They swept the MuchMusic Video Awards earlier this year taking home “Video of the Year” and “Pop Video of the Year,” now the Canadian pop/rock band Hedley is ready to conquer the States. Hedley’s U.S. debut, ‘The Show Must Go,’ will be released on December 7th.
The visually stunning music video for Hedley’s U.S. debut single, “Perfect,” has already garnered more than 1.8 million views on Youtube. Lead singer, Jacob Hoggard, who finished third on Canadian Idol back in 2004, showcases his trademark Falsetto on the piano power ballad.
“We’ve been dying to get down to the U.S.,” admits Hoggard. “Once people pick up on us, they won’t put us down. We’re just real guys and that comes out in our music. There’s no disconnect between what we are and what we do. What you see is what you get. People like hanging out with us and seeing what we do next.”
Fans can pre-order ‘The Show Must Go’ on Amazon and “Perfect” is available now on iTunes.
Recently, I had the chance to ask Chris Crippin, drummer for Hedley, some questions about things such as their music, inspirations, and goals. You can read about that below.
When did you first realize you had an interest in music and what sparked that interest?
We all had an interest at a young age. I think it just speaks to you and you are honest with it when you’re young. I didn’t start actually playing an instrument until I was 16, which is kind of late. And what sparked it was just love. I loved it so much that I wanted to be a part of it.
What drives and inspires you to do what you love?
I like seeing what unfolds from our pursuit in songwriting and playing. I love learning all aspects. Recording, practicing, playing live, and the actual business of music as well. What drives me is that I know if we work hard we will get to do some really great things, and discover and play some really great original music.
Do you find it easy to sing and perform? Does it come naturally for you?
Hahaha. I guess, it does now. I mean that’s the goal: for it to become natural, but I’m not joking when i say it takes literally thousands of hours to have it looking and feeling that way. Perfection is the unattainable goal in this regard.
Besides music, what are some of your favorite things to do?
After my first couple of tours I realized you could fall into a pretty deep depression simply because you no longer had the busy tour schedule keeping you engaged and titillated. As a result I’ve taken up snowboarding, golf, gym, shooting, all sorts of sports and outdoor activities. I’m also into cigars and scotch. I also read, write and record music at home. Lots of things really. I just really enjoy learning a new skill. Breaking it down to it’s basics and then building it back up until it’s second nature.
If you had the chance to work or record with anyone, who would you choose?
I think it would be anyone whose agenda is the same as your own. Someone who is easy going but still tenacious and is able to get the best out of you. I really don’t know, we’ve already worked with some of my favs. I like working with new people and seeing what happens.
How would you describe the sound of your music?
I think it’s catchy stuff with a bit of an edge, honest, introspective, playful and coy, and always our very best.
How do you feel that you’re different from other artists in your genre?
I think it would be harder to be the same than it is to be different. If I were to be asked “what sets us apart” it would be the same answer. The four guys have strong personalities, care about what we do, don’t take ourselves too seriously, and love doing what we do.
What are some of your short-term and long-term goals you have lined out for yourself?
I think short term would be cracking the charts in the states, in a big way, and long term would be, sustaining a long and invigorating career for both us and our fans.
What are your upcoming plans for promoting your music in the US?
I can honestly say we’ve either been smart or lucky to be surrounded by great people. The folks at IDJ are very dedicated and intelligent and so we are promoting wherever and when ever we can, full shows, radio station appearances, small acoustic shows, tv spots, highschool jamborees, whatever ! We like doing what we do, so we aren’t sweating the hard work!
Click here to see celebrities singing ‘Let It Be.’
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Images Via: TotalAssault
