Meet Jay Battle Aka “qreepz” | Producer | DJ | Audio Engineer | Playback Tech

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jay Battle Aka “qreepz” and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jay, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
One piece of conventional advice I disagree with is the idea that music needs to be ‘universally appealing’ to be successful. I feel like there’s so much pressure on artists to fit into a certain box or make music that’s easy for everyone to digest, but to me, that kills creativity. Some of the most powerful music comes from the raw, edgy, and sometimes uncomfortable places that aren’t designed to be liked by everyone. My goal isn’t to please everyone, it’s to create something real and memorable that resonates with the people who vibe with that darker, experimental energy. I’d rather make something that leaves a strong impression (Good or Bad), then play it safe.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is all about creating an immersive experience that taps into raw, intense energy and takes listeners into a unique world. What sets me apart is that I don’t just produce music—I create an atmosphere. Every track, every performance, is rooted in a genuine, darker tone that blends hard-hitting bass with intricate, melodic layers. I take pride in pushing boundaries, often playing sets of all original material that keeps true to my soul and leaves an unforgettable impression.

I’ve had the chance to meet and work with an amazing circle of local artists here in Seattle, forming friendships through recording sessions and collaborating in ways that keep my creativity on fire. DJing countless parties over the years and running my studio on Beacon Hill has allowed me to grow not just as an artist but as a part of this community. From running youth workshops to playing alongside some of my favorite producers and DJs to, curating legendary events, These experiences taught me how to shape my sound and deliver something fresh every time.

It’s been a crazy journey getting here. From successfully running a independent studio to running playback for Maggie Rogers at Coachella’s mainstage, to touring with the now (6× platinum artist) LAUV, I’ve gotten to see the world—all thru Asia, Australia and some of the best places in Europe. Playing massive shows in these places makes all the hard work worth it. But it wasn’t easy; getting to this point took a lot of persistence and resilience. Challenges are inevitable, especially in an industry like this, but each one taught me something important, whether it was about preparation, patience, staying true to my unique sound, or the power of adaptability.

What I want the world to know is that my art is more than just music; it’s a journey into a soundscape that embraces the unfamiliar, the moody, and the experimental. I owe a lot to the people who believed in me from the start— and every stage I step on and every track I drop is a tribute to them and the journey.

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?
Alright, if my best friend was coming to visit for a week, I’d set up a Dope Seattle experience, of local spots, EATS and VIBES.

Day 1 – Start Chill, Go Hard:
We’d kick things off with breakfast at Portage Bay Café. Can’t go wrong with their brunch. After that, we’d hit Pike Place Market to check out the food stands, the fish-throwing action, and grab some Beecher’s cheese (real tourist ish haha). At night, we’d hit KEXP for a live session if there’s one going, then slide over to Capitol Hill for drinks at The Comet Tavern

Day 2 – Beacon Hill Studio Vibes:
I’d give my friend a tour of my studio on Beacon Hill, let them catch a behind-the-scenes look at the setup, maybe even vibe out and make something new (most of my friends are musicians). Lunch would be at the SHELL Gas Station on Beacon Hill (Crazy Catfish) or Musang the Filipino inspired Spot. At night, we’d hit Neumos or Barboza for live music, and if the timing’s right, maybe even catch a show I’m playing or some of my favorite artists. Probably hit Runaway Bar b4 TAPPING OUT haha

Day 3 – Nature Day:
We’d get outdoors and drive to Snoqualmie Falls, hit the Diner from the series “Twin Peaks” or head over to Discovery Park. Hit up Dick’s Drive-In for a classic Seattle burger or head to Belltown and Grab Wings from Vindicktive Wings.

Day 4 – Fremont and Ballard Adventures:
We’d start with some breakfast at Beth’s Café for the real Seattle diner experience, then hit Fremont for the Troll and some of the cool local shops. Hit Paseo’s for a Caribbean sandwich, then check out Ballard for the day. We’d do the Ballard Locks, visit Golden Gardens sumthin like that.

Day 5 – Capitol Hill and Underground Music:
Back in Capitol Hill, I’d take them to Oddfellows for brunch, then record shopping at Zions Gate. If they’re up for it, we’d hit Q Nightclub or Monkey Loft at night for an underground music experience.

Day 6 – International District:
We’d hit up the International District for some Hot Pot at Chengdu Memory then hit a Seahawks, Sounders or Mariners game.

Day 7 – Chill and Reflect:
Hit the Space Needle for more tourist vibes. Then GET ABSOLUTELY ANNIHILATED at Queen Anne Marios Pizza & Bad Bar.

Its hard not to do the tourist thing here lol but Seattles Sick.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe a huge shoutout to my uncles, Randy and Reggie. They were the first to see something in me and set me on my path, giving me my start with a BOSS DR-5 drum machine. They believed in my talent before I even understood it, showing me the ropes and giving me the confidence to dig into production. And I gotta recognize my grandma, Dot, for her unconditional support. When I ran away at 14, she took me in and let me use my room in her Seattle apartment as a studio. That space became my sanctuary, where I could experiment, record people, and build my sound as a young artist. Their belief and support are the foundation of everything I’ve done since.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qreepz/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@qreepz8215

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6eoqXGvYkO8PZqQZ70qRgV?si=yM_W-z_wStqil56VumJOhg