For me, there is always just something about that feeling of brotherhood/sisterhood in some bands that I find so appealing. It goes beyond the obvious formula of some musicians just creating music. There is an extra blanket to fall upon there. 

Does that mean something? I think it does.

Playing in bands with people who become friends and then like family is such an extra special element that allows us to experience the reassurance of us being there for each other, no matter what. That connection is written all over this band, The Mill•Rights. And you can hear it in the sound! Let’s dive in on Thursday, November 13, 2025 when they play The Cove Inn. Details and reservations here.

Seamus Cowan: I know you guys have all been playing for a while on your own in a smattering of Kingston based country and rock bands. What was the “aha” moment when you realized that you had chemistry to go beyond and start to write and forge your own path?

Damien Van Johnson: That moment came in 2018. The three of us (Pat, Joey & Damien) were in an outlaw country tribute band and had just finished up a month-long tour in Belgium & the Netherlands. The great thing about a tour like that one, was we had all day, everyday, before showtime, to be focused on nothing but music. Whether that was working on harmonies, or endings, or just finding new ways to make the songs we were playing more fun. This was the time that we really jelled and thought, "Hell yeah, we can do this!" So when we got home we retired from that band and immediately started writing songs.

Patrick Aaron: If there was an "Aha" moment, it would have to have been while we were touring with a traditional country band in Europe. It just felt so obvious at that time that the next step for us was to make something that came from us. Reproducing beloved classics was fun, but it was our time to add to something completely new, that only writing could yield. 

Q: Since you have been together as this band, what has been the process for writing and what has been the best path for your success to make it all happen? Do you have some defined songwriting roles within the collective? 

Damien: Since this was our first stab at songwriting, we just had completely open minds. If one of us had an idea, we jammed on it and if it worked, great! If not, oh well. It didn't take long before the ideas turned into a verse or catchy chorus and then a complete song. We don't really have a defined role for a songwriter per se, it’s more of a collective.

Patrick: There is no singular mode to the writing. There were songs written by a single guy, old songs brought to the table, collaborations between us and collectively refined ideas. It was very organic and ad hoc. 

Q: It is so much fun playing music with friends! Do you have a particular thing you guys like to do together outside of playing music that makes you tick and keeps you together?

Damien: We still love to just hang out, drink a Duvel (a fancy Belgium beer) and catch up with each other. At this point in our lives we all have kids, partners and careers all on top of music. So when we get together once a week,  we all really appreciate everyone's time and try not to take it for granted.

Patrick: We really are best buds outside of the band. Our families spend holidays and birthdays together. We can call on each other when we need a friend. 

Q: It’s well documented, the classic bands you enjoy being inspired by. If you could play with anyone still touring today, who would they be and why?

Damien: We would love to jump on a tour with Sturgill Simpson. We've been following Sturgill since his early career and we have felt a kinship with not just his music but what he was trying to achieve. Pushing the boundaries of "Country Music", while calling out all the nonsense that comes with it. It's been awesome and so inspiring to watch him start out in clubs and work his way up to the big tours.

Patrick: We have been honoured and humbled to share the stage with some of our heroes; The Sadies, The Deep Dark Woods, Terra Lightfoot. It's very validating to feel like hard work has paid off enough to put us on stage with artists we admire. It's a big part of the fuel that drives us to always be better, and I don't think any of us feel we are done. As for the future – Pete Elkas, Joel Plaskett, we're looking at you!

Q: Being on a local record label is sweet. It’s like being a part of little musical family. What is it about Wolfe Island Records that is so special and are you planning to record a new album of music?

Damien: First and foremost, our album would not have happened without the guidance and support from Jason Mercer and Hugh Christopher Brown. Chris really has created a diverse collective of great artists that can call Wolfe Island home. We loved making our record there and are hoping we can make another one soon!

Patrick: We are absolutely going to write and record more. I can't imagine it not being a part of the rest of our lives to be honest. The Wolfe Island Records family has been so wonderful for us to work with and be a part of. The nucleus of talent they have on the other side of that ferry ride is beyond articulation. They all welcomed us warmly and so many great players contributed their talents to the first record. I think that's what makes Wolfe Island Records so special: everyone is earnestly pulling in the same direction for all the right reasons. Every trip home from the island we feel like our inspiration buckets have been topped up.