Published, 4/2010. Self Expression Magazine
I'll admit, I had only started hearing about Jayk about a year ago through rumors and mutual friends. Being a bit of an apathetic person, I took the route that required minimal effort, and decided to do a little research on the guy via the internet. Following a link or two, I made it to his MySpace page, where I was able to sample the music that many of my friends were so jazzed about. Also being a cynical person, I had it in my head that Jayk was just above average, nothing too special.
I couldn’t have been more wrong. After listening to every song, I couldn’t help but wonder why he didn’t already have a multi album deal and two or three music videos in heavy rotation. It didn't make any real sense to me. The maturity and range of his voice was nothing short of staggering. Couple that with his immense talent as a guitarist, and you have the makings of a future rock star. Thoughts began popping up. "I need to tell someone about this! Write to a newspaper, call TMJ4... tell my congressman to sponsor a tour! Something!"
Sadly, the reality of it was, I didn't have any pull with the local news media. Even worse, I did not have any politicians in my pocket, as I was not a high ranking mafia member... a bitter reality I have been struggling with for years. So not having much of an outlet to get the word out, I simply became a fan. Periodically checking up on his page, or catching a show at MiKeys, I did what many other people have done and simply enjoyed the music.
Then an opportunity arose. I first approached Jayk in the middle of a crowded bar with an idea to do an article on him. Despite the fact having never met me before, he perked up and had no problem showing that he was excited about my idea. Knowing at the moment we were both busy entertaining the people we were with, I asked if I could send him more information about where and when we could sit down and discuss it further. Following an enthusiastic "Yes!”, we shook hands and parted ways.
Around 10pm on a Monday night, I was on the East Side at a bar I frequent called Cans. Looking more serious than I actually was, I was jotting down some notes in preparation.
“I'll be there in ten minutes", he texted me.
"Cool, I'll be the one sitting off to the side looking more serious than I actually am"
"Hahahaha"
Suddenly I got a tap on the hand, surprising me and making me drop my pen. “Hey! I’ll be right back, I'm gonna grab a drink.” Sweet Jesus, he really snuck up on me. I picked up my pen and made another note.
“Possible fall-back career: ninja.”
I'll admit, I had only started hearing about Jayk about a year ago through rumors and mutual friends. Being a bit of an apathetic person, I took the route that required minimal effort, and decided to do a little research on the guy via the internet. Following a link or two, I made it to his MySpace page, where I was able to sample the music that many of my friends were so jazzed about. Also being a cynical person, I had it in my head that Jayk was just above average, nothing too special.
I couldn’t have been more wrong. After listening to every song, I couldn’t help but wonder why he didn’t already have a multi album deal and two or three music videos in heavy rotation. It didn't make any real sense to me. The maturity and range of his voice was nothing short of staggering. Couple that with his immense talent as a guitarist, and you have the makings of a future rock star. Thoughts began popping up. "I need to tell someone about this! Write to a newspaper, call TMJ4... tell my congressman to sponsor a tour! Something!"
Sadly, the reality of it was, I didn't have any pull with the local news media. Even worse, I did not have any politicians in my pocket, as I was not a high ranking mafia member... a bitter reality I have been struggling with for years. So not having much of an outlet to get the word out, I simply became a fan. Periodically checking up on his page, or catching a show at MiKeys, I did what many other people have done and simply enjoyed the music.
Then an opportunity arose. I first approached Jayk in the middle of a crowded bar with an idea to do an article on him. Despite the fact having never met me before, he perked up and had no problem showing that he was excited about my idea. Knowing at the moment we were both busy entertaining the people we were with, I asked if I could send him more information about where and when we could sit down and discuss it further. Following an enthusiastic "Yes!”, we shook hands and parted ways.
Around 10pm on a Monday night, I was on the East Side at a bar I frequent called Cans. Looking more serious than I actually was, I was jotting down some notes in preparation.
“I'll be there in ten minutes", he texted me.
"Cool, I'll be the one sitting off to the side looking more serious than I actually am"
"Hahahaha"
Suddenly I got a tap on the hand, surprising me and making me drop my pen. “Hey! I’ll be right back, I'm gonna grab a drink.” Sweet Jesus, he really snuck up on me. I picked up my pen and made another note.
“Possible fall-back career: ninja.”
Two minutes later he came back and sat down. Drinks in hand, we started chatting. Little did I know, the person I was sitting across the table from was not just any other guitarist from Milwaukee, he’s already been across the country on multiple tours, appearing on TV spots and landing sponsorship deals.
At the age of 21, Jayk met a man by the name of Alan Cook, who happened to be in town with The Mountain Dew Action Sports Tour, a nationwide tour that features athletes in BMX, motocross, and skating to name a few. After seeing Jayk play, he decided to add him to the roster. Playing in the “House of Dew” venue, Jayk was able to gain fans all over the country, even people on tour with him, like professional BMX biker Dave Mirra and his wife Lauren. They liked him so much, when the tour was in Orlando Dave grabbed Jayk from his hotel room and took him out for a night of partying at a local bar. Jayk was barely into his twenties, but he was he was in Orlando, hanging out with a world famous BMX star, on a nationwide tour with his own sponsorship by DC Shoes, surrounded my women. “It was the first moment in my life I was like… holy fuck.”
While on that same tour, Jayk was the feature on a show called “The Daily Habit” on Fuel TV. Playing his song, “Day of Reckoning” he played a flawless set, not letting the idea of national television phase him. That song had been played many times, but this time it seemed like the lyrics had a special meaning. Lyrics like, “Someday you’ll be coming to L.A. to see me…” and “He’s finally had his day of reckoning” seemed they were starting to become validated and sound like less of a story and more of a reality. The guest host Paul Roberts seemed to be so impressed with the performance, he walked up and asked “You gonna remember me when you’re famous?” as soon as he got a chance to be candid.
