Fort Creek members describe the group as a “hard rock band” with a bit of “outlaw country and blues” flavour.
The band’s new video follows lead singer Justin Grayson driving alone through the streets of Sault Ste. Marie at night, as he sings along with their first single, One for the Road.
The song’s melancholic lyrics and moody visuals seem to capture the ache of love slipping away too soon, reminiscent of ballads like Poison’s Every Rose Has Its Thorn or Shinedown’s Second Chance.
Meanwhile, the remaining band members set up at local establishment Jay’s Piston Broke pub on Korah Road, where Grayson eventually joins them for a heartfelt performance before they all leave together—a classic rock ‘n’ roll trope of camaraderie and redemption.
The majority of the video was filmed at Jay's Piston Broke.
“Jay's has always been very good to Fort Creek and we wanted to express our appreciation through the video," says Shane Biron, lead guitarist and co-writer for Fort Creek.
The video was produced by Josh Penno of Spacebag Productions.
“Josh has been a long-time friend of the band and we look to collaborate whenever we can," Biron says.
“‘One for the Road’ was one of the first songs we worked really hard on.
“We felt people could relate to the story it tells and decided it should be shared first.”
Grayson, who was Sault-born and bred, and Biron, originally from Oshawa but raised in Sault Ste. Marie from a young age, found a common love of music.
“Music has always been a huge part of my life since I was a kid and something I was always interested in pursuing,” Grayson says.
“My family has a long line of musicians.”
Music was also a big part of Biron’s upbringing in a musical family.
“My step-dad, Steve Newman, who was known for being a great guitar player back in the day, showed me how to play my first three chords when I was about 16 years old.”
By 2014, Grayson and Biron began playing and writing music together.
In 2019, they recruited other local musicians and began searching for a moniker that represented them.
One name stood out above the rest.
“We wanted the name of the band to be a nod to where we all grew up locally,” said Biron.
“Fort Creek stood out and was picked.”
The band cut their teeth as a local cover band, developing their sound and honing their live performances.
“Covers helped us develop our sound and grow as a band,” Biron says.
With a few lineup changes and a lot of hard work, Fort Creek evolved into what it is today.
The addition of Bill Brouillard on guitar in 2021 and Philly Gee on drums in 2023 helped propel the band forward.
“Bill brings an extensive musical background with an unmatched stage presence,” Biron says.
“When it comes to writing and collaborating, he is a very talented artist with many skills we value.”
Similarly, the band’s newest member, Philly Greco, brings his own unique hard-hitting drum sound.
“With years of experience in mixing, recording, and a vast amount of studio skills, he is well-connected in the music/artist industry,” says Biron.
“We think he will help elevate the band to a new level.”
Now, as an original act, Fort Creek is excited to showcase its own music.
“Now, we have a clear goal of creating our own music,” says Biron.
“Typically, Justin, Bill, or I will present a musical idea, and from there, we all collaborate and build it into a song. Phil lays his drum track, and things come together perfectly in the end.”
One for the Road is currently a standalone single, but the band has plans to release a full album in the very near future.
“We have been working hard and writing for about a year and a half now,” Biron says.
“The album is going to be packed with tunes you can relate to, rock out to, dance to, or cry to. We are super excited for everyone to hear the finished product and can't wait to share it with our fans.”
The album has been recorded at various studio locations in Sault Ste. Marie.
“We then rely on the expertise of our mix and master engineer, Kelowna-based Josh MacIntosh, to give the songs the final polish,” Biron says.
The band has already landed high-profile shows, such as opening for Josey Scott’s Saliva last year.
Now, they are eager to take their music on the road.
“We are definitely considering touring,” Biron says.
“We plan on doing some out-of-town shows and bigger venues to build the Fort Creek fan base. We also have some very exciting ideas for special local shows for our incredibly supportive Soo fan base.”
To learn more about Fort Creek, visit their website, where you can find links to all their social media accounts.