David Boyd Janes has been making a name for himself for a handful of years now. Prior to winning the 2019 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase, he had multiple independently released songs on the Canadian country music charts.
I got to catch up with David to see what he’s been up to in 2020 and how he’s made the most of being a musician quarantined in a pandemic.
The Toronto-raised musician spent his early career not writing music, but in HVAC sales.
To make a long story short, a breakup and career change landed him on stage, doing what he loves, hoping that his story is a good reminder to people that one, money does not make you truly happy, and two, you have a whole life ahead of you, and changing your career is worth it to do something you love.
This is coming from an artist who spent the early days of his career doing all of his own artwork, bookings and PR. When learning about his background, DBJ laughed and said, “I went from selling furnaces and air conditioners, to selling my own voice.”
David Boyd Janes has been working on music throughout the pandemic. For him, like many artists, it’s very different to be connecting over Zoom to write a song.
It’s definitely been an adjustment period, considering he’s used to travelling down to Nashville to spend time in a room of writers. He’s been thinking a lot about independent artists and those without label support, and is truly appreciative of the grind, aside from a pandemic.
He really emphasized mental health and encouraged everyone to take care during this time. It’s been difficult to not spend the summer on the road at festivals, performing for live audiences, but can’t wait to get back to it.
David Boyd Janes got to participate in “Barrie’s First Drive-in Country Concert,” and while it wasn’t what he’d typically experience, it was great to perform again.
If you’ve mixed a David Boyd Janes track into your playlist, you’ll be familiar with his blend of contemporary and traditional country. This may have something to do with his family’s East Coast roots, and influences from various country classics like Charlie Pride, George Jones, George Strait, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, and Johnny Cash; just to name a few.
David’s goal as an artist is to be honest … the country music genre is about storytelling. To be a good storyteller, you have to write and perform lyrics that are meaningful to you, otherwise, you’re not going to connect with your audience.
What’s David Boyd Janes listening to these days?
Much like the rest of us, he’s a Luke Combs fan. He’s also been listening to Hardy’s latest release. He’s a huge fan and supporter of Canadian artists. He’s always listening to Tenille Townes, Mackenzie Porter, Lindsay Ell, Meghan Patrick, Robyn Ottolini (he highly recommends Girl Next Door), and Tyler Joe Miller. He’s also always spinning Waylon Jennings, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, and Ashley McBryde.
David Boyd Janes has one piece of advice for songwriters and artists … that you’re only as good as your last song.
Some people are given a platform and waste it. Some people are given a platform, recognize that it requires a lot of hard work, and they go to work. You just have to work hard and make it worth more.
There is more coming for David Boyd Janes … stay tuned for new releases in 2021.
You can connect with David Boyd Janes on Twitter and Instagram.
In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.
