Raygun Cowboys ride the lightning
Going to a Raygun Cowboys concert is like being transported to the world of The Outsiders, in between the Greasers and the Socs – except no one gets hurt in the mosh pit.
There are other guarantees from this colourful local psychobilly band – fun, laughter, dancing until your feet hurt, and a strong sense of pride in what the Edmonton music scene has produced. At the Starlite Room on Saturday night, Raygun played a wicked set to Edmonton fans before heading off for their European Tour. With their co-headliner Fire Next Time (along with the opening bands The Resignators, Julius Sumner Miller and The River Jacks) they attracted such a diverse crowd from all walks of life, and all showed serious musical talent.
Raygun Cowboys blends rockabilly, punk rock, and classic rock to create their own infectiously surfy sound. It’s impossible to stay still to this music. The show covered all eras of the band, from their self-titled release in 2008, to their 2017 album The Cowboy Code – and there wasn’t a single track that didn’t have the noticeably large crowd dancing. The band had recently expanded their sound, with a two-piece punk rock horn section, doubling the already powerful sound – making Raygun even more of a force to be reckoned with. They’re a true Canadian gem.
Before the show, frontman Jon Chris sat down to chat.
GigCity: Edmonton is home to so much talent. What is it about the local music scene you love the most? What inspires you?
Jon: I think the passion musicians in Edmonton have for making music is what makes it such a great scene. People really love what they do and being a part of it. We came out of the punk scene in the early 2000’s and there was a real community feeling in that scene, bands helped each other and rallied together. I think that is still true and I find that inspiring.
GC: Any funny or embarrassing tour stories? Fans love hearing these little tidbits.
Jon: One time we while we were on tour in Gaspé, Quebec we stopped at a Subway for lunch. Now generally people in Quebec speak English, especially in the service industry. So we all order our food – in English and by number, except our bass player Oakland. He takes this opportunity to try out his French and the result was hilarious. We get back in the car and hit the road and start enjoying our subs and Oakland finds out that he ordered an onion sandwich, onions and nothing else. It was hilarious.
GC: What are your rituals before you go out on tour?
Jon: Guns N’ Roses, whenever we leave on a big tour we leave Edmonton to Appetite for Destruction. Our van is called the Nightrain so it makes sense.
GC: How do international audiences respond to Raygun?
Jon: The response we had in Europe last year was great, better then here. The Bedlam Breakout fest last year was a highlight, and my favourite club in the world, Wild at Heart in Berlin. We head back next week and I can’t wait to get there and play!
GC: Proudest accomplishments in the world of Raygun?
Jon: Still being around and making music in this day and age is big. Being able to tour and be as active as we are is something to be proud of. Also, playing with Wanda Jackson (at the Edmonton folk fest in 2011) was pretty amazing.
GC: Which of your songs do you like performing most?
Jon: This is a hard one. The songs kind of flow together in a set so it’s hard to pick between them. Break These Chains really gets people going crazy, so I’ll say that.
GC: What’s the future of Raygun looking like?
Jon: Well, things right now are really good for the band. Every year we seem to get a little further and a little more popular. But, that said I’m getting older, I will be 40 this year and things are changing for me, it’s not as easy to live this lifestyle as it used to be. Only time will tell but I don’t think Raygun will ever just stop, so keep listening and I’m sure you will hear and see us around doing our thing for a while longer.
