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This weekend, Cody Canada & The Departed are set to take the stage at the Born and Raised Festival in Pryor, Oklahoma. For those unfamiliar, Cody Canada has been a prominent figure in the Americana and country music scenes for years, with a rich career that started in his home state of Oklahoma. I had the pleasure of chatting with him recently to discuss his upcoming performance, his latest music, and his personal journey in the industry.
A Nostalgic Return to Oklahoma
Kristina from Fly Over Country had the chance to catch up with Cody Canada as he prepared for his performance at the Born and Raised Festival. Although it's not his first time at the festival, this year marks a special moment for Cody. “It's close to home,” Cody shared, reflecting on his roots in Yukon, Oklahoma. “I’ve been living in South Texas for nearly 20 years, but Northern Oklahoma is where I spent a lot of my formative years.”
Defining His Musical Identity
Cody’s music defies easy categorization. When asked how he would describe his sound, he admitted to struggling with labels. “I’m often labeled as Americana or country, but I’ve always had a hard time defining it,” he said. His influences range from classic rock to country, blending elements to create a unique style. If you’re new to his music, Cody recommends starting with “17” from his Ragweed days.
Re-Releasing “Mexican Sky”
One of Cody’s recent projects involves the re-release of “Mexican Sky,” a track originally recorded in 2001 with Cross Canadian Ragweed. The newly released version features Elysha LeMaster and reflects Cody’s deep connection to the song. “My kids are both musicians, and we decided to re-record the song with Elysha,” Cody explained. “The guitar solo on the live version was something I wanted to get just right, and I believe everyone needs to hear it again.”
What’s Next for Cody Canada & The Departed?
While Cody and his band, The Departed, continue to record new music, the focus is on releasing singles rather than a full album. “We’re working on both original material and covers,” he said. “There’s a lot of content coming up in the next year, and we’re staying busy.”
Family and Community
Music runs deep in Cody’s family. His wife manages the band, and his sons are actively involved in music. They even started a School of Rock in New Braunfels, Texas, to nurture young talent. “It’s been really fulfilling to see the kids grow and achieve their dreams,” Cody said. “I didn’t have a huge support team growing up, so it’s great to provide that for others.”
The Joy of Performing
When asked about his favorite aspect of the music industry, Cody’s enthusiasm was palpable. “Playing live is unmatched,” he said. “Traveling and meeting new people is a big part of it too. It’s rewarding to connect with fans and share experiences with them.”
Supporting Live Music
Cody emphasized the importance of supporting live music and buying merchandise. “Merchandise is a crucial way for fans to support us,” he noted. “It’s a big part of how we sustain our careers.”
Where to Find Cody Canada & The Departed
Fans interested in following Cody’s journey can visit their official website and social media pages. “You can find our tour schedule on Instagram and Facebook,” Cody said. “We’re winding down the year, so check out where we’re playing and come out to see us!”
Final Thoughts
As our conversation wrapped up, Cody introduced his new single, “Mexican Sky,” featuring Elysha LeMaster. “Hey all, this is Cody Canada from Cody Canada & The Departed. Here’s our new release, ‘Mexican Sky.’”
For fans and newcomers alike, Cody Canada & The Departed offer a rich tapestry of music, storytelling, and live performance that continues to resonate deeply. Don’t miss the chance to catch them live or listen to their latest tracks!
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Make sure to check out Cody Canada & The Departed’s new release and support live music by following them on their official channels. For more updates, keep an eye on their website and social media pages.
For the full interview, listen here: https://youtu.be/PB8SIt1zaOo
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