Artist Spotlights- Jason Blaine

http://www.jasonblaine.ca

PB - How did you get into the Music Business? What was your big break?

JB -I grew up with country radio and my father was in a band that played a variety of music, including country, 80s & 90s pop, classic rock, and even polka! I started playing guitar at age 8 and by age fifteen I was playing live in bars, dances, and local summer festivals. I think for me, my big break came in a number of little breaks. The first was meeting Country star Jamie Warren in 1997 and being invited to his studio to meet his producer. I learned a lot about the business and was able to have so many questions answered. I was also able to earn a living as a "side man" guitar player for a number of years after college playing for acts like John Landry, Jamie Warren, Thomas Wade, Rick Tippe & many others. I spent a lot of time writing songs too and in 2002 I won a CMT contest called project discovery that earned me my first top 10 single "That’s what I do".

PB -Is this something you've always wanted to do, or did it take you by surprise?

JB -No, this has really just been a consistent evolution for me. I tried to work so called "real jobs" after high school but had a very strong feeling that was not going to be my path in life. The only time my world made sense was when I was making music. I think everybody has a talent for something and I believe music is mine.

PB -Are you a goal oriented person? Are you a control freak?

JB -Yes, I actually need something to work towards. I think everybody does. I think that’s the key to success in general, you need to see what you want down the road and then put a plan in motion to get you there. As for being a control freak, there have actually been times when I wish I would have taken on more control over the situation in the creative process but I was just too green to know that I had the right idea at the time. But I also think that it’s important to collaborate with the talents of others to come up with something great. It’s can be a fine line.

PB -What music/artists do you like to listen to?

JB -Vince Gill, Steve Wariner, Merle Haggard, Brian Adams, The Eagles, and currently, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, & Phil Vassar

PB -What's your favorite website?

JB -Why www.cmtcanada.com of course!

PB -Talk about your current album/projects... OR if there's not a current project... What are your album/career plans?

JB -My first record was a real journey of discovery for me. Since I have played so many styles of music and love all kinds of country music I was still searching for the exact direction I wanted to go. The current record I’m working on is a little more up-tempo and fun. It’s also a bit more guitar driven.

PB -Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

JB -God willing, I’ll still be alive and kicking making the music I love.

PB -Where do you see yourself tomorrow?

JB -Hanging out with my wife Amy and daughter Gracie.

PB -Are you a pet person? Do you have any pets? Any pet stories?

JB -I do love dogs, I lost my childhood dog in 2001 and it’s amazing how much you can get attached to a pet. I’ll get another dog someday when I have the time for him, they deserve a lot of attention.

PB -Do you care to share your religious beliefs? What's your life philosophy?

JB -My beliefs are personal, but I will say that I think the road to world peace must begin with the kind of tolerance and understanding that religion suggests. Agree to disagree and please put away the guns. That is my prayer.

PB -What's your favorite food?

JB -Anything my wife, mom or Grandmothers make! Haha!

PB - Please add any other interesting comment, tidbit, sound-bite or mantra here...

JB -"Live to be happy, be happy to live……"

(J ason Blaine)

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