Music News
Hedley Doesn't Talk To Strangers, But Embraces Fans
By Steve McLean
Hedley
Hedley's first two albums were both certified double-platinum for selling more than 200,000 copies in Canada, and the band's latest, The Show Must Go, debuted at #6 on the national sales chart and has been moving briskly since its Nov. 17 release.
After cleaning up at the 2008 MuchMusic Video Awards, Hedley has earned further exposure for the clips for The Show Must Go's first two singles: the satirical "Cha-Ching" and "Don't Talk To Strangers" (which had an edited version in addition to the original that had a scene depicting the band members in death, which MuchMusic deemed inappropriate for day and prime-time viewing).
"I think that videos are really important to fans," says guitarist Dave Rosin, who's joined in Hedley by singer Jacob Hoggard, drummer Chris Crippin and bassist Tom MacDonald. "They're still a very tangible way for people to see you and get a little bit about what you're about.
"They're fun and they're a great way to enhance the art that you've already created. We've been really lucky with these last two videos that we've done for this record. We've had quite a bit of creative involvement and kind of helped shape them. They're fun to watch. Videos add entertainment value, and to make something that's not just a boy and a girl in a car is really cool."
Videos are just one way that Hedley opens itself up to its fans, who are among the most dedicated and devoted followers of any band around these days. The Show Must Go expands Hedley's musical range a bit from the pop-punk sound the group initially broke big with, but Hoggard believes that its fans will continue to evolve along with them.
"We don't want to alienate people with left turns in our music, but we also don't want to stagnate. I need to challenge myself and change things up because I have the attention span of a goldfish.
"You're never going to stay the same. You're going to incorporate all of your experiences together, and those parts become the person you're going to be by the time you're 80. I don't know when that ever stops. Musically, we'll keep adjusting as we get older. I want to be able to tell jokes like the people on The Muppet Show, so that it's funny for kids and adults."
Hedley has always tried to interact with fans as much as possible, which has become more difficult as the band has become more popular and started performing in ever-growing venues.
"From the get-go, we've gone after every show to meet everybody and sign whatever they bring or buy," says Hoggard, who first came to people's attention by finishing third on Canadian Idol in 2004. "Maybe a lot of other bands aren't doing that kind of thing, so they appreciate it and we appreciate them. It's not a big deal. We like our fans."
Hedley will launch a cross-Canada tour on March 22. Stereos and Fefe Dobson will open all the shows, while Faber Drive will play the first four and last four dates and Boys Like Girls will be on board for the rest. Fans with more money and love for the band can opt to pay extra for a limited amount of tickets available on its web site (http://www.hedleyvip.com/#D4280) that come with extra perks.
"We've put together a really cool VIP package that we've filled with stuff," explains Hoggard.
"There's a meet-and-greet and a warm-up set for people. There will be photos and T-shirts. It's a great package. We're trying to give as much back as we can wherever possible."