Jason Dodge
Jason Dodge has been musical all his life, starting on the accordion at age 3! Jason had many opportunities to develop skills in songwriting and performance during his youth, however it was only recently that Jason chose to pursue a career in musical performance and recording. A busy and sought after cancer doctor by day, it wasn’t until one of Jason’s patients inspired him to write and play her a farewell song (It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye) on the palliative care ward in 2010 that the degree of his musical talents became known to others. This emotional experience lead to Jason’s first gig and ultimately to the recording and release of his debut album “Life Between Pings” in October 2012.
Since embarking on his professional musical journey, Jason has been connected with some amazing musicians in the Toronto music scene – many of whom collaborated on the recording of “Life Between Pings” and performed in the CD release party (Opera House, Toronto) and video release party (Revival, Toronto) that shortly followed. He has also collaborated with other international songwriters through Neon Productions Radio internet radio show “The Songwriters Network” on several new songs. Jason has recently completed his sophomore album “Always” and filmed the official videos for his singles “I Can’t Stop” and “Always” produced and directed by Michael Bloom of Solaris Entertainment. Connections with songwriter Paul Overstreet and songwriter/producer Steve Dorff hold promise for Jason’s musical future.
Apart from songwriting, Jason has enjoyed using his musical talents in support of charity functions across Canada for various medical causes, including playing at “Rock the Foundation IV” at the Hard Rock Cafe in Toronto in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation (Dec. 2013) and his performances for over 4000 people during the Shoppers Drug Mart “Walk to End Women’s Cancer” in support of Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada (Sept. 2013 and 2014).
Jason’s musical influences are varied – including Adele, Billy Joel, the Eagles, Phil Collins, Blue Rodeo – and anything 80s!! Clearly enjoying a variety of musical styles has led to his success in writing and performing music within many genres (Pop, Country, Jazz, Blues) that makes it exciting for performers and audiences alike when he takes to the stage – whether just solo with his piano – or jamming with a full band setup.
Jason’s goal is simply to share his music with as many people as possible – hoping that it will bring to them the same sense of passion, peace and fulfillment it has brought to his own life.
JD FACTS:
Birthdate: May 6th
Hometown: Forest, Ontario
Schools Attended: North Lambton Secondary School, University of Western Ontario, University of Toronto, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
Day job: Gynaecologic Oncologist (cancer doctor for women)
Likes: Shopping, anything tech, good scotch, music
First musical instrument: Accordion (age 3)
Favourite musical artists: Adele, Billy Joel, Phil Collins, Van Halen, Bon Jovi
On-stage highlight: Singing with Barenaked Ladies on Stage at Elbow Room – UWO
