Gifted is just one of many words used to describe multi-talented artist Jay Brown. With fans including Bastille's frontman Dan Smith and Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe, it's clear that the only way is up for this rising star.
Female First got the opportunity to put some questions to Jay about her beginnings as a musician, what to expect in the future and much more.
When did you realise you wanted to pursue a career in music?
Looking back, the only other thing I was interested in was football. I was either going to be the first woman in the premier league.
I'm also interested in people and studied psychology at university so that was my ultimate back up plan.
But first and foremost was to make my way through life as a musician. I made that decision from, like, as far back as I could remember.
What does music mean to you?
I personally don't think I communicate right when talking normal. It never comes out the way I want it. Communication is something that's important to me and everyone and music is the easiest way for me to communicate the way I most like.
How difficult would you say it is to carve a career in this industry?
Thinking about it, if you want to do music you definitely have to love it! It's not the easiest of professions to get into. I just go with what I find colourful and compelling to my ear and try not to compromise and believe from that it will carve itself. I definitely feel now it's easier to carve your own career because of the access of the internet and being able to talk one and [being] one with the people that are into your music. You can create your own world. I do still think it's important to have the right team about you. Everyone needs to be on the same page with a clear vision.
Where do you draw inspiration from as an artist?
When you have an obstacle in your life how do you respond? I either eat a load, surround myself with friends or write a song. I draw my inspiration from these obstacles. Sometimes I draw inspiration from experiences I would like to experience or think I should have experienced already. Oh and I tend to have a muse. Who that muse is, is a secret.
How did you find the response to your debut EP last year?
It was great! It wasn't actually suppose to be an EP they are actually demos but I really liked the feel of them so decided to upload the tracks to BBC Introducing and because of the positive response decided to put them out as an EP. It was crazy having the the likes of Radio 1 playlist 2 tracks on it and inviting me to Glastonbury. It was really encouraging.
What was the experience like of touring with Bastille last Autumn?
It was an absolute pleasure! They are great guys! All I want to do is gig and they gave me the opportunity to do that in some great venues. I'll always be grateful for that experience.
You more recently performed at The Great Escape, how did you find that?
Last year I was a punter at The Great Escape (TGE) so to come and play this year was such a good feeling. I hadn't looked up the venue so didn't know what to expect, in fact I didn't mind, I was just happy to be apart of it. If you've ever been to TGE imagine the streets filled with musicians and excited music lovers. We arrived and it was a great vibey basement bar. Not expecting to play to anyone we ended up playing to a full room which was such a good experience for us. We spent the rest of the weekend gallivanting around the stoney beach with our friends Francobollo and Love Park (Great bands!). It was good times. Definitely would love to play there again!
Your new single 'We Are The People' is released this June, what do you hope people take away from this track?
The song is about exploring who we are and connecting with people. This song is about coming out of the confines of yourself and opening up to people, breaking out of your norm. Even if it goes against things that may seem wrong. Finding the things that excite you and balance you. It's saying its fine to make mistakes as long as you learn from them and allow them to make you grow.
What kind of creative process do you go through when creating new material?
It mostly happens in the confines of my room. I pick my guitar if I feel like it and see what comes out. Recently I wrote some songs on the piano which is weird for me but yeah, it all starts by just wanting to play. Main rule is not to force it. I always say I feel it in my belly if I like it!
Do you have one major goal you hope to achieve in your career?
I hope to be able to have lots of amazing experiences with the people around me that collaborate and contribute to my music. I'd love to travel with my music and create a healthy career that will allow me to keep writing songs and putting them out.
If you could work with anybody going forward who would you choose and why?
Easy. I've been gigging with my cellist and backing vocalist Val for like nearly 4 years now. We have a great musical connection. I'd wanna keep working with her.
What should fans coming to see you at live shows in the future expect?
I guess everyone views things in their own way so all I can really say is what I would like them to take away. There are 2 set ups. There is acoustic and cello which is very intimate, stripped back and intense and then the full six piece band is the same but more energetic and full on. You'll either have a mellow intense experience or more energetic intense experience! I'd really like people to feel uplifted, laugh a bit and I want to get people reflecting and questioning.
Do you have any other projects in the works you can share some details about?
Oh that's definitely a secret. But yes I do have a few under the radar. I think it's important to do other things it keeps things exciting. When they're finished I'll tell you all about it...
Jay Brown's debut single 'We Are The People' is released June 16 via Killing Moon Records.
She will be playing at the following gigs this summer:
Wednesday 18th June - ‘We Are The People’ single release party at The Islington, London (free show in association with www.communionmusic.co.uk)
Tuesday 8th July - Huw Stephens showcase at The Social, London
Monday 21st July - supporting Annie Eve at The Lexington, London