Meet Jay Aka Jayfreed Reed | Singer/Songwriter & Musician
We had the good fortune of connecting with Jay Aka Jayfreed Reed and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jay aka jayfreed, what role has risk played in your life or career?
The word “risk” is often met with resistance or thought about in a way that always seems to insure or guarantee danger. While in reality or if the individual chooses to see it, risk is actually just taking a chance. In my time here, I’ve learned that nothing is accomplished or ever gets done without taking a chance or without that moment when one finally decides “I’m going to do this”. This is how it’s impacted my life thus far. Life is about taking chances regardless of being afraid of it.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Stylistically, I’d describe my sound as a mixture of acoustic R&B and Indie-Folk. I think what sets everyone a part is when they embrace their unique sound, playing style, writing style, etc. Even when an artist sounds similar to another, when the art is real, that authenticity always bleeds out in the music. So, I’m proud of being authentically me. Amplifying my unique sound and leaning in to it, as well as expanding it.
One concept that’s helped me progress is focusing on one step, then the next. Always dream and plan but, don’t overload the mind when it gets stressful. At that point, just focus on that next step, then the next, and you’ll get there. I’ve learned to always push to do it, even when I don’t feel like it. Separate and identify fatigue vs. fear and always push past what’s comfortable. That’s how to foster growth.
One message that I’d want to get across to the world/individuals is, don’t believe them when they say you only have a certain amount of time because everyone’s life is too unique for someone else to put timestamps on when things should be happening in your journey. So, there’s always time to do what you love. You just have to strive to make it a way of life.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d put together a good mixture of day life and evening life. I would find local farmers markets to get a vibe of the city. We’d attend open mics because there’s always eclectic and artistic individuals there, I’d find local jams to attend to connect with local musicians and find showcases to go watch others perform.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So, I want to shoutout a group of people. This might be very broad but, I want to highlight all the people that I’ve had the opportunity of playing for recently. From the coffee shops to the arts centers, I’d like to thank everyone who I’ve played for that supported me from the very first note they heard me sing.
Website: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jayfreed/lesser-light-lullaby
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmejayfreed/
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