Chevy’s recent label debut, “If We Want To,” is currently Top 30 at Canadian country radio, was named Stingray’s New Country Trending Track, and continues to gain momentum across DSPs. Where that track leaned into feel-good freedom and spontaneity, “Give A Damn” leans hard into attitude.
With swaggering guitar riffs, raw honesty, and a vocal delivery full of grit, “Give A Damn” shows Chevy stepping further into his own lane — a sound shaped as much by Merle Haggard and outlaw country as it is by the rough edges of early 2000s rock.
Your latest track “Give A Damn” really leans into grit and attitude. What inspired this shift in tone compared to your previous release “If We Want To”?
I’m a little bit of everything when it comes to country music. With “Give A Damn” I wanted to show my appreciation for the types of music I grew up on, it shaped me and it’s always going to be a part of me. Theres something about a shuffle that just gets me.
You’ve described “Give A Damn” as a song about “not caring what people think.” How important is that mindset to your life and music right now?
It’s a really great skill to have as a songwriter and as an artist. The ability to speak your mind and say what you’re feeling. I’m doing it the best I can at this moment and even if someone didn’t “Give A Damn” about who I am, nothings going to change, I’m still going to be me.
You said the song isn’t about anyone in particular — but if it bothers someone, it might be about them. Have you gotten any strong reactions since releasing it?
Not so far but the song is still really new so we’ll see.
Your sound blends outlaw country influences like Merle Haggard with the edge of early 2000s rock. How did you land on that mix as your signature style?
I think it was all the different music I grew up on. I talk about Merle a lot but there were many other artists that influenced me such as The Georgia Satellites, Steve Earle, Kentucky Headhunters, CCR, The Texas Tornadoes and Hank Jr. just to name a few.
Growing up in Steen River with a fiddle champion dad and a Merle Haggard-loving mom must’ve shaped your musical path. What lessons from your childhood still guide you as an artist today?
Always be good to ones that are good to you. What I mean by that is the “real ones” will always have your back so be good them.
Your debut single “If We Want To” hit the Top 30 at Canadian country radio and was named Stingray’s New Country Trending Track. How has that momentum shaped your approach going into this new release?
I’ve always hoped to have the opportunity to show a different side of my music in a style similar to something I grew up with. I believe the momentum from “If We Want To” will give me that chance to show the listener something different than what they’re used to but still is a part of me.
You’ve been writing and performing since your teens. Was there a moment early on when you knew music wasn’t just a hobby — it was your future?
The summer of 2012 I had the chance to open for the late Shane Yellowbird and that was kind of a turning point for me. Seeing him perform, knowing what another First Nations boy was able to achieve gave me that extra push to keep going with music.
The raw honesty in your vocals comes through loud and clear in “Give A Damn.” How do you tap into that emotional space when you’re writing or recording?
My mama raised me to speak my mind and I just translated it into writing. That’s the best part about writing songs, unlike words that you speak you don’t really have to think before you write it down. You can always go back and edit. With recording I just think about how I felt when I wrote the song and try to get in that head space in the booth without going too far that it affects the performance.
You’ve opened for some big names in Canadian country. What have you learned from sharing stages with seasoned artists?
It’s good to be different, not one person is the same so why should your music be.
“Give A Damn” feels built for long drives and loud speakers. What’s the ideal setting for listening to this track — and what do you hope fans feel when they hit play?
“Give A Damn” is for any setting. From Bonfires to BBQs, garage beers and bush parties. It’s a toe tapping party of a song about not caring about what people think of you and I hope people have lots of fun with it.
