David Boyd Janes

GOCCM: So, although this is our first time meeting, I have been following your socials since my friends at PNP Promotions started showing videos and talking about you.

DBJ: Thank you.

GOCCM: So, too bad this was during Covid, or we could actually shake hands or hug.

DBJ: Right (both laugh)

GOCCM: You are from Toronto, but do you still live in the city?

DBJ: I do. I currently live with my Mom and Dad. I moved back home. I was living on my own since I was 21, but when I decided to fully jump into music, to get rid of some overhead costs, I moved back in with my parents so I could put those finances towards my band and my career.

GOCCM: Parents are wonderful aren’t they?

DBJ: I thought my parents were going to tell me I was crazy when I said I wanted to leave my job and move back home, but they have been extremely supportive. They come out to every single one of my shows. They are going to be here tonight in Barrie. Without them, that support system is key to a lot of things, so I am very, very grateful for their patience and understanding. So, yes, it is awesome.

GOCCM: I am sure they want to see you succeed. So your rise in the music world, to me, looks like it’s been fairly recent. What was your prior career?

DBJ: So I have been doing music since I was 12, and then I kind of took a little step back from it because I had some things happen that turned me off of the industry. But I was working for heating and cooling sales, HVAC residential sales, mainly out of Hamilton. I was doing that for about 10 years, and it was fun. It was a great job. But, in my heart I was not happy.

GOCCM: No, really you are not. When you are an artist at heart, no regular job is really going to make you happy.

DBJ: I don’t know how you realize you are an artist. It’s like I just realized that I love music. And so for me, it was just like I wasn’t happy until I could do music and play music and be a part of that, you know. And I have never been happier. Now it’s just like I am so grateful that I get to do music full-time.

GOCCM: I could see that with the smile on your face. My question was going to be, what does it feel like to go from your job to an awarded country music artist. And I can see it now and the joy is right there in your face.

DBJ: I’m just so grateful. I did a TV show taping a couple weeks ago, and I walked onto the set and I cried. The producers came over to me ,and they are like oh my god, is everything okay. Are you okay? I said, this is just so beautiful. I can’t believe that this is for me to do a thing on television. I was just 12 years old with a dream. And it makes me emotional even now talking about it, because when I am saying this to you, in my mind I am picturing all the things that have happened since I was 12, and I feel like I am in a dream, and I hope I never wake up.

GOCCM: The merchandise you have available includes hats, bottle openers and “Thoughts Become Things” bracelets. Tell me about this motto and why it means so much to you.

DBJ: Well, first of all I am going to get you one of those bracelets. And for me, everything revolves around that. That is the most important thing to me — not fame, not money, not any of that stuff. The most important thing to me is to inspire other people to chase their dreams, and I truly mean that.

I feel like, only three years ago, I was living in a corporate world very different than what’s happening now. But I wasn’t in my element. I wasn’t doing what I was put on this earth to do, and I truly believe, in my heart, the reason why I am here on this earth is just to spread a positive message, to share music and entertainment, to bring joy to fans and others who are just out looking for a good time.

And I feel like at this time of Covid, it really hits home because people are so excited to hear music. People are so excited to get out and be with people again. And I feel like I am a part of that movement. I am a part of giving someone an escape to just get out and have fun.

GOCCM: And it is an escape. Who would have ever thought we would be going to a drive-in to watch a concert? And yet, we are. This is my first, so I am excited.

DBJ: Oh cool. I am honoured. That’s awesome.

GOCCM: I read somewhere that you called non-believers “Jelly Clowns.”

DBJ: (hearty laugh) I love that you know that.

GOCCM: I never heard that expression before so do you want to elaborate on what a Jelly Clown means to you? (laughter)

DBJ: You are amazing! I can’t believe you are asking me this question. That is so beautiful. A Jelly Clown…so I, this is so great (laugh), I call people rather than saying something vulgar towards someone that you think is a moron, I call them a clown. Cause I just think it’s a funny thing to say to someone, like stop being a clown instead of stop being an a-hole or whatever, you call them a clown. The word clown just makes you smile. So a Jelly Clown is a jealous clown.

GOCCM: oh, so that makes sense to me.

DBJ: For me, I have met some artists where, oh it’s not fair, and I should be here, and I am like, listen, just stop focusing on that and focus on just being grateful that you are here.

It’s not about, I should be a this or a that. Just be grateful that you are here and stop being jealous of other people’s success. And stop, excuse my language, being an ass. So I just call it a Jelly Clown. That is so funny, I love that you asked me that question. Best question of the year!

GOCCM: Oh great.

DBJ: I do a lot of interviews, so that is a good question. Thank you.

GOCCM: Although you are certain to have many more, what do you consider the highlight of your career to date?

DBJ: I would have to say winning Boots & Hearts.

GOCCM: I was thinking you might say that.

DBJ: Yeah, Boots & Hearts. There have been a lot of great moments, but winning Boots & Hearts is unbelievable. I am so grateful for what Chevy has done, Boots & Hearts family and Warner Music Canada. It’s incredible.

GOCCM: Your audience tonight will be honking and flashing lights, I expect, to let you know that, although they are out in the cars, they are having fun and enjoying a David Boyd Janes experience.

DB J: It’s going to be fun.

GOCCM: So, thanks for sitting down with us before showtime.

DBJ: And truly it is so nice to meet you. So thank you again.

GOCCM: You are welcome.