Over the past decade, singer-songwriter Jason Blaine has enjoyed multiple Rising Star and Male Artist of the Year nominations from the Canadian Country Music Association. He’s had back-to-back Number 1 videos on CMT Canada and multiple Top 10 radio singles.

Canadians, it would appear, know and love this rising star. Now, with his new album, Sweet Sundown, Blaine is reaching critical international mass and his name and music could soon be a household name in the U.S. and beyond.

Edmonton folks will get a toe-tappin’ double-dip of Blaine on Wednesday, May 5, when this ambitious singer-songwriter opens for superstars Brooks & Dunn — then afterwards plays a solo gig at Cook County Saloon.

WHERE Edmonton caught up to Blaine on the phone “just south of Nashville” for a brief interview which, with his gracious manners and friendly voice, proved a pleasure to conduct.

Q:Your musical talent could have taken you in many directions, from a metal band to a symphony orchestra. Why country? Where does your passion for country music come from?

A:When I was growing up, every morning my mother would make a pot of coffee and put on the country radio station. I fell in love with the music.

Q:Who are your musical heroes?

A:I’ve always admired folks like Steve Wariner and Vince Gill and Bryan Adams. On my new album, Sweet Sundown, I do a duet with Steve, Home Is A Highway. I also do a cover of Bryan Adams’ When You Love Someone.

Q:Where did you acquire your musical education, learn to play guitar and sing?

A:My Dad played in a local band, with the same group of guys, for more than 20 years. He taught me a lot about playing and singing.

Q:What’s your process when it comes to songwriting? Words first? Music first? A feeling or emotion first?

A:All of those. Sometimes I begin with the subject matter, then work out the melody. With my new song, Heroes, I wanted to write a song about our brave military, the men and women who are my heroes. I wanted to thank them for all their sacrifices.

Q:You just turned 30 on April 19 — what sort of thoughts go through your head when you reflect on this milestone in your life?

A:I feel grateful. For my wife and children. For our beautiful home. For my career. I spent my 20s working hard to make these dreams come true, and now that I’m 30 I can look back and feel grateful for what I was able to accomplish. It kind of ties into the title of my album, Sweet Sundown, to be able to look at life and be happy at the end of each day.

Q:Do you feel this Brooks & Dunn tour slot is a “coming of age” for you?

A:In some ways I do. You don’t get to open for someone like Brooks & Dunn unless you’ve got some hits to sing. I grew up playing their music, loved all of their songs, and it’s a huge thrill to be on the same stage as them.

Q:Tell me about Sweet Sundown, your third and newest album. Your bio says you decided to get “a bit more serious” this time around. What does this mean?

A:With my last album, Make My Move, it was all about fun and the freedom of youth, about coming up with a setlist I could have fun playing every night. With Sweet Sundown, I dig a little deeper. My music is all about real people, in real situations; it’s current country music, and it’s real life.

Q:Here at WHERE we’re wondering: Do you have any favourite memories of Edmonton?

A:I remember playing with other country musicians on a hockey team at the Ice Palace in West Edmonton Mall last year. We were raising money for charity and we had a ball.

Q:Finally, what can fans expect from your shows here in Edmonton on May 5, both with your opening slot with Brooks and Dunn and later in the evening with your solo gig at the Cook County Saloon?

A:This is an all-new show, with brand-new material. Before the new album, we’d been playing the same setlist for three years. This time out, we’ll be playing all the radio hits the fans love, of course, but we’ll also be switching it up with new songs.

Q:It takes crazy determination and insane work to build a career in country music. What keeps you going?

A:When I hear the fans singing along with me at my shows, and I hear them singing the words to my songs, it’s instant gratification. Knowing that folks love my music and care enough about me and my songs to spend their hard-earned money on my CD or buy a ticket to one of my shows, that means the world.

Jason's website: www.jasonblaine.ca

MAY 5 SHOWS INFORMATION:

BROOKS & DUNN (with Jason Blaine)
The Last Rodeo Tour is, sadly, the end of the line for Kix and Ronnie. Says their website: “After 20 years … we have agreed as a duo that it’s time to call it a day. This ride has been everything and more than we could ever have dreamed.... We owe it all to you, the fans.” Rexall Place, $76.26-$96.26; call 780-451-8000 for tickets.

JASON BLAINE
Cook County Saloon, 8010 Gateway Blvd., 780-432-2665. (Doors open 9 p.m.; show 10:30 p.m.)