toronnnnnoooo... wow. this is getting big.. i am so glad. are you preparing the sandwiches?? this is truly exciting, truly exciting.. see you on the 4th.. am getting the Tshirt washed for that occasion. I could not find it the last time i came to see you perform., darn darn i thought. I am purring with pride JJ...
Let me know what the Dirty Jersey is like sometime...that sounds alright. Say hi to Spencer at the Palomino for us, we got four gigs with him this coming summer...They been good to us and we sold a tonne of beer...cheers bud..joe
Wow! Covering a lot of ground in a short time frame there my friend. Haven't said hi for a while. Glad to see you're hard at it kicking it out. Brother T
Itâs that time of the month and our site has four new tracks up for your listening enjoyment.
This monthâs box of delights include the swaggering groove of Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, the insanely catchy folk-pop of Antje Duvekot, the languid Great Lake Swimmers and, a little belatedly but better late than never, The Young Republic.
A particularly strong month, even if we do say so ourselves. Check them out, you won't regret it.
STOPPED BY TO GIVE SOME LOVE AND RESPECT!! STOP BY AND CHECK OUT THE FEATURED ARTIST OF THE WEEK. BANDS CAN PROMOTE ON MY SITE !!COME VOTE ON YOUR FAVORITE PICTURE FROM CRUE FEST '08! HAVE A KICK ASS JAMIN' DAY!!! KIM
Think you've got what it takes to be the next singer for SDT? Know someone who does?
This is your chance to work with one of Canada's premiere up & coming hard rock bands!
- Radio Support at 99.3 The Fox Vancouver, 94X Prince George, 104.9 The Wolf Regina, 91X Belleville, Rock 105 Medicine Hat, Rock 106 Sarnia, 98.3 CIFM Kamloops. - WESTERN CANADIAN TOUR BOOKED - APRIL 4 - APRIL 18 (REGINA & BACK) - SCHEDULED TO PLAY X-FEST 3 AUG 7 Weekend in Bradon MB (4 WEEK TOUR TO FOLLOW) - Upcoming Radio Tracking VIA Dale Speaking (for NEW album / tours) - recently opened for Sloan, Pride Tiger, Powerman 5000, Drowning Pool, Zimmers Hole. - Cameo appearance and song ("Rusty") in the new Steven Seagal movie "Killswitch" (out NOW) - Another song in a new big-budget movie - TBA - support from rocks heavy-hitters: Mike Fraser, Joey Moi, Chad Kroeger, Jeff Dawson, Dine Alone, Roadrunner Records and many more. - working with Jeff Johnson & Gordini (Jet Black Stare) Feb / March 2009. - Swollen Members / SDT collaboration *(4 songs; 2 originals & 2 covers) in Feb / March 2009. - band endorsements/sponsorships w/Sol Beer, Rain City Drums, Prestige Guitars, Revolution Army Clothing & S.I.T. Strings, Mesa Boogie AMPS.
AUDITIONS ARE BEING HELD UNTIL MARCH 1ST 2009. CONTACT SDT'S MANAGEMENT COMPANY TO APPLY:
Online Now!
