The quintet known as The Glorious Sons is in a unique spot of having built up a healthy career in their native Canada, but not yet having done a headlining tour in the United States. Winners of 2013’s HTZ-FM Rocksearch, three of the four singles from their latest album The Union hit the #2 spot on the Canadian Rock Charts. Ultimately, The Glorious Sons were the most played new artist on Canadian rock radio last year, with only Pearl Jam receiving more spins within the rock format. The Union was nominated for a Juno (essentially a Canadian Grammy) for Rock Album Of The Year at the 2015 Awards and the Sons were winners of Rock Artist Of The Year at the 2015 SiriusXM Indie Awards.
In talking with frontman and lyricist Brett Emmons, it is apparent that Brett and his bandmates – which include guitarists Jay Emmons and Andrew Young, bassist Chris Huot and drummer Adam Paquette — are prepared for this challenge. The first gig on the tour altogether will be on October 7th at Santos Party House, for which a few tickets are still available for sale.
Who or what was it that made you want to pursue a career in music?
Brett Emmons: When I was fifteen, some kids in my high school approached me and asked if I would like to sing in their band. They thought my charismatic personality would carry over onstage. After a few practices, they kicked me out on the grounds of wanting a real singer. I went home that night, kidnapped my brother’s guitar and sang as loud as I could. Before I knew it, I was singing and playing every night. Playing cover songs turned into writing originals, into starting a band. I have been possessed ever since. I can’t explain the feeling. But to create and own something and just know you have it forever, and know it’s yours no matter what, is the single most gratifying feeling in the world.
How would you describe your forthcoming album The Union to someone not privileged to hear an advance of it?
B: Dirty, sexy, smart rock and roll. We didn’t own a single pedal while we were writing that album. I don’t think any of us could tell you what song was popular at the time. It’s just five guys playing their instruments loudly, and proudly.
What’s to be expected from your upcoming gig at Santo’s Party House?
S: I’m not sure if you could call our live shows “sexy,” but they are dirty and sweaty. We like to go into a venue and burn it down. We approach the stage with reckless abandon, and try to have more fun every time.
As your first headlining tour of the U.S., what are you looking forward to most?
B: I love the sub-cultures and different pockets of America. There are so many different worlds to explore and take in. From Louisiana to New York City, California to Texas, there is so much to learn. Your country is truly one of the most interesting and scariest places in the world.
Your upcoming tour is named after The Contender yet that’s not the title track of your new album. Is it comparison of touring and its having to impress new people to the fight of boxing? Or have I looked into that a little too literally?
B: You’re close to the rabbit hole. I have been an avid boxing fan my whole life. One of the songs on the album is called “The Contender.” You could look into it deeply, but for the most part it’s just got a ring to it.
What do you feel is the biggest misconception about being in a Canadian band?
B: I don’t know. I’m not sure I’m that self-aware. I’m not sure it’s much different from being in an American band. It’s definitely a smaller and closer-knit scene in Canada, and I feel like the traveling is a little more rigid. But other than that, I think the misconceptions about musicians and/or being in a band are universal, and have little to do with their country.
Of all the other bands with “sons” in their name, who is your favorite?
B: I really enjoy the singer’s voice in The Rival Sons. Perhaps they are.
Once this U.S. tour wraps, what’s ahead for The Glorious Sons?
B: We will continue The Contender Tour for six weeks across Canada, then we’ll be taking a much needed break from touring, and will begin working on our second album.
Finally, Brett, any last words for the kids?
B: If you are different, and you like to create, take the leap and throw yourself into something you are passionate about. Chances are you’ll learn that there are many others who are different, too.
-by Darren Paltrowitz
