Greg Rekus’s passion for music is bursting at the seams. It is the driving force that keeps him constantly on the road and cranking out album after album of folk punk goodness. During live performances, audiences are treated to an entertainer who treats the stage as his home. With high energy and infectious enthusiasm, Rekus has a natural ability to engage with a diverse assortment of crowds from around the world. His lyrics speak to common experiences, such as drinking in a favourite hometown bar, or the simultaneous joy and heartache of falling in love, but also do not shy away from making pointed political commentary, coloured with the anger and frustration that comes along with it. Delivering each line with a force that is rivalled by few other solo artists, Rekus emphasizes his words with every strum of his guitar, pounding the beat out on his custom-built stomp box. His hard work has already gotten him to places he never thought attainable, and as far as he’s concerned, the only way from here is up.
Name:
Greg Rekus
Genre:
Folk Punk
Founded:
2011
# of Albums:
5
Latest Album:
Sinners go to Church, Saints go to Jail
Latest Single:
Wetched of the Earth
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Moneen / Nofx
Favourite musician now:
John Prine / Paul Simon
Guilty pleasure song:
The 90s Station in Winnipeg and a Whole…
Live show ritual:
Show Cloths
Favourite local musician:
Kris Rendina / Grotoko
EP or LP?
LP. I want to hear a whole album. i want to be swept away and taken on a journey, not just a few random hits
Early bird or night owl?
Both. It’s very exhausting. It’s hardest touring in Europe, as often it’s a late night and then an early bus or train. sometimes it’s even a night bus, so you have to find a way to sleep in the sitting position with a big Eastern European dude next to you, talking in his sleep….
Road or studio?
Road. Love the studio, but playing live is where it feels I’m really giving something to the world.
Any shows or albums coming up?
I’m on tour right now! This year is a bit of a slower year. I got married last year, so we are still catching up on bills. When I don’t tour, I work as an audio tech, and it’s a bit more lucrative than playing, so I gotta find that balance some years. In 2027, I hope to re-release my first-ever album on vinyl. It came out in 2011 on CD only, so a vinyl release has always been a hope, and next year it’ll be a reality
Where can we follow you?
Website | Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Spring Roll! Best vegan Chinese in Winnipeg, if not the world!
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Osborne. I’ll admit it’s slipped a lot over the years, and I kinda hope it makes a reserge at some point, but so many fond memories
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Kildonan Park! mostly cuz of the witches’ hut!
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Currently, I have a soft spot for side stage. All the venues in winnipeg and really cool, and I’m also very involved in doing sound at so many places. They are all special, but in terms of shows, Sidestage
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Into the Music, if we are talking selling records. Although I find I get most of my physical media from the flea market these days… if you mean instruments. L and M on Pembina is where I get most of my stuff, and I think I bought them 3 of the 4 walls based on what I spend on guitar strings alone…
