What is the band’s name?
JD & The Straight Shot
Who are the band members of JD & The Straight Shot and what instrument does everyone play?
Jim Dolan (vocals, guitar)
Marc Copely (guitar, mandolin, vocals)
Byron House (upright bass, banjo)
Erin Slaver (violin, vocals)
Shawn Pelton (drums, percussion)
Carolyn Dawn Johnson(guitar, vocals)
JD & The Straight Shot recently released the new album The Great Divide. Tell us about the album’s all-acoustic Americana sound, the band’s influences, etc.
We’re all into different music, but one thing we have in common is we love great songs. So we tend to listen to bands like The Eagles, CSN, etc.
Is there a main theme or meaning behind the album?
We were all talking about the division among citizens in our country and the album’s title track “The Great Divide” came from that.
What was the writing process like for The Great Divide?
We all got together a ton and workshopped ideas to start with. After that, we all brought in ideas that were either complete or close to it to add to the pile.
What was the recording process like?
It was pretty easy since we did a good amount of pre production, and also had been on tour so we were warmed up. Once we had the songs dialed in, we got the studio and that was that.
What can you tell us about the band’s cover of the Allman Brothers Band’s all-instrumental song “Jessica?” How was it selected to be a cover on the album?
Our frontman JD wanted to cover the song as a real workout for us all. The fast tempo is a blast to play and we all have to stay on point to pull that off. Personally, it really helped my mandolin playing to learn all of that. I loved learning that harmony line and the solo lines since it was so challenging for me.
Tell us about the concept for and shooting of the “Jessica” video.
A band in a room enjoying playing music together.
Watch Jessica here
JD & The Straight Shot will be hitting the road with singer-songwriters Matt Costa and Matt Hartke presented by SiriusXM’s Coffee House. What are you most looking forward to on the tour?
Playing!!!
Where will you be heading out on the SiriusXM’s Coffee House Presents Matt Costa, JD & The Straight Shot and Matt Hartke tour?
Does the band have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists? If not, who would you most want to collaborate with, and why? Not really. But if we had to choose I guess any of the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac?
What made you go into music?
Was there a song or artist that was most influential? It was really about hanging with my friends. I had no intention of pursuing it for a career, but once I got out and started playing live, I was hooked.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Eating and paying bills. Ha!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully making great music.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I read quite a bit, and love fly fishing.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
“Don’t give up your day job.” Since mine is playing music, I love my day job!
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
To work tirelessly to find your authentic self in your artistry.
You live in Nashville. Where would you say is a must go to visit?
Musicians Hall of Fame.
When you come off tour;
1/ Where do you go first? Home!
2/ Who do you see first? My wife and dog. Whoever gets to the door first.
3/What do you eat first? Anything healthy.
JD & The Straight Shot social media;
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
