This song by Canada’s Freightliner is about a dream, and a dream that died but not for the reason that dreams usually die – you know, the half-hearted try that ends in failure that’s followed by giving up. No, there’s another reason – but let’s first set the scene with the dream. Freightliner’s main songwriter, singer-guitarist Innes Wilson explains that the song grew out of a long-held dream that he and most small-town kids have about making it big in Hollywood, where their natural talent will immediately be recognized and captures that idea in the opening lines “Canadian Cowboys in L.A. / Heading down south seeking fortune and fame / Never will you ever see something more out of place / Than these denim boys walking down them streets where palm trees sway.” The idea that a true denim blue Canadian country rocker would fit it on the glitzy streets of Tinseltown was always a stretch. He adds that “Obviously it’s not our dream now.” Well, obviously, what true blue denim clad Canadian country rocker would want to be seen walking the streets of tarriftown? However he admits that “the youthful innocence in hoping to be a star really captivates people and is relatable to every creative person who grew up in a small town, whether from Canada or elsewhere.”
With Freightliner, Wilson has fully embraced Americana, in collaboration with guitarist R.P. McMurphy, drummer Joshua Osmond and bassist Liam Vickery. The band’s profile has been steadily rising through its catchy, hard driving sound that recalls the glory days of early alt-country, when the likes of Uncle Tupelo and Steve Earle infused traditional sounds with punk rock attitude, while writing songs about small-time life.
That’s what the PR says anyway, but hopefully, given time, they’ll reach the musical heights of Son Volt – guys, we’ve got our fingers crossed for ya!
