Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A rising Nashville star returned to his roots in the Star City recently, combining work with a trip north to visit extended family, before continuing his climb to stardom, via the country music scene. Jason Rogers took time for an interview during his visit last month, joined by his dad, Lawrence Rogers, over lunch at the Irish Setter Pub in Presque Isle.
Born in Presque Isle and raised in New Brunswick, the musician now lives outside Nashville, Tenn., with his wife, Christie, and their 1-year-old daughter.
“Her name’s Isabelle Grace. She just turned 1,” said Jason Rogers, smiling as he talked of his daughter. “She likes music.”
When asked if he’d support her, should she follow in his musical footsteps, the proud papa said it was up to her.
“I won’t push it, but I won’t stop her either. It’ll be up to Isabelle and what she wants to pursue,” said Jason.
During his stay, he took time to promote his new single, “It Ain’t Braggin.’”
“I’ve signed with Cashbox Records. That’s a division of “Cashbox Magazine” and Cashbox Canada. I have dual citizenship — U.S. and Canada. I plan to take advantage of it to do some cross-border touring,” said the 32-year-old artist.
“I worked for McCains and Jason grew up in New Brunswick. We have family on both sides of the border,” added his dad, Lawrence Rogers.
His self-titled album, “Jason Rogers,” was released earlier this year and has received international air play, in places ranging from the United States and Canada, to destinations as far away as India. With Cashbox, Jason expects his air time will grow. To make that happen, he’s already begun visiting stations, talking about his latest release and asking DJs to play it.
“I’m in the process of getting radio play. I’ve got over a dozen stations interested already. I just went out to the Dakotas — got one station out there that reaches six states that said they’ll play my music,” Jason said.
Plans included starting in the center of the U.S. and work out from there in both directions.
“I’m starting with radio play. You need that before you can pack a stadium. I’d like to do USO tours. I’ve been in country music magazines in the Scandinavian countries, so I’d like to build an audience in Sweden, Finland, maybe get some European fans in places like France,” he said. “Before the end of the year, I’ll be covered in 19 countries. I’ve already done 17.”
“I’ve been in ‘Country Music People Magazine,’ which covers the United Kingdom. I’ve been in Scotland’s ‘CMDS’ magazine (‘Country Music and Dance in Scotland’), which covers Scotland and Ireland — their June/July issue,” Jason continued.
Accolades include being listed as a Rising Star in the June issue of “Country Weekly” magazine.
“Those three magazines cover quite an area,” he said. “It’s about getting your name out there. I’m actually getting air play in 15 countries, including India. I’ve had newspaper articles from Maine to Oregon. I’ve even been on the front page of the Chicago Daily.”
He gave his father credit for being so supportive over the years.
“I’ve spent five or six years seriously pursuing a music career. I’ve given dad a few headaches financially, but he’s always been very supportive,” said Jason.
The songwriter credits his roots for the themes in many of his songs.
“Where I was born, where I was raised, your word’s still like your handshake. That’s what forms who you become. That’s important to me and I try to incorporate such values into my music,” said Jason. “If you have a good heart and sound good, folks will listen. I’ve helped several musicians over the years, given them advice and help with songs. It’s just who I am.”
Since signing with Cashbox — a popular publication that folded in 1996 but is now making a comeback under President Bruce Elrod — life has definitely speeded up for the young musician.
“Nothing in life comes quickly; you’ve gotta work slow. Things are picking up for me now that I’ve signed a contract with Cashbox. I’ll probably be twice as busy in coming months. Plans for touring and appearances will take a couple months to organize, due to working with stations, setting up shows,” said Jason.
Cashbox is looking to get its products — music and the magazine — back in stores, including places like Wal-Mart, according to Jason.
“Cashbox is putting me on Wal-Mart’s MP3 downloads. I’ll be available on their Web site,” he explained.
One of the things that attracted him to the deal with Cashbox is the company’s willingness to allow him to make decisions for himself.
“Before I agreed to sign, I requested full creative control. Officials at Cashbox actually encourage performers in that way,” said Jason.
His songs come from the heart —based on situations in his own life and the lives of others.
“I’m a strong believer in family values. That’s the way I was brought up. I had a good father and grandfathers to straighten me out when I needed it. I incorporate those values in my music,” said Jason.
“We (the family) have a strong belief system — spiritual beliefs. He performs from the heart,” said Lawrence. “It’s a tough industry. In most genres, it’s difficult to maintain sincerity and realism. But I think he does a good job at it.”
“God’s important in my life. It’s about preparing yourself for whatever happens. My music reflects what life hands you — love, loss, pleasure and pain. It’s a mixture,” said Jason.
Jason joins some major names on the Cashbox Country Countdown the week of Oct. 19, with “It Ain’t Braggin’” coming in at number 29, Rascal Flatts’ “Why” listed at number 21, Taylor Swift’s “15” is number 9 and leading the lineup at number 1 is Toby Keith, with “American Ride.”
“It’s an honor and such a pleasure to be listed with stars of such distinction. If you’d told me I’d be on a list like that a few years ago, I wouldn’t have believed it. I’m living my dream,” said Jason.
For more information on Jason Rogers and his music, visit: www.cowboyjason.com or jasonrogersecountry.com. For more information on Cashbox, visit: cashboxrecords.com, cashboxmagazine.com or cashboxcanada.ca
