Alan Doyle prepares to release first contemporary country album
‘Rough Side Out’ coming out on Feb. 19
Alan Doyle loves to please his fans.
So, when country artist Dean Brody asked him to collaborate on a tune, a few years ago, one of Canada’s best-loved singer-songwriters, sat up and listened.
“He had this wonderful song called ‘This is Friday.’ And he wanted to tinge the whole thing with a Newfoundlandtinged vibe. So, I got the boys together and we wrote a track,’’ says Doyle, during a telephone interview last Tuesday.
It was such a positive experience they became friends and soon he was being introduced to other country singers.
“In the process of chatting with Brody, Brett Kissel and a few others, I learned that bands like the Rankin Family and Great Big Sea were important building blocks for people in the Canadian country music world. So, I ended up wandering into that world, by association, and doing a bit of writing in Nashville with friends who are writing my favourite songs right now.”
One thing led to another and soon his musical friends were asking him to do a contemporary country album. So, he said yes.
“It was basically a response to an invitation,” says Doyle who is set to release his new EP, “Rough Side Out”, on Feb. 19.
Produced by Warner Music Canada, the seven-track album features “We Don’t Wanna Go Home”, a single with Brody, as well as an appearance by Jess Moskaluke, three-time Canadian Country Music Association female artist of the year, on the track “What the Whiskey Won’t Do.”
“To be honest, I really enjoyed their company and the music we made together. I’m grateful for their invitation.”
Known for his heartful ballads and energetic rock interpretations of traditional Newfoundland folk songs, the founding member of Great Big Sea is excited about the departure he’s taking on his new album.
“The friends who are making music that I love the most are making country music and writing country songs, so I’m happy to go dance in that world for a while.
And while he doesn’t plan to trade fishing boats and rolling waves for cowboy hats and big trucks anytime soon, he likes the subjects of the songs.
“They have never been closer to home.”
For example, the first song on the EP is “We’re Going to Love Tonight.” On one level it sounds like a whimsical party song.
“But not for me. That’s song is about a contract that I make with people when they buy a ticket to one of my concerts. It’s an important thing. So, if someone is going to give me their night, well I’m going to give them the best night I can.”
“Anywhere You Want to
Go” is a fun, sing-along pub song — a tip of the hat to his tenure as a pub singer in St. John’s before Great Big Sea.
“It’s being the guy in the corner of the Rose and Thistle or Trapper John’s willing to sing whatever will make the bar happiest. I have so much respect for guys who do that.”
He describes the first single on the album, “We Don’t Wanna Go Home,” as “an honest conversation that he’s had through his life.” The song, which comes with a sing-along chorus that he’s famous for, is autobiographical.
“The gig is over. It’s midnight or 12:30 by the time you pack up the band at the theatre. And you race down the street like a madman because there’s a pub that’s open. Then, when you arrive, you’re just in time for the last call.
“If you’re a touring musician, trust me, over the years you hone and practise the pitch you’re going to deliver to the bartender to keep the bar open for one more round because your night is just starting.”