March 09, 2000

Danko Jones and His Pants Are Juno Bound
By: ChartAttack.com Staff

Danko Jones is very protective about his pants.
He won't lend them to just anybody.
So when ChartAttack.com tried to persuade the sexy lead singer to lend a pair to our very own badly dressed news editor for the Juno Awards on Sunday, we were flatly denied. Jones' determination to maintain the sanctity of his pants arose after an incident in which the Smugglers accidentally borrowed and destroyed a pair of the musician's trousers.
"No, I'm not lending out my pants. The Smugglers ripped mine, I won't be letting people borrow my pants," says Jones. "No clothes lending from Danko Jones." [The complete Smugglers Danko Jones pant story is in the March issue of Chart, on the newsstand now.] So while the lead singer/guitarist is all trussed up for the Juno Awards, you can watch for ChartAttack.com's news editor, who may be pantless.
Jones, who is up for Best Alternative Album, is accompanied by competitors Tricky Woo, Len, Thrush Hermit and Julie Doiron. And although Jones threatens to conquer the North American music industry, he remains skeptical about receiving the award. "I think Tricky Woo will get it... I think either Tricky Woo or Len. And deservedly so." says Jones. "I think both albums are great.... But hey, if we win it, I'm not giving it to them."
Jones and his band have received substantial media attention since the nomination, including an article in this week's issue of Macleans Magazine. The media coverage has only served to reinforce his belief in the Danko Jones phenomenon.
"I mean, we put out the CD because we wanted to prove to a lot of people that we are a viable act. We are a real band and we can do it on our own. And I think this Juno nomination has just proven that."
But just in case, he will be creating a thank-you list... Not a speech.
And if he wins? "We're outta here," he jokes. "We're packing our bags and leaving Canada."
But seriously, folks.
"This is my first round at this thing... I think there may be more of an after effect if we actually win it," says Jones, who adds that he is looking forward to the experience. "Hopefully we'll be able to play more... in front of more people. I don't know. What happens to bands?"
Among the possibilities is a chance to sign with a major record company. The band is currently working with Sound King/Outside, but he isn't optimistic about the band's chances for a major record deal.
"It would just have to be the right deal," he says, adding that fair compensation is only one consideration. "You just want to have creative control and know that the money that's set aside for your project is being spent on the right things, or whatever it is you agree with."
No matter what the outcome, Danko Jones will be touring across Canada in April, which will be followed, by the band's tour descending into the U.S. There are also plans to hit the recording studio. "Some older material, and a full-length album of very new material will probably [be] due by the end of the year. If not the beginning of next year, but we'll definitely start working on it at the end of this year."
And where will Danko Jones be in the next few years?
"Umm... All over the world."
World domination?
"Um... yeah. I'd like to think that we'll be in everyone's faces for a while. I think every band wants that. I want to be still putting out records, and, uh... picking up Juno awards and Grammy awards, presenting MTV awards. You know, flying around in private jets, with paparazzi following me, really pissing me off... Going out with movie stars and models..."
But it all has to start somewhere, and Danko is still hoping for a Juno on Sunday. And while part of him will be scoping out some of the female Canadian talent (he is looking to meet up with Shania Twain and Ivana Santilli), there will also be a part that hopes to receive Best Alternative Album of the year.
"I totally want to win it," says Jones. "But it's good company."

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