L-Jay

Exclusive Interview:

Tell us about where you are from and how you got to this position today.

I am from Seattle, WA I started my music career in a male R&B group called DV3 in late 2005. There were three of us, two brothers and me. I met them through a mutual friend of ours and when they found out I could sing they asked me to join their group. We had a few singles and had very few performances. After we parted ways I wanted to continue the journey.

June 2, 2006 was my first solo appearance at the Marysville branch YMCA that drew over 200 fans. “Conversation” was the hit single from my first studio album produced by a well-known local producer. The team I had at the time was able to get me into many shows and events. I was able to perform at the Bite of Seattle and at the north county branch NAACP picnic to name a few. I then went through a period of what seemed like hibernation, trying to find a sound and learn my craft first hand. I was by myself again and basically had to teach myself how to make my own music and find my own shows. From 2007 to 2008 I was in school for midi production. I used all that I had learned to start producing some music before my fans forgot about me. I found many shows and started making a name for myself. I appeared in the North county outlook newspaper, the author titled my spread “Young musician infuses R&B sound with positive energy”.

It wasn’t until 2009 when things really took off. I formed a team of people dedicated to making major moves in the entertainment industry called Jakoevi Entertainment. Jakoevi promotes and gets my name out to undiscovered fans. In 2010 I made a long awaited return to the scene with a new highly anticipated studio album, Down 4 Me, on March 12th. Jakoevi and I went on a long promotional spree for this project. We even did a radio drop with 1150am KKNW North West Highlight show with DJ Big Gee to promote the album. It was very successful. I received so much positive feedback from my fans that I rushed to get a mixtape done to keep the fire burning. The iAmMusic Mixtape a few months later featuring big local names such as A.K. Romero, and Sez Batters, the brother of XV who recently signed with Warner Bros. This Mixtape was a smash and got a lot of love on datpiff.
Now I am about to release the iAmMusic Mixtape limited edition version to keep my fans engaged until I release vol. 2 this fall. That’s pretty much how I got to where I am now.

What are you currently working on and what can we expect to see?

I am currently working on a new mixtape entitled “iAmMusic mixtape vol.2?. You can expect that to drop later this fall 2011. I’m also working on a music video for my new single “Temporary” ft. L-Dub. I will start shooting this July. You can expect to see my team and I doing some major traveling to expand my fan list in other states and also proceed to reach the bigger goal of landing a record deal.

Tell us about one of the hardest challenges you had to face in the industry?

One of the hardest challenges I have had to face in this industry was, learning how to do everything on my own and finding nice, dependable and honest people to have in my camp.

What was one of the biggest set backs in your career and how did you bounce back?

One set back was when I had one of my background dancers drop out a few days before a whole lineup of shows. I was able to overcome this obstacle thanks to my team Jakoevi giving me motivation. We were able to find a replacement who was able to quickly learn within a short amount of time.

What are some things artists need to be careful of?

The first major thing artists should be careful of is who is in you’re camp. Keep all agreements in writing. Make no promises you cant keep.

What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?

Just keep working hard and stay true to yourself, don’t let anyone get in your way and discourage you. Be yourself and always be thankful for your blessings.

What are the best ways to sell your products as an artist?

Know what the fans want and be able to deliver, also make sure you engage with your fans and thank them. Have a strong team and promote hard. Rise above expectations.

What is one of your favorite ways to promote yourself and your music?

Free giveaways, I love to give the fans free things and keeping them up to date with what I’m doing.

Where can people visit you?

You can follow me on twitter @ljayalltheway, www.youtube.com/jakoevientertainment and at my official website www.ljayalltheway.com. - WWS Magazine

1/17/08

Building a reputation as a professional musician can be a daunting process, especially for unknown artists with limited resources. But Lance Jackson, a 19-year-old Marysville man also known as L-Jay, is determined to make his mark despite the obstacles. Jackson, a 2006 M-PHS graduate, was a member of a performance group named DV3 along with brothers Jacob and Tyshaun Martin of Arlington. The three young men took the stage at high school dances and other community events before going their separate ways after graduation.

As a solo artist, the charismatic L-Jay has performed at the local YMCA, Everett’s Nubian Jam and the 2006 Bite of Seattle. An Everett producer helped him cut a 3-song demo CD that showcases his unique interpretation of original rhythm and blues tunes. The singer’s musical influences include Michael Jackson, Usher, Ginuwine and Stevie Wonder. “My music is kind of updated R&B with a positive attitude,” Jackson explained.

To further his career, Jackson enrolled in Shoreline Community College’s music production courses and is in his second year studying MIDI production techniques. He has set up a recording studio in his home, with a computer running Sonar 6 by Cakewalk, a drum machine and Yamaha keyboard, and a mixing board. He records his own backup vocals, adding depth and dimension to his music.

“I’m learning to read music a little,” said Jackson, “because I’m taking guitar lessons at Shoreline.” His original songs are currently written and recorded “by ear,” simply by listening to what sounds good and incorporating it into the soundtrack. Jackson’s methods for writing are straightforward. “I start with the drums, getting the beat. Then I switch to the keyboard, putting together phrases that sound good, and layering that on top of the drum line.” Lyrics are culled from the young artist’s life, with songs about the sweet beginnings and bitter breakups common among teens.

L-Jay is currently working with Swayside Productions in Seattle to put together his next album. He’s also received rave reviews for his energetic solo performances, including a recent appearance at the Marysville YMCA’s winter teen event, featuring backup dancers from Marysville’s P2 Dance Studio.
“L-Jay’s got great stage presence and definitely has vocal skills,” said Benji Travis, associate teen director at the YMCA. “The kids really liked his music and his moves. He’s definitely got fans.”
To keep up with this rising star, listen to music tracks or find out about future performances, visit L-Jay’s Web site at www.ljayalltheway.com. - Beckye Randall