Chad Brownlee is a former top NHL prospect from British Columbia who has worked hard to earn his bona fides on the Canadian country scene. Dallas Smith is a former rock and roller from British Columbia who has also worked hard to earn his bona fides on the Canadian country scene.
The two singer-songwriters, who just finished a month-long co-headline tour of Canada, also share another thing in common: they are both nominated for five awards each at Sunday's British Columbia Country Music Awards.
We caught up with Brownlee and Smith by email and asked them a few questions about their Boys of Fall tour, the BCCMA nominations and what they have planned for the holidays.
You've just spent a full month on the road together. What are a couple of things you've each learned about each other that you didn't know before?
CB: For most of the tour [Dallas] has been battling a gnarly cold and has been doing everything to make sure his voice is good enough to perform. He's a true pro and it has made me realize how much he cares about bringing a great show to his fans. He's also a family man. He flew home on a day off just to surprise his son at school. We also seem to have the same deranged sense of humour, which makes the long hours on the road a little easier to deal with.
DS: I had a pretty good read on Chad by meeting him at a few events. I think we're a lot alike. Same values and morals. Same sick sense of humor. Only thing I was surprised by was the fact that he takes his job as serious as myself. We both take pride in what we do and how we sound for our fans. It takes a lot of dedication and work.
Dallas Smith, "Somebody Somwhere":
What were the most memorable moments of the tour?
CB: Every night we get up on stage is definitely the highlight. No two shows are the same and there is always something unexpected that happens. We leave our loved ones behind to chase our crazy dreams, but realize why we do it when we hear everyone singing along and having a great time to the music that we create.
DS: There've been quite a few amazing moments on stage. Feeding Theo Fleury a wagon wheel onstage was pretty funny. So many very loud crowd moments when we were both up there playing that took us both by surprise.
You are both up for a bunch of BCCMAs, and competing against each other in five categories, including entertainer of the year, male artist and album of the year. If we were placing bets, who's the safe money?
CB: Really? What a terrible question to ask! Dallas and I seem to be on the same path as far as our careers are concerned. He's making some really great music that I am a fan of and feel we share in the same success. But if he beats me in any awards I'm gonna kick his ass.
DS: I think we've shared the same successes over the last year. These award shows are a great place to meet up with friends and make new ones. That's what I take away from them. If Chad wins all five I will be the first to high five him.
PLAY Listen:
Chad Brownlee
"Smoke in the Rain"
What are you guys have planned after the tour?
CB: Pace around the house wondering when bus call is! You get into such a routine it takes a few days to shift gears. But, in all seriousness, I will be working hard on writing for the new record. Aside from performing, writing is a very rewarding process and I can't wait to make some new music.
DS: Once this tour is done I'm going to relax for a bit with my family. It's very difficult to be away from my wife and son. Time to reconnect and enjoy the simple things.
How will you be celebrating the holidays?
CB: My wife and I are traveling to Minnesota to see her family and then to Maryland to see my sister and her kids. Christmas is a great excuse to connect with family and friends you don't get to see all the time.
DS: More of the same, really. Just going to enjoy the time with friends and family. Got my son for Christmas Eve and morning this year. Couldn't be more excited to see the fun through his eyes again.
• Chad Brownlee and Dallas Smith will perform at the 2012 BCCMAs, which takes place on Sunday in Langley, BC. CBC Music's Grant Lawrence will be among the presenters.
Related:
CCMA Awards videos: Watch performances by Chad Brownlee, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert and more
The 2012 CCMA Award Questionnaire: Dallas Smith
The 2012 CCMA Awards: a primer
Chad Brownlee's CBC Music artist page
Chad Brownlee: CBC Vancouver Toque Sessions
Best moments from the 2012 CCMA Awards