Editor’s Note: JD & The Straight Shot’s record “Good Luck And Good Night”, could have been one of my favorite records from 2017! They personify a quality blending of Americana, Celtic, Bluegrass, Indie Rock, and Country Western into their sound, with a whole lot of grit and a whole lot of soul. Their music has led them to work with the likes of Joe Walsh and to share the stage with the likes of Chicago and The Doobie Brothers. I can only anticipate what 2018 has in store for this indie band out of Nashville, Tennessee. Lead guitarist and producer Marc Copely sat down recently with Madness To Creation to discuss their album, their music video to “Run For Me”, and what 2018 has in store for the band. Fans can find JD & The Straight Shot at the following locations:
www.facebook.com/jdandthestraightshot
Photo Credit goes to Kristin Barlowe.
Madness To Creation: How was it sharing the stage with The Doobie Brothers and Chicago this past fall?
Marc: Amazing! It’s incredible to grow up listening to their records, then get to know them a bit and hear them play daily. And I’ll also add that both bands are some of the nicest guys you could possible meet.
Madness To Creation: What are some of your favorite JD & The Straight Shot memories from 2017?
Marc: Definitely recording the new album, and also touring with such legendary bands.
Madness To Creation: What does 2018 hold for JD & The Straight Shot?
Marc: It looks like we’ll be on more dates with Chicago and The Doobies and hope to add a few more in there as well. Nothing’s confirmed yet, but we’re looking to play a ton of shows.
Madness To Creation: What major influences do you draw from in your guitar playing with the band?
Marc: It’s interesting that we’re an all acoustic band because it really changes the way I’ll approach arranging a song on the guitar since I don’t have a ton of tones at my disposal as I’d have with the electric. I learned a great deal about using a different touch – both with flat picking and with finger picking to add variation to the sound of the guitar.
Madness To Creation: How did it come about that you produced Good Luck And Good Night? How did your guitar playing influence your production methods?
Marc: I’m so honored to have produced the album. We’ve had different producers from Joe Walsh to Chuck Ainley, so to join that company is really special for me. JD & The Straight Shot frontman Jim asked me to produce, and we all spoke as a band about it and thought it was good idea since I have such a deep insight into our sound that other people don’t since I’m a band member. My guitar playing didn’t really influence since the production style, I don’t think. I try to hear outside my own instrument into what’s best for each song.
Madness To Creation: Do you have any guitar brand endorsements?
Marc: Daddario Strings, but that’s it. I don’t do endorsement deals since I use really old instruments that I love. If I found something new that worked for me though I’d certainly consider it.
Madness To Creation: I love the music video for “Run For Me.” Will you tell us what the song is talking about?
Marc: That song is about the desperation of the gambler. In this case, one betting on horses who isn’t doing so well.
Madness To Creation: What can fans expect from Good Luck And Good Night, if they haven’t picked up the album yet?
Marc: A bunch of great stories accompanied by a real band. We’ve been playing together for over 3 1/2 years now and have become a band that has a strong, defined sound.
Madness To Creation: What were your favorite moments while making the album?
Marc: One thing that was really a blast was singing as a band on our cover of Three Dog Night’s “Shambala”. We sang that all together and when it all started clicking we were super excited.
Madness To Creation: What is your favorite song to perform from the album?
Marc: I love “Run For Me” since it has a high energy, and our fiddler/violinist Erin Slaver and I get to go after that Celtic-influenced riff in unison. It’s really fun for us and a challenge as well.
Madness To Creation: What message would you like to say to your fans?
Marc: THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Be on the lookout for tour dates for JD & The Straight Shot. Fans can pick up a copy of “Good Luck And Good Night” at major online retailers, including CD Baby, click here to download or pick up a copy!
