"I write about life experiences, my own, and from people who I know…. I think the best songs come from a heart that's been raked through the fire; a heart that has actually felt the happiness, sadness, or the pain….†Jay caught the music bug at an early age, starting off with the piano at the age of 5, and eventually to fall in love with the guitar at the age of 7. A self taught musician and singer, Jay kept his love of singing, songwriting, and guitar playing much of a secret up until about the age of 13. “I grew up with twin sisters who would poke fun at me when I was in the early stages of learning how to sing and play. I would listen to the radio for hours on end just singing and playing along trying to keep up. I could hear them snickering outside my bedroom door….†The summer before Jay’s freshman year of high school, he decided to form a band. “I grew up in a small town, and not to many people were into playing music, but I did have some friends who were willing to learn!†So, Jay decided to take on the almost impossible task of teaching his best friends how to play the instruments of their choice. “At that point in my life, I had toyed around with lots of different instruments and I knew the basics on almost all of them. Sooo, they bought their gear and I showed them everything I knew and away they went!†Surprisingly, all of Jay’s friends caught on extremely quickly and they soon found themselves playing at all of the high school functions and at the local bars in town. “We were 13 and 14 year olds playing in smokey dive bars drinking soda… The patrons looked at us like we were crazy, until we started playing Lynyrd Skynyrd…†That group however disbanded after 2 solid years, but they all gained some experience and some time on a stage. Jay continued to play in different bands all throughout high school. After graduation, he decided to join the U.S Army Infantry in July of 2001, unsure of the path he wanted to pursue in life. Jay spent most of his free time overseas with a guitar in his hand singing, songwriting, and entertaining the troops. “The guys loved it, and it took our minds away from the reality of what was happening in our lives at that moment.†After completing 4 years of active duty, Jay moved back to Austin , TX and started another band. “I knew music was it. That is where my heart has always been and will always be. I guess it took me being away for awhile to realize it.†Jay worked various day jobs from 2005 to 2007 and played music 4 to 5 nights a week. “It drained me physically and mentally getting up early in the morning, working all day, then playing music at night. I got home just in time to get a few hours of sleep and then I had to do it all over again the next day!†In 2007, he decided to pursue music full time. “I quit my job, sold everything I owned, and moved to Ft. Worth . Country music was happening up there! It was time to let the journey begin…†But, after being on the road for a year and the high cost of fuel and other expenses, it lead Jay right back to Austin . Jay has shared the stage with many Texas artists including Stoney LaRue, Brandon Rhyder, Bleu Edmondson, Aaron Watson, Granger Smith, and many more… He continues to be active in the music community all around Texas and is planning to start another project in the very near future. “I’m gonna take all the knowledge and experience I have gained over the years and incorporate it into this next band. It’s gonna be by far the best project I have ever done….â€
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