What are your names?
Casey Shea and Joe Guese
What is the band’s name?
Grand Canyon
How did you come up with the band’s name?
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.
What is your genre of music?
Rock n roll–with a pint of jingle jangle on the side.
Give us a little bio about you.
Grand Canyon was born in Los Angeles, California, featuring the writing of lead singer, Casey Shea, and guitarist, Joe Guese. We draw from classic songwriting of the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s and we’re trying to revive the classic California sound of bygone years against the computer-driven, milquetoast mono-sound of the present age.
What made you go into music?
I think for both of us it was a love of the Beatles and the classic bands and artists of the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Who are your influences?
The Beatles, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Warren Zevon–Dylan, obviously.
Are you signed?
Yes, we are signed to Bodan Kuma records here in Los Angeles, California.
You released your new single ‘Heart Of Gold’, tell us more about the single. What is the meaning behind the single?
Optimism and beauty and their irresistible power are the force driving “Heart of Gold”–plus the guitar playing of Pete Townsend and the allusive Biblical ramblings of Blood On The Tracks-era Bob Dylan.
What was the writing and recording process like?
The writing a recording process usually starts with a guitar riff or chord progression followed by Casey adding melody and lyrics.
Describe the track in two words.
Ave Maria.
Who did you work with on the single?
We worked together in Casey’s garage during the pandemic along with our good friend Adam Popick (Madi Diaz, Matt Nathanson). Casey’s a tinkerer–this album owes much to his tinkering.
Tell us more about the Music video for ‘‘Heart Of Gold’.
The video for “Heart of Gold” came out two weeks ago on YouTube and features the cinematography of guitarist Joe Guese and the intoxicating light of the City of Angels.
Will we see an album or EP this year and if so what can we expect from it?
Yes, the full length record “Forevermore” is due out in early autumn–and it’ll be on vinyl as well.
Do you have any shows or a tour coming up and if so let us know where we can catch you?
We will be playing a few shows throughout the summer in Los Angeles and hopefully touring the UK this fall. Follow us on social media for current bookings.
What else can we expect in 2022?
As I think we’ve all learned in the last few years–expect the unexpected.
Will we see any collaborations and if so, can you tell us more about them?
Nothing currently on the books but we’re open to working with other artists.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Basking in champagne and glory? Under a bridge? The world is an uncertain place–but wherever we find ourselves, let there be a guitar or two.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Have a good time all the time”
Viv Savage (Spinal Tap)
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Guitar, Amp, cables, pedal board, and a pint or two…
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Website
Instagram
Twitter
