Canadian Rock Band Calling All Captains Discusses Rockin' Thunder, Touring & Their Journey Across Canada

Name: Luc Gaffwood / Brad Bremner

Location: Edmonton, AB

Band Name: Calling All Captains

Socials: @callingallcaptains 

💬 INTRODUCTION

We're a band made up of musicians who all grew up in different small towns outside of Edmonton. We met through the Edmonton music scene while playing in our previous bands, but what's funny is that we'd all been in the same room several times before we actually knew each other. Looking back now, it's kind of cool to see how everything gradually came together over time to become Calling All Captains.

🔥 THE PASSION

We all grew up with a personal connection to music that went beyond being average passive listeners. For Brad, that connection became deeply personal after losing his sister at a young age. The bands that helped him through that difficult time inspired him to learn and play music, with the hope that one day his own music could have the same impact on someone else.

🇨🇦 COMMUNITY & CANADIAN PRIDE

Growing up, most of the successful bands we heard or saw on TV were from the United States, so it often felt like there wasn't much representation for Canadian alternative music. Hearing bands like Sum 41, GOB, Three Days Grace, and Billy Talent gave us hope that it was possible to build something here in Canada. Today, having younger bands reach out and tell us we've inspired them to start making music and tour is an incredible feeling. Touring across Canada isn't always easy, but we're proud to be Canadian, to create the music we love, and to see it resonate with fans from coast to coast.

🚀 BUILDING THE DREAM

We've been fortunate to experience some incredible moments throughout our journey. Opening for The Offspring at K-Days in Edmonton, playing YEG Howler alongside Billy Talent, and flying to Chicago to perform with Pierce the Veil have all been huge milestones for us. Now, we're looking forward to adding another unforgettable moment to that list as we take the Main Stage at Rockin' Thunder here in Edmonton.

🤝 NETWORKING SPOT

We would love to write a song with Chad Kroeger from Nickelback! We realize how crazy that sounds haha but we're all from Alberta and Nickelback is the biggest rock band from here, so who knows! Every now and then we'll demo a rock song and look at each other and be like.. "Chad would love this"

📣 ANYTHING ELSE?

We just put out brand new merch for summer! Head to captainsmerch.com and grab something, it all goes to supporting us and keeping us creating music.

🎤 COMETS QUESTIONS

COMET: With Rockin' Thunder taking place in your hometown, do you feel like Calling All Captains has a bit of a home-field advantage?

LUC: interesting question! I think we might have a few supporters in the crowd, but playing on a stage of this magnitude always comes with its challenges

COMET: What are you hoping to accomplish at this year's festival? Do you have any personal or band goals heading into the event?

LUC: i hope that we make our mark to people who havent heard of us yet. Its a great honour be from Edmonton and chosen for the main stage.

COMET: Has there ever been a comment or message from a fan that has really stuck with you over the years? What made it so memorable?

LUC: “ya’ll played great! But did u know skinny pants arent cool anymore?” This one isnt very profound but it stuck with me

COMET: Calling All Captains has built a strong online presence. How does it feel when people recognize you in public? Is that something you've gotten used to?

LUC: it feels unreal honestly. Its always a surprise and i dont think i’ll ever get used to it.

COMET: As the frontman, you're often the first person fans associate with the band. Do you feel extra pressure because of that responsibility? What helps keep you grounded?

LUC: i feel pressure to always be a better version of myself with each release. Its often difficult but with the support of my partner, family and friends i can stay grounded while reaching higher.

COMET: Touring and festivals can be demanding on a vocalist. How important is it to protect your voice between shows, and do you have any routines or habits that help?

LUC: getting a good sleep is underrated! Of course staying hydrated is important as well. Rest and hydration can take you far!  

COMET: What's something that happens behind the scenes that most fans would be surprised to learn about life as the frontman of Calling All Captains?

LUC: i have been a Metis Jigger since i was 9 years old! Im so thankful to be connected to my culture.

