Corey, David, and Tanner have music artist Royce Johns in the studio to try out Backpocket Brewing and share stories. Royce plays a few of his songs for us live and explains how singers and song writers make a living. We enjoy hearing stories from Royce while also talking about the most recent trends in the news.
www.roycejohns.com
Most artists pay somebody to write a long, inflated, flashy bio about themselves, but I thought I’d just give it to you straight.
My name is Royce John Schwienebart, or otherwise known as Royce Johns. I’m a husband, guitar picker, and singer. I’ve also written some songs on my first EP, but after coming to Nashville and really learning how a great song is written, I’d hate to call myself a songwriter just yet. But I’m slowly learning.
I was born on June 22, 1995, in Des Moines, Iowa. I lived in Polk City for twelve years, moved to Pennsylvania for three, then moved back to Iowa in 2008 and have lived here since.
I don’t think I could’ve been dealt a better hand when it comes to family, my parents, grandparents, and extended family.
When most of my friends were into pop radio, I was sinking my teeth into AC/DC, Van Halen, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, and all the classic rock from the ’60s-’80s. I really didn’t have much musically in common with most people my age, and always kinda liked it that way.
When I was 13-14, I would sit in my bedroom for hours at a time, just trying to learn the intro licks to “Purple Haze” and “Thunderstruck”. I never played in band or choir, so all my learning basically has been informal and by ear.
I worked a bunch of odd jobs to pay my way through high school into community college. From car washes to restaurants, retail, warehouse work, car sales, direct sales, and even auto wholesale.
It wasn’t until I was 19 that I took my guitar out of my bedroom and into the streets of Ames, Iowa.
I started busking with the 5 songs I knew how to play, and soon found other musicians that were playing on the streets. From that, I just wanted to play every open jam that I could find, just to get into playing music. I eventually found some other guys that have been playing music for many decades that taught me about playing bar gigs. I just wanted to play guitar, but drawing the short stick in the group, I was left up to be the singer as well. That band became Lincoln Rockhouse and was a starting point for my music career.
I’ve always been around country music with my parents and grandparents, but it didn’t really hit me until I was finishing up my time playing with my cover band Lincoln Rockhouse. Soon after, I started to find my love for the stories of Merle Haggard, Randy Travis, Keith Whitley, Waylon Jennings, Buck Owens, George Strait, Ernest Tubb, and most other popular country artists from the ’50s-’90s.
BACKPOCKET BREWING COMPANY
903 QUARRY RD, CORALVILLE, IA, 52241
319-449-3700 | INFO@BACKPOCKETBREWING.COM
The truth is you can tell a lot about a man by what he keeps in his back pocket - a useful pocketknife, a lucky coin, a worn out photo from an old love that has never died. Whatever it is, even if it wound up there by accident, there's a story behind it. A story that probably won't come out until you are in the right place, talking to the right people, with the right beer in hand.
Located in the Iowa River Landing in the beautiful Coralville, Iowa, we are German inspired and hand crafted. There's a Backpocket beer perfect for every person, every occasion and, most importantly, every story.
Slingshot
Dunkel Lager
What’s not to love about Dunkels? Rich and malty with a balanced sweetness, this easy-drinking lager is a year-round favorite. With a nutty, bready aroma, all hop characteristics are mellowed out to create a smooth, drinkable beer.
Blonde Lager
Light, simple and drinkable, this golden blonde lager was one of our first beers, and it’s stuck around for good reason. It’s crisp, refreshing and simply delicious.
Belgian Golden Ale
Even before your first sip, the nose of this Belgian golden ale packs a punch. Dominated by yeast fruit notes, all hop aromas are buried under a balanced flavor and aroma. The dry finish with a touch of boozy heat, rounds out this golden ale.
IPA
We’ve created this juice bomb of an ipa, graciously hopped with citra and mosaic hops to give a tropical aroma and bold citrus flavor. Gary approved.
Marzen Lager
What more needs to be said. Fall, tailgating and the smooth malt of oktoberfest-style beer just make sense together. When the season hits, fill your fridge and coolers and enjoy the wonders of Fall in the Hawkeye state. We promise Hawktoberfest will pair perfectly with all of it.