Gord’s ‘Rollin” and the Raw Passion of Heartfelt Rock Storytelling

From the raw, electrifying energy of the Stray Cats to the epic grandeur of Iron Maiden, and the poignant storytelling of Kris Kristofferson, one artist has distilled these influences into a potent, personal blend of rock and roll. Today, we’re diving into the world of Gord, a singer-songwriter and guitarist whose new album, ‘Rollin’,’ is poised to ignite the rock scene. Gord’s journey began with a single spark, ignited by the sound of Brian Setzer’s guitar, setting him on a path of lifelong dedication to music. ‘Rollin” is more than just an album; it’s a testament to resilience, a sonic exploration of life’s peaks and valleys. Each track, penned entirely by Gord, resonates with an authenticity that speaks to the universal human experience. This is a record that doesn’t just play; it drives, it pulses, it lives. ‘Rollin” is a soundtrack for anyone who’s ever faced adversity, celebrated triumph, or simply sought a genuine connection through music. Join us as we explore the heart and soul behind this powerful new release, as we welcome Gord.

Rollin’ is a high-energy rock album filled with resilience and passion. What was the inspiration behind this album, and what personal experiences shaped its creation?

Gord: It was mostly a collection of songs I was working on and when it came down to picking the final tracks I just picked what I felt was right for the album. It was quite early in the process that I picked Rollin to be the title track. The rest of the songs just fell in place really. The overall inspiration is really just viewing the world and the struggles people have and trying to write songs that people can relate to.

You’ve cited influences like Stray Cats, Iron Maiden, and Kris Kristofferson. How do these artists specifically impact your sound and songwriting style on Rollin’?

Gord: I’m not sure specifically if any one of those influences impacts this particular record but certainly in my playing there are some influences. There are a couple of harmony guitar sections which kind of have a Maiden vibe for sure. I hope I can write lyrics as deep and meaningful as Kris Kristofferson does. I try to at least.

You wrote every song on this album yourself. What’s your typical songwriting process like? Do you start with a riff, a lyric, or a particular theme in mind?

Gord: Usually it’s a riff. Most of the time that’s how I work. But there are those times that you get a song title or a theme and you go from there. I think on this one most of the music was done before I wrote the lyrics. Then I just kind of let the music guide the rest of the process.

The album explores themes of perseverance, self-discovery, and struggle. Was there a particular moment in your life that made these themes especially important to you?

Gord: I think what makes the journey of life great is making mistakes or going through rough patches. That’s how you grow. The song Rollin is much like that in the sense that you pick yourself up and keep Rollin on. Certainly everyone in the world went through a difficult time a few years ago. That is kind of reflected in a few of the songs for sure. It definitely made me look at things differently. It’s kind of taking broader themes and crafting little stories about them.

Rollin’ is packed with powerful guitar work and electrifying riffs. How do you approach crafting a guitar solo that truly speaks to the emotion of a song?

Gord: It’s really something that isn’t explainable, for me anyhow. I just kind of imagine it in my head and start playing it. Then craft it from there.

The title track, ‘Rollin’, has been described as empowering and tenacious. What does this song mean to you personally?

Gord: Kind of what I mentioned earlier. The idea that you pick yourself up and keep rollin on no matter what life throws at you. Don’t let the negative things bring you down. Always look for the positive in every situation.

‘Built to Crumble’ is a standout track with deep lyrical meaning. How did the idea for this song come about?

Gord: It was really just a realization that the quality of things just isn’t like it used to be. For example take an appliance like a stove or something. They just aren’t built to last. They are built in order to make you buy a new one in a few years. Then that idea kind of grew to a more broader reflection of different aspects of society in general.

‘Same Shit Different Pile’ takes a blunt, humorous approach to the cycles of life. What inspired the raw honesty of this track?

Gord: Just a simple realization that often people try to get out of a situation whether it be a job or relationship and jump into something new and realize it’s really the same thing. The desperation of wanting to get out of something only to end up exactly in the same place.

