Over A Beer
-With Country Artist Sean Gristwood-
Even though Gristwood is a country artist, his influences come from rockabilly, bluegrass and classic rock. While trying to do music as a full time paying job, being a solo artist requires a lot of give and take to make ends meet. To that end, while working on his solo act, Gristwood performs with other artists including Justin Hogg, Jordan Rody and Jukebox Leigh. He is also the preferred sound tech for Alberta country artist, Steve Newsome. At such a young age, 24 this year, there is a knowledge of the classics that artists twice his age don’t have. This has put Gristwood in a unique position. While most artists are plying their trade, and making their money nights and weekends, he has found a little tapped niche. Seniors residences in and around the Edmonton area are quite used to seeing his face and hearing the sounds of Hank Snow, Charlie Pride and the such. He also is part of that rare breed, the stand up bass player, playing with a rockabilly group, The Dice Cubes.
Growing up in Saskatchewan, his Mom was a teacher and though his Dad was the proverbial jack of all trades, it was the ranch his Dad worked on that showed him the cowboy lifestyle. By high school Gristwood knew that country music was to be his life. Around the house, you could hear anything from CCR to Hank Williams and when visitors came calling, Dad’s guitar would come out. Over time Gristwood was given the guitar to learn the music, but truth be told, his Dad probably just wanted more social time. The rule of the day was no song was to be played twice. This accounts for his broad library of songs and I have tried to stump him. His influences were the same as many country artists growing up with the sounds of Adam Gregory, Paul Brandt and Trace Adkins on the radio, but as he has grown, he steps outside the box with Reverend Horton Heat, Cody Jinks and Hank Williams III, shaping the sound that has become Sean Gristwood.
There are no radio releases as yet, however, there is a solo project in the works at Renders Music and Gristwood is excited to pitch a couple to Canadian radio very soon. Being a full time artist keeps a guy busy and you can catch some live shows in a few different formats.
Upcoming Shows:
March 10 & 11 at the Palace Casino with Jukebox Leigh
March 16 at The Needle Vinyl Tavern with Lorna Lampman
March 17 & 18 at Boomers Pub in Rocky Mountain House with Jukebox Leigh
For booking inquiries please contact through Facebook or email
- Jazz Matthews