Jesse Roper is itching to get on the road.
“I don’t even need any money, just get me out there,” the Metchosin singer-songwriter said.
Luckily Victoria indie rock band Current Swell has a tour on deck next month and Roper gets to fill in on guitar.
“I’m going to open the shows, too, so it’s the best gig … I can just get on the stage and stay on it all night,” Roper told Black Press Media.
READ ALSO: Friends, family surprise Current Swell singer and new wife with socially distant wedding
Current Swell has released seven albums, including their latest, Demos ‘16, released in 2020, while Roper has four out, the latest of which is Access to Infinity, with another underway and set for release this year. Currently, the artists and friends are filling days rehearsing and preparing for the coming road trip.
The 2022 North American Tour includes 10 gigs in 10 days starting May 5 in Kingston, Ont., dipping into U.S. venues, then wrapping in London, Ont. May 15.
READ ALSO: Metchosin singer-songwriter Jesse Roper invites gardeners into his plot
It’s a saving grace, at least for Roper who genuinely craves live performance and was starting to get loopy and a little frustrated, with not much lined up so far this summer.
“If I was mega popular all over the world it would be easier,” he said, noting more than just artists suffered during pandemic shutdowns. Agents also didn’t have much work for two years.
“Those people are trying to get their biggest bands out first and I’m not that on anybody’s list.”
READ ALSO: Metchosin’s Jesse Roper hopes new music video launches him from pandemic pause
Roper does have one coming show at The Waverley Hotel in Cumberland May 28. Visit jesseroper.ca for tickets.
Locally, Current Swell performs at Tilt at the Phillips Backyard in Victoria this July. Visit currentswell.com for details.
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