Kingston musician’s song about Humboldt bus crash goes viral

Jason Smith’s song about the Humboldt bus crash has reached over 1.3 million views on Facebook. He posted it to the social media platform at 12:45 a.m. on Tuesday because thoughts of the crash that killed 15 people on April 6 were keeping him awake.

Smith, also known as Smitty on stage, has been a part of the Kingston music scene for over two decades, but says nothing he has posted in the past has received over a couple thousand views.

But after he posted ‘Leave a stick out by the door,’ people started rushing to Smith’s Facebook feed.

“By the end of the day it was 200,000,” said Smith. “By the time I woke up this morning it was over a million.”

“I write songs to show my emotions,” said Smith, who added that it’s easier for him to deal with things through song.

His emotions have obviously resonated with many people, because Smith’s phone hasn’t stopped ringing with interest from media, fans and the music industry.

It’s been a whirlwind Smith says he wasn’t prepared for or seeking.

Smith is now working to record the song professionally. He says any proceeds from the recording will be donated to the families of the victims of the Humboldt crash.

“If there are funds made from this, I’m going to share what I can with the good people of Humboldt — the hockey team and to the families. That’s my goal.”

Smith hopes to have the song completed and up on iTunes and Spotify by the weekend.