Step into the world of Jay Lee, where blues gets a fierce modern makeover. In this exclusive interview with A&R Factory, Jay Lee cuts through the noise to reveal the core of his musical innovation. From his early days in a military band to sharing stages with top artists, he unpacks the discipline and raw passion driving his sound. Lee gives us a candid look at how he fuses diverse influences into his tracks, pushing the boundaries of traditional blues into uncharted territories. Get ready for a deep dive into the creative force of Jay Lee’s music.
Jay Lee, welcome to A&R Factory! Thanks for the opportunity to solve the riddle behind your enigmatic persona. Before we dig into your storied history which has been written since your creative origin story, for your new fans, how would you define the quintessential components of the Jay Lee sound?
I’d like to define it as modern blues. Since I love blues and have been greatly influenced by it, I try to infuse a touch of that blues feel into whatever I play.
What is typically running through your mind when you are penning and producing new music?
When I decide to create new music, I try to be as honest with my emotions as possible. I base my melodies and chords on those feelings and thoughts, thinking about how to naturally express my story. This often leads me to reflect a lot on the past and future.
From serving in the military band to performing with world-renowned artists, your path is anything but conventional. How did your time in the military influence your discipline and versatility as a musician?
Having spent two years with over 30 musicians, working together 24/7, I’ve learned and felt so much. I’ve gained insights on how to communicate with other musicians, and how to improvise when unexpected situations arise during performances, and I’ve received valuable feedback on my playing from various artists. These experiences have been a foundation for my growth as a musician. Communication is incredibly important for a musician, and I’ve been positively influenced in that area.
Which artist has left the most pronounced influence on your sound and why?
I’m heavily influenced by blues and rock, especially by guitarists like Joe Bonamassa, Philip Sayce, Eric Gales, and Gary Moore. Their techniques and tones are impressive, but it’s their unique styles that truly captivate me. I believe that while having good technique and tone is essential for a musician, establishing your own style is equally important.
With your extensive background in both classical and contemporary music, how do you see the future of genre-blending in your own compositions?
Looking at the music I’ve created so far, it’s quite far from classical, and I think it will likely remain that way in the future. However, I always believe in trying out different things, and I’d love to create music that blends classical and contemporary styles.
How has your sonic signature evolved throughout your career?
Initially, I was just a “Blues Kid,” completely immersed in B.B. King. But after playing with various people and genres, including performing in a military band where I had to play all kinds of music, I developed the ability to play cleanly. Now, I can choose the tones and techniques that I want to use.
Do you prefer to be a solo creator or a collaborator?
I aspire to become a great guitarist, but I know I need the support of excellent musicians to achieve that. In today’s music scene, while achieving solo success is important, collaborating with other musicians is equally vital. It’s challenging, but I want to be both an outstanding solo artist and a great collaborator.
Which project or achievement has brought the most amount of pride and sense of accomplishment?
The sense of achievement I felt after successfully preparing for and performing in a military band over three months was immense. While it’s not always the case, I think the longer the preparation period, the greater the sense of accomplishment. Another memorable moment was when keyboardist Cory Henry held a masterclass at Berklee, and I played with my band for him. Even though the preparation time wasn’t long, when the audience cheered, I felt that’s when a musician is truly happiest.
Your career has been marked by a constant push for growth and exploration. If you could give advice to your younger self just starting out on this journey, what would it be, and why?
Before starting music, take some time to sincerely reflect on what music means to you. Even if it’s not about music, understanding what you want to do and why is crucial. Being honest with yourself and deciding what you want to pursue is important—then, enjoy it while working hard. Music is meant to be enjoyed.
After working on a project with the K-pop powerhouse, One Pact, working as a worship guitarist, experiencing culturally diverse landscapes as an artist, and honing your craft in conservatories, how do you reconcile all these contrasting worlds in your music?
I believe musicians shouldn’t discriminate between genres. While you might have preferences, you should be able to play any genre—whether it’s worship, rock, or jazz. The more you play a variety of music, the more you develop a sense of identity within each genre. I want to explore diverse music, and I’m still striving to be able to play any random genre someone requests.
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Stream Jay Lee’s standout single, PERIOD, created in collaboration with ONE PACT on YouTube.
Follow Jay Lee on Instagram.
Interview by Amelia Vandergast
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