Interview With Hedley Frontman Jacob Hoggard
April 23rd, 2009 by Stephanie Stevens
With a stylish retro fashion flair and durable strong and trendy songwriting Canada’s very own HEDLEY is making a go to explore the world of music in the States in 2009, with a release of the bands album entitled NEVER TOO LATE.
HEDLEY has successfully made a name for themselves on their home turf with their 2005 self titled debut album. The CD had numerous singles released and brought about JUNO nominations and also a MMVA for best pop video.
The band explore everything from the rock attitude to pop flair and even throw in some R&B soulful nature and reggae vibrations to just stir it up. They aren’t afraid to bear there soul behind a piano and belt out some sentimental emotions in a song. From the sassy and fierce punchy song and first single video SHE’S SO SORRY to the heartfelt and simple sound of DYING TO LIVE AGAIN you will see the unique talent this band is going to give us now and beyond.
Here is a quick run down of what front man Jacob Hoggard has to say about his music.
YOU LIVE BEHIND A MICROPHONE AND ALSO A PIANO. WHERE DO YOU FEEL MOST COMFORTABLE?
That would have to be a toss up. I absolutely love sitting at a piano but I’m pretty damn comfortable in my bed!
IN CANADA YOU RELEASED TWO ALBUMS AND HAD 7 HIT SINGLES. NOW RELEASEING A ALBUM IN THE STATES YOU TOOK THE BEST OF THE BEST AND PLACED IT ON ALBUM. DO YOU CONSIDER THIS A RERELEASE IN SOME ASPECTS AND WHY DID YOU JUST MAKE NEW MUSIC FOR THIS ONE?
We really felt we had put together some great songs that we wanted to be able to share with the rest of the world. We’re currently working on new material, but we really want to give our first two albums a good shot.
WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS GOING TO BE THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE WHEN TACKLING THE STATES WITH YOUR MUSIC?
There are a lot more people in the states with a wider variance of musical taste. We just hope we can get our songs out to as many people as possible. That’s why we love touring so much, because we love playing for and with new people!
IS THERE NEW MUSIC IN THE WORKS AND WHEN DO YOU THINK YOU WILL HEAD INTO THE STUDIO TO GET IT RECORDED?
Yes there absolutely is. We’ve started recording early demos and should have a full length album out late this fall. It is by far our most exciting work yet. We’re all really excited about it.
YOUR SONGS DELIVER AN ARRAY OF MUSICIAL SOUNDS AS IN ROCK N ROLL, TO A SOUL/R SOUND AND OTHERS DOES IT GET TRICKY AS A BAND TRYING TO INCORPORATE SO MANY ELEMENTS TO YOUR MUSIC?
No, we don’t push ourselves too hard to get it done. For the most part we just write whatever comes out. The band as a whole listen to a wide variety of music and it’s really easy to see/hear in our music.
LIVING IN CANADA AND WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED OUT WHAT KIND OF “SCENE” WERE YOU GUYS AFFILATED WITH AND DO YOU FEEL YOUR HOMETOWN GAVE YOU THE PUSH TO TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
I am the Webster’s dictionary definition of asocial and never really spent much time in any “scene” the fragility of “scenes” has always frightened me a little more than walking to the corner store by myself.
GREIG NORI HELPED PRODUCING AND YOU SAID YOU SHARED AN UNCANNY VISION WITH HIM. WHAT WAS THAT VISION AND HOW DOES IT FEEL TO HAVE AN OUTSIDE PERSON COME IN TO HELP WITH SONGWRITING AND VISIONS OF YOUR SONGS?
Greig knew from day one the direction we were taking with the record. He understood that as a band we were still young enough that the process would belong greatly to a band who was still finding their place musically. Greig was just flexible enough with us to enable a steady and solid work ethic. I always embrace outside songwriters if I’m sure they will be a good fit for the band. I really value constructive criticism and have always believed that if there is a way to make a song better, I’d like to try it.
WHERE DOES YOUR LYRICAL STORYLINES COME FROM BECAUSE ON THIS ALBUM IT SEEMS YOU BRING TO THE TABLE A LOT OF SLOWER BALLAD- LIKE SONGS?
Lyrically I tend to write almost exclusively from personal experience. Music for me has always been a functioning emotional outlet and I’ve always approached it with unconditional honesty. In many cases that leaves me songs that might be slower but always honest.
HOW DIFFERENT DO YOU FEEL YOU WENT FROM THIS ALBUM VERSES YOUR LAST ALBUM ON A LYRICAL LEVEL?
Lyrically, I put a lot more time and effort into what I felt I could and needed to say. Also just technically I think there was notable growth between the two records and I’m happy to say there is still plenty of room to grow.
IF YOU COULD PINPOINT ONE STRENGTH EACH OF YOUR BAND MEMBERS GIVE TO THE BAND TO MAKE YOU HEDLEY WHAT WOULD EACH MEMBER GIVE INCLUDING YOURSELF?
Tom represents consistency. A creature of habit you can always rely on Tom to keep the rest of us on our toes. Chris is a cornerstone, representing the stamina and work ethic of the band and always ready and willing to push harder for longer. -Dave is the bad ass leather jacket that without it, the band would be a style less skeleton, a creative driving force. -I’m the one who does all the apologizing.
YOUR VOICE IS VERY DIVERSE AND CHANGES WITH EVERY SONG AT TIMES. IS AN EMOTION OF A SONG AN ELEMENT THAT YOU TAKE TO PUT A CERTAIN TONE TO YOUR VOICE TO REFLECT THE STORYLINE OF A SONG?
The emotional inspiration of a song is paramount for a favorable delivery.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOURING PLANS FOR THE REST OF 2009?
We’re going to spend the majority of 2009 recording LP3 but there should be some room for a couple of shows here and there. We don’t want to rust over completely. We anticipate 2010 as being one of our busiest touring years to date and are excited to Re-Rock the civilized world yet again.
ANY FAMOUS LAST WORDS?
“Hey watch this!”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cl2xiBQS9Ig
I LOVE YOU GUYS.If i could pick one band that is the most best in the whole world i would pick you guys.I am your most bigest fan ever
p.s i love cha-ching so much. I love you jacob,dave,chris and tom.
You guys are my favorite band to listen to love all your songs and my favorite song is on my own
Hey Hedley my name is Sicily Costa I am Italian,Sodo,scotish and Canadian.I am 11 years old but my birthday is comeing up!
I think all you guys are GREAT! your funny and awesome I like your band! but i think the band Billy Talent is better ive been a fan of them ever since i was 5. But you guys are all a close second 2! well thats all e-mail back!
HI HEDLEY im your number one fan i have all your albums!! my favourite song is dont talk to strangers!!!