The Subtle Art Of Simplicity With DANKO JONES

Canada's greatest export ever, Danko Jones, have been flying the
flag for rock and roll music ever since they combined to wreak
havoc on the world in 1996. The band have almost single-handedly
revived rock and roll from the untimely death many have predicted
or wished upon the genre, churning out hit after hit with
consummate ease. Armed with a swag of rock gospel albums, including
We Sweat Blood [2003], Sleep Is The Enemy [2006], A Rock Supreme
[2019], Power Trio [2021] and Electric Sounds [2023] and a
relentless touring schedule, Danko Jones not only live and breathes
rock and roll. They OWN it.
A band that very much lets their music do the talking, Danko Jones
are set to release their latest album, Leo Rising, on November 21,
further solidifying their place in the annals of rock history.
HEAVY caught up with Danko Jones himself to find out more. One of
the things we discuss is the relative simplicity inherent in Danko
Jones' music, with the band allowing the songs to dictate terms
rather than try to change things up just for the sake of it.
"I don't really think there's a need to reinvent the wheel of rock
in 2025," he offered. "But at the same time, there's still room for
making it sound fresh. So that's kind of our goal. We're not trying
to create a new genre of rock music, but we're just trying to make
it sound fresh."
We ask Jones to dive deeper into the musical side of Leo
Rising.
"It doesn't change," he shrugged. "Every album is the same, as the
next one will be the same, which is just try to write a whole bunch
of tunes that I like - or that we like. I write to please myself
first and foremost. If I don't like it, I can't back it. That's not
to say that there were songs on our previous albums that I don't
really like, but you're striving for perfection."
In the full interview, Danko emphasised the importance of creating
songs that resonate with him rather than conforming to current
trends. We discussed the collaboration with guitarist Marty
Friedman on the song Diamond in the Rough, highlighting the
significance of timing and ensuring the song suited Friedman's
style, which resulted in a standout guitar solo.
The conversation delved into the complexities of naming the album,
with Danko noting the challenge of selecting from nearly 200 song
titles. The title Leo Rising was chosen to connect with their first
album, Born a Lion, symbolizing thematic continuity as they look
ahead to their 13th album.
Danko also discussed the challenge of maintaining musical integrity
amidst industry changes, asserting his commitment to their sound
and more.


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