In a world where country music often finds itself at the crossroads of tradition and trend, Jade has carved out his own path by staying true to his roots, even when it wasn’t the cool thing to do. With his new single “Do It Anyway” featuring the talented Jake Worthington, he’s proving that authenticity is the ticket to the top. From six CCMA nominations to signing with the iconic Creative Artists Agency, Jade’s journey is filled with moments that blend grit with glamor. We caught up with him to chat about his latest collaboration, his love for his fans, and how a chance meeting with Shania Twain nearly left him speechless—almost. Here’s a peek into the life of a rising star who’s just getting started.
BeatRoute has partnered with Jade Eagleson and his team to offer you and a friend the ultimate Nashville experience! Enter here for a chance to win roundtrip airfare for two to Nashville, two nights of accommodation, VIP tickets to Jade Eagleson’s Grand Ole Opry debut, a backstage meet & greet, and a $200 Uber gift card. To enter, follow @beatroute, @mrgtravelofficial, @jadeeaglesonmusic, and @starseedent on instagram, and complete the form linked in the bio. The contest runs until September 13th, and the winner will be contacted via email.
Could you tell me more about your new single, “Do It Anyway” with Jake Worthington and how this collaboration came about?
Jade: Yeah. So it was on my last album that I released, but I felt that there’s just something missing there cause it’s kind of a statement song. Personally, I grew up always being country and being very true to that even though a lot of people made fun of that back in the day, but it’s cool now, which is awesome. I’m really happy that people are looking at that and appreciating the country lifestyle and the hard work that goes into it. Jake [Worthington] is from that same background too, and the second I heard him open his mouth and sing, I have been such a huge fan of his. So I was really excited to have him on this song specifically, and thankfully, he agreed to do it, got in the booth, recorded the vocals, and did a bunch of content with me. It was really special.
What was it like working with him?
Jade: He is such an old soul. That’s the best way to describe it. I feel like I’m quite similar to that too. He’s really easy to get along with. He’s got such a pure, wonderful heart and just such an incredible talent. Considering how well he’s doing and how great he can sing, he’s such a humble human being. It was really a privilege to get to work with him.
Congratulations on your six CCMA nominations. How do you feel?
Jade: I’ve been telling everybody I got into country music because I can’t count. There’s a lot of stuff to count, but I’m so grateful for all these awards. Honestly, you set out and put your head down and do the work, and moments like these, just being nominated, it’s very validating for the amount of work and effort you put into this career. It feels incredibly good and supported. The CCMA is kind of one big family, and that’s how I feel every time I get these nominations.
One of the nominations that you’ve gotten is the fan favorite. How is your relationship with your fans, and what would you like them to know?
Jade: I love all my fans. A lot of the fans I have are people that believed in my music and journey from day one. The people that jump on now are still on the journey. I feel like I’m just getting started, breaking into the States, giving my best effort. We’ve been in Nashville for three years, and people jumping on now, and those who have been there since the beginning, it feels really true. I see a lot of people come out to multiple shows and familiar faces, which is incredibly special. Seeing people appreciate and care about what I put out means the world to me.
At just 30 years old, you’ve already achieved so much. What would you say are your long-term goals?
Jade: I always look at Shania Twain as a huge role model. I’d like to accomplish what she has, but in reality, probably not gonna happen. She’s definitely what I aspire to be. To get to that level, play those shows, and have people love my music that much. She influences my music as well. I keep things traditional, but she did as well. At the time she released her music, it was just sixties country done really well, produced well, and her vocals were incredible. That’s why I aspire to be. Moving forward, it’s just doing the best I can to get as far as I can.
How did you feel when you found out you’re gonna be performing on such a legendary stage at the Grand Ole Opry?
Jade: I was pretty emotional, honestly. For the longest time, that’s been the pinnacle for me. Now that we’re here and I get to do it, it allows me to open my eyes to bigger and better things beyond that. I’ll forever be grateful for this opportunity. I’m super grateful to the organization and the people that believed in me and set it all up. It’s been a long-time dream.
What does it mean to you, performing on that stage, personally and professionally?
Jade: Personally, I grew up listening to all the old stuff. I grew up on a farm, and we weren’t made of money, so we had an old record player. My grandpa used to spin old records like Hank Snow and Lucky Frizzell. All those artists started on the stage and became well-known. The Opry and the WSM radio network of that time propelled artists to new heights and showcased what country music was. It still honors the tradition and the honor that comes with playing country music. For me, it’s validating because it means that everything I’ve done up to this point has worked, and they appreciate it. I get to play on the greatest stage on earth. Professionally, it’s the greatest honor that a country musician could have. Stepping on that stage where so many heroes have stood, it has stood the test of time. People will always go to the Opry to hear real country music.
How does it feel to have signed with CAA(Creative Artists Agency)? How do you think this will impact your career moving forward?
Jade: I’m quite excited and have worked with some incredible people here in Canada who have really helped launch my career. I’m excited to start my venture with CAA in the US and confident in them. I’m excited to see how it rolls out. Their plans are awesome. I have a pretty awesome team there. I’m working with a woman named Karen and a young man named Bennett. They have my best interests at heart and are huge supporters of my music. I can’t wait to see how this rolls out.
How do you personally see the country music scene evolving within the next few years, and where do you see yourself fitting into that evolution?
Jade: I think that originality is really at the forefront of country music. Right now, more than ever, some of the more glamorized versions of country, although they have their place, I think there’s more guys like me who grew up in that lifestyle. People are looking for real connections to the songs that people are putting out. We’re seeing that in the likes of Zach Bryan. There’s no flashiness to that at all. Other artists like Jake Worthington, Charlie Crockett, and Colter Wall are coming out of the woodwork, and there’s a deeper appreciation and love for them because everything they’re talking about in their songs is true and moments they’ve lived through.
What do you think has been the most memorable moment in your career?
Jade: I’ll go back to the Shania thing. I was actually in Switzerland, lucky enough to play and open for one of my heroes, Emmylou Harris. After my set, I went to use the men’s room, and on my way, there was a gentleman standing at the door. He said, “Are you Canadian?” I recognized him but didn’t put it together. He said, “My wife’s Canadian, you might know her.” There was Shania Twain sitting in the seat, and I think my heart stopped. I got to meet her, and she’s absolutely wonderful, a real deal, incredibly humble. She pulled out her phone, had a crack right across it, and showed me her horses. She nearly took my hand off with a handshake too. She’s strong, doesn’t look it, but she’s so strong and legit. She’s a country girl through and through. That’s part of the reason she’s so successful. She’s true to herself and puts that into her music. She had a very firm handshake because she’s working. When she’s not on the road, she’s training horses. She’s the real deal. I have an incredible amount of respect for her.
Looking back, what advice do you wish you got or that you would give to your younger self?
Jade: I think I would have said that you could say no more than you think you can. Even if it’s a big guy in a fancy suit, you can say no. It took me a bit more time to get into the songwriting and the material I’m writing and recording now. But I’m also incredibly grateful for the music I’ve released before and the people that believed in it and helped me along that journey. Now that I have that experience, I’m happy to step into these roles and understand what’s really important and what I need to be talking about in my music.
Like what you saw? Here’s more:
Chappell Roan Is Showing You The True Meaning of Camp
Valley: Peaks & Progress
The Beaches Will Get You Through Your Breakup