Jason Webley
Interview & Preface By: Daniel Rojay
Button Image by Jeff Harms

When you listen to a Jason Webley album you can’t help but realize his fine musical talent, his eclectic mixture of styles and his ability to write one magnificent song after another. Jason has developed a loyal following both nationally and internationally - his most loyal of fans are known as “tomato scouts”; a group of people who almost treat Jason as if he were the pied piper. He is also very well received in Russia, a place were “The Drinking Song” reaches a whole new level of importance.It isn’t hard to see why Jason has such a loyal following; his eccentric personality and his abundance of creativity make him a character more than worthy of attention. Jason’s music is a mesh of different styles; everything from swing, to blues, to klezmer. These separate musical flavors seem to have combined, along with many other influences, to form Jason’s style; it’s what keeps his fans coming back for more.

Hello Jason. How are you?

Hello. I just had my birthday a few days ago. I am pretty old.

Now, it would appear that you have an appreciation for certain fruits and
vegetables. In fact, tomatoes, radishes and watermelon seem to be associated
with your persona. How did this come about?

Artichokes are my favorite vegetable actually. I could probably eat
30 of them if you put them in front of me. But I like them fresh and
steamed, not pickled. Maybe some people associate me with vegetables
because I drive a tomato.

You seem to be influenced by Russian and eastern European music, what is it that attracts you to this sound?

I play in Russia a few times a year. And in the Czech Republic as
well. But I think there was a bit of that flavor in my music even
before I started going there. There is something both lively and
melancholy about that music that I find very magical. I'm not too
fond of Russian rock, but the older stuff really sticks with me.

You recently toured Mexico, how did that go?

It went really well. A very well known Mexican choreographer, Gloria
Contreras, did a ballet to a bunch of my songs and I did a couple
shows with her dance company, as well as some solo concerts. People
were very receptive and I hope to go back.

Do you find that you're better received in other countries than you are in
the U.S.?

In general, the US is the best for me still. But certain places like
Moscow, I have a bigger draw now even than in my hometown of Seattle.
I could see that happening with Mexico City perhaps as well.

What is it about Seattle that gives birth to so much music?

There is music everywhere. Not just in Seattle.

Is your music influenced by literature in any way?

Yes. Sometimes more than it is influences by music. The playful
children’s stories of Carl Sandburg, and some of the spiritual puzzles
in Hesse's writings have probably effected the way I write quite a bit.

I've noticed religious elements in some of your songs, is religion an important part of your life?

I was not raised in any religion, and I don't practice any now. But
in some ways, it is an important part of my life, even if only in its
absence.

Photo By Ellen Honich

Can the devil be good?

The one time I met him, I didn't think so at all. Years later on
reflection, I think he was actually very kind with me.

Your live shows seem to be extremely interactive, almost cabaret-esque in
nature. What led you to experiment with this performance style? Does it just
come naturally to you?

It does just come naturally to me. But I also have been inspired by a
few performers I have seen who really engage with the crowd. I guess
growing up watching music and theater I've always wanted something
more to happen between the performer and the audience. I've always
loved being at shows where you really feel you are part of something.

You recently recorded an album with Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, and
toured a bit with them. When you played live together the energy seemed
heightened, and the crowd was really feeding off of that. What was it like working with Reverend Peyton? Do you see yourself doing more collaborations in the future?

It was great. he is a very dear friend and a great performer. I
loved writing and playing with them and hope that we'll keep doing it
more even now that the record and tour are done. At the moment
collaborations are kinda my thing. I've been doing a bunch of them
with different friends all over the world.

You have a new album that you're currently working on, could you tell us a bit about it? What can we expect?

We just finished tracking the drums. I'm a bit nervous. It sounds
really good, but it is really going to be a ROCK album. We'll see.

Are there any artists that have had a great impact on your life?

Sure. There are a few great bands that I've seen that really have
made me think about what it means to be a performer on stage. I
remember being blown away by NoMeansNo as a kid, just how present and
locked in they were. I once saw the Blind Boys of Alabama light the
Seattle Opera House on fire. Everyone was on their feet and singing
in the place. It was amazing.

Photo By Ellen Honich

Are there any modern musical acts that you are particularly interested in?

Sure... besides folks that are friends of mine, I've been listening a
bit to the typical stuff that is modern but interesting. Radiohead,
Arcade Fire, etc.

What advice would you give to a struggling musician today?

Stop struggling.

Thank you Jason for participating in this interview. Is there anything you'd
like to say that we may not have covered?

Wheeeeeeeeee!

Where can we purchase your albums?

www.jasonwebley.com and in certain cemeteries.

 

Jason Webley Myspace
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