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Interview With Country Artist Johnnie Bubar
Boston-based Bubar Attends Nasville's Country Radio Seminar
Artist: Johnnie Bubar
Current CD: American Dream
Genre: Country
Label: Independent release
Website: www.johnniebubar.com
For years now, New England born and raised Johnnie Bubar has graced many of the finest stages. He has performed as an acoustic solo act and in bands including Dakota, City Limits, and Easy Ed & The Drifters. Currently, he sings and fronts his own band, Johnnie Bubar's Rogue Wolf Band. He has released his third CD, American Dream, building on his history of award winning CDs.
His first album, It's Me, was awarded 2001 CD of The Year from the New Hampshire Country Music Association (NHCMA). "A Woman Like You" (released as a CD single) won the 2003 Career Artistic Achievement Award from King Eagle Airplay International. Johnnie has performed on famous stages including The Ryman Auditorium, The Bluebird Cafe, The Wildhorse Saloon and Tootsie's in Nashville, The Club Passim in Boston, The Old Vienna Coffeehouse and, Club 201 in Montreal.
In fact, a performance in Montreal turned into an all night jam session thanks to the weather. While Johnnie and his band were on stage, it started snowing. The Canadian Mounties ended up closing the roads. Johnnie, his band, and the 300 club goers had to spend the night at the club. Johnnie had no problem keeping everyone entertained.
Using a mix of original material, popular rock, and country cover tunes, the Johnnie Bubar stage show epitomizes the format utilized by many venues. It expresses his ability to match specific material to the audience. It also showcases his musicianship as Johnnie plays guitar and is well versed in the drums. In addition to performing, Johnnie has been improving his songwriting skills and has over 20 songs in his ever-growing catalogue. As Johnnie consults with publishers, he is expanding his songwriting and is actively collaborating with other songwriters.
Johnnie was the opening act for the Warner Bros. band "SIXWIRE" at the Rochester Fair, where he set the place on fire for them. He dreams of performing with such talented artists as Charlie Daniels, Garth Brooks, Travis Tritt, Montgomery Gentry, Hank Jr and the Marshall Tucker Band. So take in a live performance, pick up a CD, and you, too, will understand the attraction of Johnnie’s music and lyrics that command audiences everywhere.
[Cindy Beth Gordon] Hi Johnnie. It's a pleasure to talk with you. So, you're from the New England area?
Johnnie Burbar Yes, I live in the north shore of Boston. I grew up in Hartland, Maine.
[Cindy Beth Gordon] And you're currently promoting your new CD called American Dream?
Johnnie Burbar Yes.
[Cindy Beth Gordon] What are some of your favorite songs from American Dream?"
Johnnie Burbar Oh heck, they're all my favorites! "American Dream," "A Woman Like You." We did a version of Bob Seger's "Turn the Page," which is really good.
[Cindy Beth Gordon] Are you performing or touring at all?
Johnnie Burbar Absolutely. Folks can check the website at www.johnniebubar.com for upcoming show information.
[Cindy Beth Gordon] Are you performing on your own or with a band?
Johnnie Burbar I perform on my own or with a band, whatever the venue or show calls for.
[Cindy Beth Gordon] Do you have a band you perform with regularly or different musicians for each show?
Johnnie Burbar I perform with pretty much a regular band. Every now and then one person can't do a show for some circumstance, but for the most part it's usually the same people. It gives you a better, more consistent sound that way.
[Cindy Beth Gordon] And how long have you been singing and songwriting?
Johnnie Burbar I've been songwriting since August of 1993. I've been singing and performing since the age of ten.
[Cindy Beth Gordon] And what instruments do you play?
Johnnie Burbar I usually play guitar when I front the band. There are times when I'll play drums for myself or other people.
[Cindy Beth Gordon] Johnnie, who are some of your favorite artists?
Johnnie Burbar Elvis Presley, Bob Seger, Hank Williams, Sr., Hank Williams, Jr. I really like Dierks Bentley - I like how he writes and plays. Sixwire - I like those guys. We've opened for them before. John Fogerty - I like his writing a whole lot. Tony Arata is one of my favorite songwriters, also.
[Cindy Beth Gordon] If you had to pick two of your favorite songs on American Dream, what songs would you pick and what inspired you to write those songs?
Johnnie Burbar "A Woman Like You" is one of my favorites. I wrote this song in 20 minutes. It wasn't written for someone but to someone. I overheard a conversation of two ladies at my day job one day - one lady said one thing, then the other lady said something in reply and I piped in and just said totally something off the cuff - within 20 minutes I had that whole song written complete with the chords and everything.
"American Dream" is another favorite. I had just started a new job after a long time off, and I really didn't want to go to work that morning. As I was driving to work I said to myself, I trade 45 hours of my life every week for what some folks call a piece of the American Dream. Then I said to myself sarcastically 'or so it seems' and that's where the first line came from. The last verse is about the military. I have two sons in the marines. One of them saw a lot of action, so I just added that part there.
[Cindy Beth Gordon] I was reading you have six kids, is that correct?
Johnnie Burbar Yes, it is. Looking back I wonder how we, my wife Julie and I did it, but we did.
[Cindy Beth Gordon] Were you at the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville this year, and are you going to be doing a radio tour?
Johnnie Burbar Yes, I attended the Country Radio Seminar and plan to do radio tours. The song "American Dream," which is being promoted to radio by Bill Wench productions out of Nashville, is being played on 200 radio stations round the country right now. It's on the charts at #27 this past week at www.insidecountry.net, and we're planning on doing a radio tour this summer.
[Cindy Beth Gordon] That sounds good. Well, that's about all the time we have. Thanks, Johnnie. We wish you much continued success!
Johnnie Burbar Thanks, Cindy.
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