Interview – Jason Hastie and The Alibi

By: Amanda Hather

Four piece Calgary based country band Jason Hastie and The Alibi includes Jason Hastie (lead vocals), Joel Fraser (lead guitar), Ray Banman (bass guitar), and Kyle Kobylka (drums). On top of being nominated for the ACMA album of the year and rising star for 2013, the band has had three top 50 singles and had the #1 spot for Canadian country album downloads on iTunes. Their current EP, ‘Turning Point’ is available on iTunes and includes an impressive cover of “She Ain’t Pretty.”

Turning Point: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/turning-point-ep/id643328356

Want to know more about this Canadian country band? Be sure to follow them on social media as well as check out the rest of this interview.

What made you want to pursue music?

Jason: I’ve been surrounded by and have loved music my whole life.  As early as age five, I used to tape myself singing and playing the piano with my grandma’s portable tape recorder.  Growing up, I saw how much music can affect people and getting to share my music with others has always been a huge passion of mine.

Who is your biggest musical inspiration?

Joel: I have so many, but if I had to pick one, it would have to be Don Telfer

If you could tour with any band or artist, who would it be?

Kyle: Keith Urban.  I’ve got a pick of his that I carry around with me wherever I go

If someone hadn’t heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? What song would you suggest they listen to first?

Ray: They’re songs you wanna groove to.  Definitely would suggest they listen to “We Got it Goin’ On” first!

Out of all of your songs, which is your favourite to perform live?

Jason: “She Ain’t Pretty”. It’s been our highest charting song to date and it’s awesome to see fans singing it back to us.

If you weren’t in music, what do you think you would be doing?

Joel: Running some big corporation like Apple or Google

What’s one thing fans would be surprised to know about you or the band?

Kyle: Ray and Joel, oddly enough, just started listening to and playing country music a couple of years ago

What advice would you give to someone trying to break out in the music industry?

Ray: It’s all about putting in the time and energy (it’s more than a 40 hour work week!). As well as staying positive no matter what you go through.

What’s coming up next for you?

Jason: We’re opening up in a couple of weeks for John Michael Montgomery.  He was one of my favourite artists growing up!

Now for a few fun questions!

Where has your favourite place to perform a show been?

Joel: Our CD release party in Calgary last May

Any guilty pleasures?

Kyle: McDonald’s, McDonald’s, and more McDonald’s … oh, and pizza.  So much pizza.

Favourite flavour of ice cream?

Ray: Bubble gum with sprinkles on top, and a sparkler that I can’t blow out

Go to karaoke song?

Jason: Friends in Low Places – it always gets the crowd going, and who doesn’t love Garth!

You’re stranded on a desert island, name three things you would want to have with you.

Joel: A guitar, a sexy lady, and a magical bottomless margarita machine

Favourite pastime?

Kyle: Sleeping.  You can never get enough!

Any Canadian band/artist you would recommend to your fans?

Ray: Emerson Drive

Top three places you’d like to travel?

Jason: Scotland, Africa, and the Ukraine

What do you have to have with you on tour, that you can’t imagine living on the road without?

Joel: Rubix cube

What do you think your most played song on your iPod is?

Kyle: “From Afar” by Ingram Hill

And last but certainly not least; is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?

Ray: Thanks for all the support.  Hope to see you out on the road soon!

Jason Hastie and The Alibi on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonhastie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonhastieandthealibi
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jasonhastiemusic
Website: http://www.jasonhastieandthealibi.com/