Dylan Ireland of Express & Co. will be entertaining the brew crew at Manantler Craft Brewery in Bowmanville Oct 23 2015. Ireland comes from a family of musicians including Oshawa based singer/songwriter Emerson Ireland, his cousin. Family is possibly the biggest influence on anyone, the old chestnut the acorn doesn't fall far from the oak comes to mind as does our Prime Mininster designate Justin Trudeau. Is it inevitable that one will pick up the family trade? We asked Dylan.

Q: Some embrace family tradition and some rebel against it - You come from a very, very musical family and embrace your roots (music) - Can you tell me why you have found your voice in folk/country rather than say hiphop or jazz?

"Folk and Country music is what was 'passed down the line' . My Dad and uncles in The Swamp Band had their own brand of folk music infused with bluegrass and country, so it was definitely a pretty easy genre to fall into. On a side note I really love Notorious B.I.G. a whole lot."

Q: You are playing solo at Manantler, will this be a showcase of new solo songs or all Express & Co or all of the above?

"This show at Manantler will definitely be a mix of new and old. I have written a new album so Im going to be playing a lot of new songs that I don't play with the full band yet. Perfect time to try them out!"

Q: I'm curious, you say on your CBC page that Peterborough is an influence: how so - is it the people or actual places you find inspirational?

"I moved to Peterborough from the country a few years ago, and it was a huge change for me to suddenly be surrounded by so many creative minds and so much music. So to answer your question, the people. My friends, bandmates and bands I admire. Peterborough has it all!"

Q: Do you have anything in the works, new songs, album, projects?

"Yes! I'm hitting the studio in November and will be releasing a single shortly after and a brand new E.P will be released late winter."