Josh Kvasnak of the Doozies releases solo album, announces shows with James Gray

By Will McGuirk

Josh Kvasnak of the Doozies has a new solo album and has posted a series of shows, along with James Gray, who also has a new album. The duo will be playing at the Lucky Bunker In Bowmanville Friday Nov. 4 and in Mc Keen’s Barn in Orono Saturday Nov. 5 2022. We reached out to our Josh and got the lowdown on the hoedown.

Slowcity.ca: Tell me about the genesis of the record, and who you have playing with you?

Josh Kvasnak: “I wrote the record during our collective COVID hibernation. I was bummed out because I couldn't play live. I was playing at least 10 times a month and then it all stopped. Just like that. During that quiet time, I thought I was writing Doozies songs. But it wasn't until the lockdowns were over I realized the songs didn't work for The Doozies at all. They were a different thing. That was a tough realization for me. I am, and have always been a very awkward musician, and to realize I'd have to do this without my Doozies bandmates forced me to expand, and flex new sonic muscles. Local Oshawa legend Bruce MacKinnon is on keys and drums, and a Hamilton based veteran Geoff Burns is on Electric Bass. Oshawa folk singer Tim Watson is on back-up vox, and there a few other folks sprinkled in. I was very lucky to have these folks contribute to these songs.”

SC: I'm always interested in someone going solo, while being a member of a band, the Doozies in your case - how do/did you separate the songs for you and for the band?

JK: “I just let the songs decide. We tried them with The Doozies, but they clearly didn't work during rehearsals. That said, there is a song on the album that The Doozies recorded that I absolutely stole for this record, full gosh darned exclosure. It's going to take a while for me to repay the boys back for that one. I love them for that. I think for folks who know Doozies songs, you'll hear these songs don't belong in that lane.”

SC: There's a quiet domesticity to the songs, references to fridges and family - small moments in your life become songs it seems, how much is biographical, did you ever drink two many shots before an interview hahah?

JK: “I have to acknowledge John K. Sampson of The Weakerthans on the specific referances. He's so great at using very descripitve nouns. I always try to borrow that trick from him. As far as the tunes being autobiographical or not, I think every good songwriter constantly walks the fence of fiction and lived experience, often times within the same song. I'd like to think that none of the songs are true, and none of them are complete fiction. As a maritime inspired songwriter, I'd borrow the old saying "Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story". Take what you will from the songs.”