Canadian Country musician Kadooh recently spoke to ai love music via email about his musical upbringing, inspirations, and the release of his recent single “Rattlesnake Bite”. Growing up in a small town in Alberta, Kadooh always had a passion for music as he recalls listening to Charley Pride and Conway Twitty on the way to hockey trips, leading the would-be guitarist to pour over records by Garth Brooks, John Michael Montgomery, and Brooks & Dunn. He soon would turn his passion into a career, joining the music business known as the guitarist and backing vocalist of the rock band State of Shock.
After spending over a decade with the band, Kadooh made the decision to cross over to country, a genre he’s grown to love, and step into the spotlight for the first time as a solo artist.
Read below to find out what famous Candian rock musician helped Kadooh to write “Rattlesnake”. And why did the artist wanted to put a dance-like beat in the tune. While you reading, make sure to listen to Kadooh’s latest single down below and let me know what you think in the comments!
First of all, please introduce yourself! How did you get into music?
My name is KADOOH, I started into music at a young age. Always beating on the pots and pans when I was really small. Some piano lessons which I wished I hadn’t got bored and stuck to hahaha!! Then my cousin showed me a few things on the guitar when I was about thirteen.
Fast forward a few years later a young guy in my small town, who would later go on to start a band called Nickelback taught me how to jam with a band and sing harmonies! In the smallest room, you could imagine. Cram the drums in a corner and wire up some old box speakers for a PA, teach me some chords, annnnd that’s when I was bit by the bug of music!
What artists and musical genres inspire you and your music?
There are so many great artists! I really enjoy Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, Travis Tritt, and the list could go on and on. Also some rock influences obviously, but there have been so many countless bands that have influenced me over the years it’s too hard to just name one!! Started early with Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, and Tom Petty…the classics!!
How is it being a solo artist compared to being in a band?
Well, I always like to have the same guys on stage with me because I absolutely love the camaraderie that goes with it! It creates such great energy on stage. So I try not to see it as me being a solo act, but more of KADOOH….and the Fellas! It takes a team on stage and off!! Stepping into the middle as the front person though was definitely nerve-racking and I’ve pushed myself to be better and to continue chasing the dream!
Let’s talk about your latest single “Rattlesnake Bite”. What is it about?
This was a song that started with a cool lil guitar riff I wrote and Chad K saying how about we call it “Rattlesnake Bite”?? I laughed and we started tumbling down the rabbit hole. We decided to make it about hearing a song that made you stop everything you were doing and pulled you to the dance floor! Then basically guiding you through it and letting loose!
What inspired you to write this song?
It wasn’t necessarily something that inspired the song. The song kinda pulled us along as we wrote it! Thinking of other songs that have dances to them and what sort of moves people like to do ON the dance floor. We re-wrote the chorus probably 6 times before we were satisfied! I think we stopped at the appropriate time hahaha!
How was producing the track? What was your favorite part of the production?
I think that Jeff and Chad did an amazing job of the production. From the banjo parts, a few dance beats, the head bobbing bass when the pre-chorus hits!! I love being involved with the whole process…that’s the beauty of creating music. Listening to it grow from beginning to end!
How was working with your close friend Chad Kroeger of Nickelback?
Working with Chad is always great, such a talented individual! He is an unbelievable writer which he has proven for 20 years and after knowing him for so long it’s nice to finally find me with enough experience to be able to collaborate with someone of his caliber! It’s super cool, to say the least!!
Our friendship is a bit more big brother, lil brother…him not having a lil one and me not having an older one! So we can get a lil back n forth with each other at times but always ends with a great result!
What do you want listeners to listen for in “Rattlesnake Bite”?
Nothing in particular…just focus on whatever grabs you! Let it free you from what’s on your mind and make you wanna get up and dance!! That is exactly what I want!!
You are releasing your debut EP this year. Could you tell us a little more about it?
Actually, it will be my second EP, the first was released in 2019, but like the first, it will have some songs that everyone involved has poured our hearts into and had a blast writing and recording! I’m very excited about the next group of songs. I’ve stayed true to what I love and I hope that resonates with the fans!
Besides the EP, any other future plans?
Other plans…come rip the lid off of it with some country rock for you all in.
