Get ready, Brandon! The Washboard Union, winners of JUNO and multiple Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards, are bringing their award-winning harmonies and high-energy performances to town. Their 'Grab the Wheel and Go' tour will make a stop in Brandon on November 18th, promising an unforgettable night for local fans.
Ahead of the show, I had the chance to chat with Chris Duncombe, one of the three members of The Washboard Union, about their journey, the creative process, and what fans can expect from their upcoming performance.
Q: Was there a specific moment or song that made you realize you wanted to be a musician?
I grew up on old Western music and bluegrass. My dad used to sing it when we'd go fishing, and I think I knew the Marty Robbins songs before I knew anything else. Aaron, David, and I all grew up surrounded by music. We always had our heroes—those vocal groups that could blend three voices into one and create something magical, like Diamond Rio, Rascal Flatts, Alison Krauss and Union Station, and Lone Star. When the three of us started singing, we realized our voices blended really well, and that’s what truly started it for us.
Music has always been there for us. It helps you through the toughest times, and sometimes songs express what you can't. We've always relied on it through great times and hard times.
Q: What are your plans for 2025?
We've got a lot lined up. First, we're headed out on tour next week, with almost 20 shows ahead of us. After that, we'll be home for Christmas, then off to Australia for a few festivals in January.
We're also writing tons of new music. Westerly, our most recent album, came out in July, but we've been working hard on what comes next. There's not much downtime for us—we're always on to the next thing.
Q: Bands often focus on major cities, so it's really special that you're coming to Brandon. What made you decide to include us in your tour?
Isn't it strange that bands often stick to bigger cities? For us, music belongs in small and medium-sized towns too. We've always made it a priority to play all kinds of places—not just Winnipeg, Regina, or Calgary, but also smaller towns like Brandon.
We've made sure our team knows we want to play in smaller communities, and we're excited to be here. If Brandon wants to have us, we're honored to be welcomed.
Manitoba has been so good to us over the years. We got our start here, and some of our earliest major opportunities happened in Manitoba. Winnipeg and Manitoba have always supported us, so we take every opportunity we can to come back.
Q: What's been one of the most memorable experiences you had with the fans?
One of the most incredible moments happened with our song "Shine." During COVID, a school district in Colorado adopted it as their theme song to inspire students through a tough time. Then, a school in Alberta made it their theme song too and even declared a 'Washboard Union Day.' We showed up and performed in the gym with the kids—it was amazing.
Seeing how fans have connected with our music and taken it to places we never expected is incredible. Because it gives you the sense that the music no longer belongs to you—it becomes something shared with your fans. And our fans have made our songs part of lots of different events in their lives. So anytime that happens, it's the greatest feeling in the world as a songwriter.
Q: How do you start creating a song? Do you have a specific process for it?
For me, it’s almost an everyday thing. I often wake up in the middle of the night with lyrics or melodies running through my mind. If I don’t write them down immediately, I forget them. My phone is packed with tons of little ideas that have turned into songs over time.
I’m always paying attention—even a simple conversation sometimes sparks an idea. It feels like I’m constantly writing, even when I’m not actively trying. When I sit down for a session, I usually have an idea in my head, something I think is unique or hasn't been said quite like that before. That's where it often begins for me, but different people write in different ways. Some songs come together effortlessly, almost like they just fall out of the sky. Other times, it feels like the hardest thing in the world to pull them together. It’s different every time.
Q: How has public interest in country music changed over the years? Have you adapted to those changes, or do you stick to your original style?
I think we just continue to do what we do. Country music has evolved over the years, with different trends and styles coming and going. People are free to love the different aspects of the genre.
Country music has so many styles—from the pop-influenced side to country rock bands, more traditional bluegrass, and singer-songwriters. People are drawn to what they're drawn to. I think trends come and go, but great music stays. Our focus is always on writing the best music we can, hoping that listeners love it just as much as we loved creating it.
Q: Looking back at the songs you've written, do you feel like your songwriting has improved over time, or do you still feel just as connected to the songs you wrote earlier?
I write so many more songs than ever get released, so it’s hard to say. Usually, my favorite song is the one I wrote last week. When you're constantly writing, that’s just how it goes. I appreciate everything we’ve written over the years—they’re like little snapshots of where we were at the time.
I don't think I've written my best song yet, and I always keep that in mind. I never want to repeat myself, but also want to be focused on writing the best song possible. So, I’d say my best song is still waiting to be written.
Q: What would you recommend for someone starting music?
It really depends on what your goals are. People have different dreams of where they want to
go with their music. But I would start out, if it was on the music side, playing nonstop.
Whatever you want to be great at, like if you want to be a great guitar player, then spend all your time playing guitar. Talk to other great guitar players and don't ever be afraid to take lessons. I still take music lessons whenever I can because there's always something new to learn.
If it's songwriting you're interested in, then focus on understanding what makes a song truly great. There are so many incredible writers out there who openly share their methods and ideas.
Like with anything else in life, if you want to be a great runner, you train with great runners and learn from the best. It’s the same with music.
I've become a better musician by surrounding myself with talented people. I've grown as a songwriter by collaborating with incredible writers. I’ve improved my live performances by watching my favorite bands and learning from what they do on stage.
It's about really understanding what it takes to be entertaining and how to put on the best show possible. Keep your eyes wide open, no matter what path you choose. At the same time, remember that the music industry can be a tough and unforgiving business.
It’s not designed to help you succeed—you need to build a thick skin. The music industry won’t always be supportive. Don’t let anyone make you feel like your dreams aren’t worth chasing or that you don’t matter, because you do.
What you're doing is important and the songs you write are important for you. Stay strong in that belief and remember that your work matters.
Q: If you could pick one piece of advice to give to your younger self, which one would it be?
Don't wait. Don't wait. Go for it.
You're good enough. You're smart enough. Your dreams matter enough. Don't let anybody tell you they don't. And don't wait.
Q: Is there anything I forgot to ask that you would like to share?
Yeah, just this. If you’ve never heard of us or seen us live, I’d love for you to come check us out. I guarantee it's a show unlike what you've seen before. It's a giant sing-along, where everyone gets involved, and our fans often end up getting to know each other because they share a love for music.
So, if you've never seen the show, if you don't know who we are, I sure hope you'll take a chance on us and come see us in Brandon. We can't wait to play for you.
