1. Hi Jesse, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country singer?
I actually originally wanted to play hockey in the NHL, and played up to my first year in Bantam. But, it became apparent that I had absolutely no future as an athlete, so I picked up a guitar and started to learn how to play.
2. How did you get into country music and how did you know you wanted a career in it?
I grew up listening to all sorts of music. My Dad loved the classics, like ACDC, Bon Jovi, Van Halen. My mom on the other hand was much more into the 80’s alternative scene, bands like INXS, Tears for Fears, that sort of thing.
One thing we always could agree on was country music, and even though I wanted to sing like Matt Thiessen or David Lee Roth, I never had the voice for it. So I began to persue country, and as I did I really began to fall in love, not only with the music, but with the stories the songs told.
3. Who are some of your musical icons?
That is a hard question! Some of my favourites as a kid growing up were Green Day, Reliant K, The Newsboys, and Bryan Adams… But on the country side I aways loved Clint Black, Garth Brooks, and Johnny Cash. Whether it was rock or country I always loved music that was real, gritty, authentic stuff. Songs with lyrics and melodies that grabbed you and didn’t let go. Songs like Folsom Prison Blues, Heaven and Boulevard of Broken Dreams, that still tug at my heart when I hear them.
4. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years with your music?
Honestly, I would just love to be doing what I’m doing! Travelling around the country with my boys sharing my music, meeting fans, and gaining experiences. I hope I have a lot more music in me, and can keep doing it for years to come.
5. Where has been your favorite venue to play at and who has been your favorite musician to open up for?
There have been so many amazing places, and so many phenomenal artists I’ve had the privilege of sharing the stage with. But I would have to say that one show stands out. During the certified country tour playing with Gord Bamford, Joe Nichols and Autumn Hill, we had a sold-out show at Prospera Place in Kelowna near my home. The crowd was amazing, and a lot of family and friends came out to make it a really special night.
6. What is one of your favorite songs you ever recorded?
I would have to say that working with Duane Steele and the people at MCC Recording Studios in Calgary on the Hold The Line project really made it a special song to me. I love how it all came together and it is one of my favourite songs to perform. Also, being born in Alberta, the message of the song and the purpose of the project really hits close to home with me.
7. Is there anything else coming up with your music for the rest of 2017?
A few more shows, a lot more time in the studio. I am working on a few new projects and I can’t wait to share some new music with you guys!
8. What is one of your favorite quotes?
I have tattooed on my left arm the last few lines of one of my all time favourite poems. Its called The Road Less Traveled, and it reads “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by. And that has made all the difference.”
It means a lot to me personally. I have never heard a better or more accurate linguistic representation of the principles by which I aspire to live my life.
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