Image of Hedley supplied by Big Machine Media

Michael: Thanks for taking the time out to talk to us, it's really appreciated! Is it true that you guys got your name from a town that was up for sale in British Colombia, what’s the story behind why the band is name Hedley?

Jacob: Hedley is a small town in BC where we used to stop every summer on our way to go camping. It was always a good place to buy beer and sometimes spend a day there. Their population is a whopping 62 and they only have one police officer. Just think of the possibilities!
 

Michael: I know that Hedley has had several changes in members over the past few years, how do you think that’s affected the band?
 
Jacob: Hedley has only had one band member change. (All the members except for me haha) but it did all happen in one fell swoop. I'm positive it is the reason we are here today. Sometimes when something is broken it is possible to fix it and make it even better. That's what we did.
 

Michael: Both your previous albums Hedley and Famous Last Words have gone double platinum, do you think Never To Late will be as well received?
 
Jacob: I hope so. It’s a compilation of Hedley and Famous Last Words. We put all of our best songs on it and we're really excited to see how it turns out.
 

Michael: Is Never To Late going to be a best of Hedley album, or can your fans expect some new material on there as well?
 
Jacob: No, No, no best of. We're already pumping out new material. We've been writing since fall last year and are getting really excited about it. We decided to all rotate one instrument clockwise and see what happens. Please don't judge.

Michael: You’ve won many awards in the three short years the band has been together, do you guys ever get nervous that the success will go away?
 
Jacob: I anticipate it, at least enough to feel mentally prepared for the possibility. This is the most finite business in the world. We always work as hard as we can no matter what because we refuse to be the reason this wouldn't work. We're all really hopeful and positive and love making plans for the future to continue what we do. Nothing lasts forever but I damn sure would love to be playing music well into it.
 

Michael: What is the writing and recording process like for Hedley?
 
Jacob: it’s quite wild actually. We like to try and start as early as possible in the season. We write a lot to make the deliberation process as easy as possible. We like to use a different producer each album to keep things different and always mix up the vibe. I can't think of a more fun and exciting part of my job.
 

Michael: What would you say are some of your inspirations inside and outside of the music industry?
 
Jacob: Romance is a big catalyst for me. All extensions from it. I seem to be capable of putting myself through a lot as far as life is concerned so there is often a lot of experience to derive from.
 

Michael: What are some of your biggest influences when writing?

Jacob: I grew up listening to Bob Marley - Since I was young. I also grew up in church so I've always had an appreciation for the passion in gospel music.  
 

Michael: May 19th is the official release date of Never To Late in the US, should we expecting you see you on tour supporting the release?
 
Jacob: As a matter of fact, exactly a month prior to May 19 (April 19th) is the day we fly out of Vancouver into Buffalo to start promoting the release. We'll be out for about a month and should be hitting you very close to home!

Michael: You have played with bands ranging from Bon Jovi to Sum 41; what would you say is your favorite or most memorable show so far?
 
Jacob: Jovi for sure. It was such an exciting tour. We learned a lot from professionals like them.
 

Michael: I’ve read that four different producers are credited with different songs on your upcoming release, why do you guys seem to change producers so much.
 
Jacob: It keeps our ideas fresh and our sound varied. That's always been a trademark of ours and we like to keep mixing it up.

Michael: (A favorite for most bands) What is the question you have always wanted to be asked, and what is the answer to that question?

Jacob: Q: "Will you let me buy you dinner?" A: "yes"

Michael: Do you have any advice for bands just starting to break out into the music industry?  

Jacob: Keep your pants on and work as hard as you possibly can. Vacations are for old people.