The Los Angeles based rock and roll band, Grand Canyon, released their debut UK single ‘Heart Of Gold’ on 15th April. It is the first single from their forthcoming album ‘Forevermore’ that will be released later this year. Described as “A flashback to the glory of Seventies pop-rock, coed harmonies, electric-guitar jangle and California cool” by Rolling Stone, it is the type of music that the modern-day music scene is asking for.
We catch up with Grand Canyon’s guitarist, Joe Guese, who talks about the origin of the band, latest accomplishments, and what’s in store for 2022…
Tell us a little bit about the band and where you are from?
Grand Canyon is from Los Angeles, California, featuring the writing of lead singer, Casey Shea, and myself as guitarist. We draw from classic songwriting of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s and we’re trying to revive the classic California sound against the computer-driven, milquetoast mono-sound of the present age.
How did you form the band?
The band formed in 2014 when Casey moved to LA. A mutual friend thought we were kindred spirits and after a game of golf together, we realized were kindred spirits in musical taste. Since that first post-golf beer, we’ve been together ever since. It was love at first sight–both our wives agree.
How did you come up with the name Grand Canyon?
Our dear friend Greg Collins (also a great producer and engineer) had a list of fantasy band names, and that one stuck. It captured the expansive sound of jangling guitars and soaring melodies that have come to be our signature.
Who or what inspired you to become musicians?
It was an early love of the Beatles that inspired us both.
Who are your biggest role models and why?
Tom Petty, The Beatles, and Roy Orbison. We’ve always had a great respect for honesty in music, and these artists always followed the beat of their own drum (as it were).
What would you consider as your greatest accomplishment so far?
Forming a band in our 30’s, sticking with it through babies, divorce, marriage and a global pandemic. Our favourite moment so far was playing a sold-out out show at St. Pancras Church in London.
What would you like to achieve?
World domination. And then a pint.
If you weren’t professional musicians, what else might you have picked as a profession?
Joe would definitely be an engineer on a steam train; Casey would be a professional golfer.
If you could collaborate and perform with anyone on the planet, who would it be and why?
The Killers. They are kindred spirits in terms of classic American songwriting.
What’s the hardest part about performing and writing an album?
About writing: When do you stop tinkering? Casey is a committed tinkerer. When is something finally finished??
Have you any new song releases and/or albums?
Yes. Our new album, Forevermore, comes out in early autumn 2022.
What inspired your latest single ‘Heart of Gold’?
The guitar playing of Pete Townsend and the biblically allusive lyrical ramblings of Blood On The Tracks era Bob Dylan.
Where can we support you and follow your journey?
Send money to Chase Bank, account #8675309. But seriously, look us up on Instagram.
What would be your advice be to anyone who is an aspiring musician?
Keep the faith and make good art. It’s not easy.
What’s next for you in 2022?
We’re looking forward to the record release in the fall and hoping to play shows in the UK and beyond. And then world domination followed by a pint with friends old and new.
Watch Grand Canyon’s new single ‘Heart of Gold’ here.
Check out more Entertainment Now music news, reviews and interviews here.
