For drummer Jason, a passion for live performance started with a single summer job and a relentless determination to buy his very first drum kit. Raised on the anthemic, high-energy sounds of 80s metal and hair metal, he quickly formed his first original band, Tone Death, in high school. What the young band lacked in technical precision, they more than made up for in pure, unadulterated showmanship — culminating in a legendary, unforgettable student talent show performance that people in his hometown still bring up years later.
Hailing from the small town of Orangeville, Jason quickly adapted to the local music landscape by successfully pivoting to country music. This move kicked off a rock-solid, 15-year run and more than 1,500 gigs. He became a fixture of the local scene, anchoring rhythm sections for everything from regional festivals and rowdy bar rooms to weddings, private events, and backyard pig roasts.
Despite his success in country, his love for rock music never faded. Jason constantly sought out rock projects, eventually joining the band Push.
The breakup of Push closed one chapter but opened a major new one when bandmate Steve Travis invited Jason to join a brand-new project: Southpawz. More than a decade later, Southpawz is still going strong, driven by that same powerful rhythm section.
Known for his versatility and team-first attitude, Jason also regularly steps in as a go-to session and fill-in drummer for friendly local rock and country acts when they need a reliable hand for an upcoming show. From small, sweaty pubs to massive outdoor festival stages, Jason’s mission remains exactly the same as it was during that first high school talent show: to get on stage, put on a memorable performance, and share the joy of live music with the crowd for many more years to come.