‘Camp Fire’ offers a more optimistic, feel-good moment on the album. Was this track based on a personal experience?

Gord: For sure. There’s nothing like sitting around a camp fire and having a few drinks, listening to great music and reminiscing about old times or planning for the future. You wish those moments won’t end.

‘Where Have All the Good Ones’ has an anthemic quality. What was your vision for this track when you were writing and recording it?

Gord: I just really wanted an uptempo, kick ass rocker, I guess. The kind of song that brings a lot of energy to show.

‘Take It All’ is the longest track on the album and has been described as immersive and transcendental. What makes this song a fitting conclusion to the album?

Gord: This song was actually an older song of mine that just seemed to fit right in. So I reworked it a little but. Being that it is a little longer it seemed like the perfect closer to the album.

Your guitar playing is a key part of your sound. What techniques or styles do you find yourself naturally drawn to when playing?

Gord: Whatever fits the song really. Not every song needs fast, flashy playing but some songs do call for that. I kind of go with whatever feels appropriate. I’ve recently been working on more finger picking which is something I haven’t used much in the past, but I really enjoy. So there is some of that. I wanted lots of acoustic guitars, so soloing on acoustic and also using a slide since it gives such a different feel.

Are there any tracks on Rollin’ that pushed you outside of your comfort zone musically?

Gord: I always try to do albums with more of a particular style in mind. So this one is rock but also has a lot of acoustic elements. In the past I have done more metal albums or even ones like “Storms Within The Soul” had more of a Caribbean influence, so I like to change it up. I always like to push the boundaries and not stay confined to one sound but I like to keep it consistent on each record for the most part.

How do you balance technical skill with emotional expression in your guitar work?

Gord: I just play what I feel is right for the song. I guess I subconsciously know my limitations so naturally will adapt to what I can play. That being said, if there is a particular idea for a part that I have I will make it work. That’s the beauty of writing and creating. There are really no limits.

When performing these songs live, what kind of energy do you aim to bring to the audience?

Gord: Really whether it’s a full band experience or just an acoustic setting, I’d like the audience to just enjoy themselves. Forget all their troubles and just enjoy it. Get lost in the music. Whether it’s loud and in your face or relaxed and more intimate.

The cover art for Rollin’ has been described as cinematic. What was the concept behind the album’s visual aesthetic?

Gord: Once I knew what the title track was, it was very easy to come up with the concept. The semi rollin down the highway with storm in the background. It was pretty much what I envisioned. The wolf is actually based off of our family dog that we recently had to put down. She was white Siberian husky who looked like a wolf. I thought that would be a great way to kind of immortalize her and have her like a mascot, much like Maiden have Eddie on their artwork.

How involved were you in the production process? Did you work with any particular producers or engineers that helped shape the final sound?

Gord: No I didn’t work with anyone. It took a while for me to get the sound I wanted just right but once you do it just kind of clicks. Once you get an overall feel for what you want to do, the rest kind of falls in place.

The album has been praised for its dynamic, high-energy production. What was your goal in terms of achieving the right sound for Rollin’?

Gord: It was really about achieving a good mix of acoustic and heavy guitars. To keep it a rock album that punches but with a bit of a southern or country vibe to it.

What do you hope listeners take away from Rollin’? Is there a particular message or feeling you want to resonate with them?

Gord: I try to write songs that leave enough room for interpretation. That way the listener can take whatever meaning they want from it. If they can relate to it in some form or fashion then I consider it a success.

Now that Rollin’ is out, what’s next for you? Are there upcoming tours, music videos, or future projects in the works?

Gord: I will definitely play some shows either acoustically, with a full band or both. I am planning on putting a few videos out for a few songs. I’ve actually already started working on my next project which is diving deeper into country. When I was a kid growing up in a rural town you listened to two types of music. Hard rock or metal and country. Nothing in between, that was it. I’ve recently kind of rekindled my love for country music. So this I think is a natural progression from Rollin.

Connect with Gord at https://x.com/planetgord