Vancouver Hard Rockers THE MIGHTY ONE Reimagines The Power Ballad For The Age Of Social Awareness
In their third album, The Torch of Rock and Roll, The Mighty One has chosen to go full tilt at the fragility and vulnerabilities we try to hide from all but a select few. The 5th single from this album “Kickin’ Stones,” out now, is a haunting tribute to Jeff Worobec, a dear friend of songwriter, guitarist, and lead singer Tim Steinruck who harkened back to the bygone days of youth and boundless promise when writing this song. The Mighty One rounded out with talented musicians Bob Wagner (drums), Chris Campbell (bass), Randy Robertson (lead guitar) and James Meyer (keyboards) tackle the often difficult-to-discuss parts of what it is that makes us human, by exploring themes of hopelessness, loneliness, isolation and suicide in this song that also manages to remind us of the days when epic power ballads produced by hard rock and metal bands ruled the airwaves.
In what feels like a trip back in time to the days before the rock and metal stranglehold on popular music was upended, “Kickin’ Stones” takes you on a journey from the soft key intro to the outro that soars to instrumental heights with lyrical imagery spread evenly between. The song continues the tradition of a strong message with tact and dignity while not being afraid to say words out loud that others might bury in poetry that could obscure the fundamental message of suicide prevention and awareness.
Steinruck explains,
“Jeff was a real good-looking man but was famous for sabotaging his relationships. One day he came into the studio with that look on his face. ‘What happened?’ I asked. ‘She’s gone’ he said. ‘I sent her down the road kickin’ stones.’ In that moment something just clicked, and the story of his life became a song.”
The Mighty One was formed in 2007 and had chart success with their self-titled album, and its single “Reprieved” both reaching the Top 10 and the 2009 video for “Reprieved” still enjoying regular rotation on Canada’s music channel Much Loud. Their sophomore album, SHiFT, with two singles “Waiting For You” and “Countdown to Ascension” had radio success and prompted invitations to SXSW in Austin, Texas, and Canadian Music Week in Toronto, Ontario. Further success was found when “Waiting For You” was licensed to the NHL and Sirius XM to celebrate Sydney Crosby’s return after leaving due to a concussion. Their most recent album, “The Torch of Rock and Roll” continues to spawn singles; garner nominations and awards including “International Songwriter, Album, and Band Of The Year” at the 2023 International Singer Songwriter Awards in Atlanta, Georgia; and exponentially grow their Canadian and international fan base. They have received attention through coverage in Rock Hard, Power Play, and Fireworks magazines and you can hear their music on A+E, MTV, NASCAR, and Discovery Channels.
Hi Tim, care to introduce yourself?
Hey Canadian Beats! I’m a music producer and songwriter from Vancouver, B.C.
I front the hard rock band The Mighty One. I’m passionate about inspiring social change and broadcasting a message of hope and transformation through my music.
I’ve been a professional musician since 1983 and have experienced the highest highs and some of the lowest lows throughout my music career. I’m grateful for every moment though, because they have led to this one with you!
Tell us about the process of recording “Kickin’ Stones”?
Believe it or not, it’s been a 31-year journey. In 1993 I was experiencing the ending of what had been a true rock ‘n roll dream. My band at the time, Unchained, was signed to management with Paul Stanley of KISS and a development deal with Polygram Records. However the deal was waning due to the emergence of grunge.
My best friend, and drummer Jeff Worobec came to the studio one day, depressed and heartbroken. I asked him what was going on, and he confessed he’d just broken up with a girl he’d been with for a couple of years. “I sent her down the road kickin’ stones” he said. That inspired me to write a song about him and the emotional challenges he and I were both experiencing.
I re-recorded the song again with The Mighty One in 2020 to honour his life after his long battle with cancer, and finally his accidental death from an alcohol overdose in late 2016.
I was able to get original keyboardist James Meyer, who I wrote the song with, to join us on the new recording along with lead guitarist Colin Glennie, who both appeared on the song in 1993. My drummer, and business partner in The Mighty One, Bob Wagner recreated the drums.
Recording the song a second time was a very deep emotional experience as I wrestled with a lot of hidden memories that bubbled to the surface during the process; Jeff’s friendship, our experiences, and the grief of losing him the way we did.
How do you get over losing someone like your friend? Can you?
I don’t think you really get over the loss of a best friend, but I’ve found a way to live with it. To heal. That’s the beautiful thing about being a songwriter. It’s the ultimate therapy, and when we write songs about those we have loved and lost, lasting healing can take place. Music has a way of completing the journey to full acceptance of things as they are. These songs become a legacy that captures the memory of those we have loved and locks them into our history forever.
Who was the first and most recent Canadian artist to blow you away?
I was a huge Streetheart fan growing up. The very first rock show I ever went to was Sweeny Todd at my high school in Fort St. John. Believe it or not, a young Bryan Adams was the frontman that night. I’ll never forget the sheer energy of that experience. It changed everything for me.
I’ve had the pleasure of going out as a stage manager for a travelling music festival called 2 Rivers Remix here in B.C. over the last couple of years. So much of the rising indigenous talent out there right now is blowing my mind, but Mohawk folk/blues artist Logan Staats has created a very special place in my heart. He has an incredible amount of passion and is an incredible rising star. His passion for his people and his family is incredible. He is one to watch.
What are your plans for Spring and Summer?
I’ve just returned from performing at an industry showcase in Nashville where I attended a music conference called The Objective. These guys have a movement called “The Extreme Tour” that brings an independent music festival, extreme sports, a message of hope, and philanthropy to underserved youth around the world. Myself and the band will join the tour later this summer for a swing through the US Pacific Northwest, Canada, and possibly the UK.
We’ll also be headlining the International Singer Songwriter Association awards show in Atlanta in August.
In the meantime I’m busy producing a bunch of new music for myself in my solo project STEINRÜCK, and for the artists I’m developing through the independent label I work with, Big Records. I am incredibly grateful for all the opportunities that are in my life right now. I am blessed.