COMET: Calling All Captains has released some incredibly creative music videos over the years. What inspires the concepts behind them, and how involved are you in the creative process?

LUC: We are all involved in the process, maybe the initial idea was a certain persons but we always collaborate to make the best possible release 

COMET: What's the biggest mistake you've made throughout your music career that ultimately became a lesson you'll never repeat again?

BRAD: I think the biggest one is just doubting myself, or letting fear of failure dictate what I do. There were times when I thought I wasnt good enough to be doing this, or that I couldnt afford to go on tour, or was worried things wouldnt work out. Now when I get that feeling, I know it means Im pushing myself out of my comfort zone and I welcome the challenge.

COMET: Has a guitar string ever broken mid-performance? If so, how did you handle it in the moment, and what was going through your head?

BRAD: Yeah that's happened to me a bunch of times! The first things that goes through my head are swear combos and string change regrets, THEN I tell myself not to panic and I think about how to transpose my parts, when my next break is to check tuning, and where I last saw my backup guitar. And then finally, about how bad Connor is gonna laugh at me after the show hahaha

COMET: With an upcoming tour on the horizon, how do you make sure your equipment stays protected from damage or theft? Touring moves fast—what strategies do you have in place to stay organized and avoid costly mistakes?

BRAD: We have a very tight system for how gear is packed and stored, and each person is responsible for certain duties. To prevent theft we have multiple auxiliary locks, steering wheel and tire locks, air tags, and parking protocols that we strictly follow to make sure it wouldnt be easy to jack our shit

COMET: As a guitarist, do you ever have those "Freaky Friday" moments where you wonder what it would be like to step into another role for a day—whether that's vocals, drums, or bass? If so, which role would you choose and why?

BRAD: yeah of course! I definitely do that with all the other instruments from time to time, but probably the least with the drums. Huge respect for Tim and his ability to move all 4 limbs independently. I would probably choose bass, just because its a simpler instrument and I feel like it would let me move more and have fun rockin out without needing to have such fine motor control over my fingers

COMET: You all seem to share a very cohesive style and visual presence as a band. Is that something that's intentionally discussed behind the scenes, or has it naturally evolved as you've spent years creating together?

BRAD: I think at some point we talked about this and didnt ever want to be one of those bands that just show up looking like 5 random dudes in a walmart, but now its just natural. BUT on big shows we all bring multiple outfits and put thought and effort into coordinating as a group

COMET: After spending so many years together, you've likely experienced both highs and lows as a band. If a member is facing a serious personal challenge or emergency, how do you balance the responsibility of moving forward with the importance of supporting one another?

BRAD: yeah we have been through a lot together. There have been times when one of us loses a family member while on tour, or ends a relationship at home, and everyone adjusts to allow them the space or support they need. We are a very tight group, so we know how each person copes differently and we all help pick up their duties until they are back to full capacity

COMET: Every musician seems to have their own traditions or lucky charms. Do you have a lucky guitar pick, and if so, what's the story behind it?

BRAD: Connor and I both use a very specific type and thickness of guitar pick, so its not a specific pick (they all wear down eventually), but a very specific type - the green 0.53 mm Cat Tongue picks. I HAVE to play with those, and those only. I have 5 in my pocket at any given moment, and look for them in every music store I step foot in so I can stockpile them haha

COMET: If you could sit down and jam with any guitarist—past or present—for one day, who would it be and what would you want to learn from them?

BRAD: My favorite musician growing up was Tom Delonge from Blink182. I idolized that dude. His writing was so simple and catchy and I literally learned to play guitar by reading tabs for Blink songs. I would say that I'd want to learn his song writing process, and how he structures vocal melodies and chord progressions, but in reality if I met him I would be star struck and forget all of that stuff haha

🤘 CLOSING

We're stoked to be hitting the road this summer for a full Canadian tour with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Thanks to everyone who's supported us over the years—we'll see you on the road this summer!

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