Buck Twenty: Blending Country Roots and Pop Flair with Hometown Pride

By: Devan Mighton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

Country-pop duo Buck Twenty have been making waves across Canada with their infectious blend of traditional country and modern pop influences. Featuring LaSalle’s Aidan Johnson-Bowes and Mike Ure, originally from Harrow, the pair officially formed in 2015 after years of playing together under different names. Since then, they’ve released their debut EP From A to B, opened for artists like Dallas Smith and Aaron Goodvin, and earned a coveted spot at the Boots and Hearts Festival. While their music has taken them to stages across the country, Mike and Aidan remain deeply connected to their roots, crediting their hometown fans for fueling their journey.

LaSalle Post Reporter: For those who don’t know, how did Buck Twenty come together?

Mike: We actually met through a mutual friend we had here in Windsor. He was doing production. I was recording with him, and I’d go in, record some songs, then leave. Mike would come in after me and play guitar on these tracks, but we never met at the time. I’d hear a track he played on, then go back and record more. Eventually, we ended up doing videos together, and the rest is history.

Aidan: We’ve been playing together since 2012 under a different band name, but Buck Twenty officially started in 2015.

LPR: You both have different backgrounds. How would you describe your sound?

Mike: I grew up very traditional country, and Aidan grew up more pop. So, when we come together, we have a cool blend – kind of like early 2000s country music.

Aidan: Yeah, we don’t want to be too modern. We like where country was back in the early 2000’s – and kind of do our own thing.

LPR: Tell me about your first official release.

Aidan: In 2020 we put out our first official Buck Twenty EP, From A to B. Back in 2015, we had something out, but it was more of a compilation of what we were as the last band, mixed in with some of the new stuff. From A to B was really the first release that represented Buck Twenty just as a duo.

LPR: You’ve had a busy tour schedule. What have been some highlights?

Mike: We’ve been really fortunate. This summer, we opened for Shania Twain, Alan Doyle, and Brett Young. Last year, we had the chance to play Boots and Hearts, which was incredible. We had been trying to get on that lineup for probably eight years, so it was really exciting to see that growth.

Aidan: We’ve also done a lot of local festivals, like Harrow Fair and a great one up north in Lindsay. It’s been a busy summer – we’ve really been all over.

LPR: How important has hometown support been for you?

Aidan: That’s the best part. Our fans have been with us forever. They come to everything – they know all the songs, all the little bits. We’re constantly meeting people after shows who bring out old photos, like back from 2017 and then another from a more recent show, and it’s just so cool to see how they’ve grown with us.

Mike: A lot of artists say they have to leave their hometown to get any support, but we’ve never had that problem. We’ve only ever had massive amounts of support locally, and we’re really grateful for it.

LPR: What’s next for Buck Twenty?

Aidan: Right now, we’re focused on writing and working on a new EP. We’re breaking down songs, looking at pitches, and hoping to have something new out in the new year.

LPR: Anything you’d like to say to your fans?

Mike: Just gratitude.

Aidan: And thank you so much for all the support. We couldn’t be doing this without our fans.

Buck Twenty’s music is available for streaming on all major platforms, including on Spotify and Apple Music. Also, please follow them on Instagram (@bucktwentyband) for updates, new releases, and a behind-the-scenes look at their journey.