Hi Jason, thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with me. We hear that you were actually born and raised in Nashville. Did you get a good taste of the local music scene at an early age? Can you tell folks what it was like?
- Jason - "I did, actually. You could say "I was born into the business." My dad Dan Mitchell had a Miller Beer jingle on The Super bowl. That paid for my birth under the screen writer's guild, and my mom Cathy Mitchell use to make all of the stage clothes for Eddie Rabbitt and other stars as well. Then dad's song "If You're Gonna Play In Texas" hit when I was around two years old. After I got old enough I became a total studio rat, tagging along with him whenever I could. So...yea, you could say I got a good taste at an early age lol."
When did you realize you wanted to try your luck at a music career and can you give us some background of how and why you got back into the Music Scene?
- Jason - "Um...let's just say it had to do with a girl, when I was in high school! The conversation started "so...I hear you sing?"
Your dad is a pretty good songwriter himself, how has this affected your insights and views in the Music Scene? How has it affected your songwriting abilities?
- Jason - "My dad gives me a lot of guidance and not just in music, but in life too. I'm out on the road so much, and don't get me wrong I wouldn't change it for the world. But sometimes it gets a little tough and he's always right there to help out in any way he can. Love him a lot and thank God for him everyday."
For anyone who hasn't heard your music before, how would you describe your sound?
- Jason - "We do allot of Asian, polka rock, and I really try to incorporate that into our shows as much as possible. No I'm kidding, LOL. Um I would have to say Alt. Country Rock. I hear so many bands say "well, we're country...but with an edge." and then they play, and it's almost the same as the radio version with nothing original to make it their own or new. No...see country with an edge, "for example" would be playing "Hick Town" with "Enter Sandman" in and outta there, and...Kenny Chesney's "Better As A Memory" that goes into a Bullet for My Valentine song called "Hearts Burst Into Fire" but...that's just me talkin'."
I hear touches of the Soulful Blues (Im yo Chicken Man) with a Bits of Rock (Curves) thrown in, how do you feel this will blend into the current country music style?
- Jason - "The country music scene is changing so much right now. You can turn on a pop station and hear Taylor, then turn it to country and hear her there too. Same thing with Kenny and his beach vibe. Same thing with me...just trying to be me and do my own thing."
Which and how many instruments do you play? Every musician has a favorite instrument, which one is your favorite?
- Jason - "I play 3, if you count an iPod and the radio. Other than that, the guitar. I'm learning the piano but it's kinda hard to take on the road!"
Before returning to music what other jobs have you had?
- Jason - "Well I never really left music. And to be honest I left everything to do it. I was a waiter at Ruby Tuesday's in Newark, Oh and I was an entertainer at a local tourist attraction as well. LOL the strangest one was when I dressed up as a costume character. Yea...I was a beaver. I cut down the wood to make the baskets...seriously."
With all of the craziness of the whole music industry, what keeps you grounded?
- Jason - "One word and one word only...Momma."
How sweet, I'm sure she's very proud of what you've accomplished thus far. Can you tell me, What you normally do to keep busy in your downtime?
- Jason - "I like to do yard work and remodeling on my house, watch movies and just relax."
You've got a song, Gold Record and Cadillac that talks about hitting the Nashville Music Scene. What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to get into the music business?
- Jason - "Become a doctor. Ha ha ha i'm kidding. There isn't a text book, or a guide book on success. You make your own way and sometimes unfortunately you get lost along the way and have to double back. No one will be there to tell you get up and go run, practice your songs, exact. you are in charge of your own destiny. So work hard, cause there is always someone who is working harder than you...and they might take your place if you let them."