Though, the tour had to end sometime. Armed with some worthwhile experience in the music industry, and a realization that big things really can happen, he came back home to Milwaukee. Sending out emails, talking to other bands & bar owners and handing out demos, he continued his grassroots campaign. Even though the last five years of doing just that haven’t been easy, but they have been getting him somewhere. He currently has management based out of a strong and well known firm in Los Angeles, newly recorded tracks out of that same city that are due to be released very soon, a large fan base in Milwaukee and a following on the internet that exceeds 17,000 people. With all of that, there is one prevailing aspect that he always has going for him, he can always play a damn good show.
Recently, I was able to catch another one of Jayk’s shows at Cans and I have to say, every time I do I’m somehow surprised of his sheer talent. That night he played a half hour set, obviously consisting of his own music, but a couple covers as well… including a very amazing version of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower”. I stood off to the side, people watching. After surveying everyone once or twice, I noticed something that made me a little disappointed. Not everyone was paying attention to the show. Maybe they would if they all knew how he felt about playing those songs for them.
About a week before the show, we were sitting in that very same bar, getting buzzed. At one point he paused then made a remark that stuck with me, “I love to perform”. I believe it, and so would you if you were to check out one of his shows. The minute he starts playing, it’s easy to see. I couldn’t help but wonder what he thought about Milwaukee’s music scene and being a part of it. Once I asked, I was happy to find out he had quite a lot to say on the subject.
“The scene here is just lacking in togetherness; bands seem more willing to work AGAINST one another than WITH one another. I'm just as guilty as the next guy to be honest with you. We all look out for the better interests of ourselves and our bands before considering how we can reach out and help other talented bands find their way around here, you know? It’s pretty laughable when you really think about it, but it’s been that way as long as I can remember. ‘MY Milwaukee band is better than YOUR Milwaukee band.’(laughs)
It took me five years to gain the bit of attention and notoriety I've been able to accumulate, and I've worked damn hard for it, so I guess I get it when bands turn cold toward one another… Everybody needs to push themselves, there are no free handouts in life and the rejection made me push way harder than I ever thought I could, or would.”
Jayk has learned quite a lot with his experiences thus far, and is always willing to share what he’s learned. “Keep writing, keep playing, keep working. I’m a firm believer that if you want something badly enough, you’ll find a way to get it- no matter what.” From what I know now, it’s easy to tell that Jayk is an extremely determined person and I don't foresee him quitting any time soon. Now that he has music that was recently mastered in Los Angeles, I’d put money on him pushing even harder and making things happen. He put it in very simple terms to me, “This isn’t just a hobby, I really believe in what I do”.
My only hope now is that many more people discover this artist’s talent and enjoy his music as much as everyone else has already, because from where I'm sitting, I see nothing but a great musical career in the future. Become a fan now, while you're still able to stroll up to him and say “You gonna remember me when you're famous?”
Don't worry, he will.
Myspace.com/Jaykforever
Facebook.com/Jayk
Twitter.com/Jaykforever
_______________________________________________________________________________
Like what you read? Check these out:
Full Disclosure
Voice of Others
 |
| " NO YELLING ON THE BUS!!! " |
Two minutes later he came back and sat down. Drinks in hand, we started chatting. Little did I know, the person I was sitting across the table from was not just any other guitarist from Milwaukee, he’s already been across the country on multiple tours, appearing on TV spots and landing sponsorship deals.
At the age of 21, Jayk met a man by the name of Alan Cook, who happened to be in town with The Mountain Dew Action Sports Tour, a nationwide tour that features athletes in BMX, motocross, and skating to name a few. After seeing Jayk play, he decided to add him to the roster. Playing in the “House of Dew” venue, Jayk was able to gain fans all over the country, even people on tour with him, like professional BMX biker Dave Mirra and his wife Lauren. They liked him so much, when the tour was in Orlando Dave grabbed Jayk from his hotel room and took him out for a night of partying at a local bar. Jayk was barely into his twenties, but he was he was in Orlando, hanging out with a world famous BMX star, on a nationwide tour with his own sponsorship by DC Shoes, surrounded my women. “It was the first moment in my life I was like… holy fuck.”
While on that same tour, Jayk was the feature on a show called “The Daily Habit” on Fuel TV. Playing his song, “Day of Reckoning” he played a flawless set, not letting the idea of national television phase him. That song had been played many times, but this time it seemed like the lyrics had a special meaning. Lyrics like, “Someday you’ll be coming to L.A. to see me…” and “He’s finally had his day of reckoning” seemed they were starting to become validated and sound like less of a story and more of a reality. The guest host Paul Roberts seemed to be so impressed with the performance, he walked up and asked “You gonna remember me when you’re famous?” as soon as he got a chance to be candid.
Though, the tour had to end sometime. Armed with some worthwhile experience in the music industry, and a realization that big things really can happen, he came back home to Milwaukee. Sending out emails, talking to other bands & bar owners and handing out demos, he continued his grassroots campaign. Even though the last five years of doing just that haven’t been easy, but they have been getting him somewhere. He currently has management based out of a strong and well known firm in Los Angeles, newly recorded tracks out of that same city that are due to be released very soon, a large fan base in Milwaukee and a following on the internet that exceeds 17,000 people. With all of that, there is one prevailing aspect that he always has going for him, he can always play a damn good show.
Recently, I was able to catch another one of Jayk’s shows at Cans and I have to say, every time I do I’m somehow surprised of his sheer talent. That night he played a half hour set, obviously consisting of his own music, but a couple covers as well… including a very amazing version of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower”. I stood off to the side, people watching. After surveying everyone once or twice, I noticed something that made me a little disappointed. Not everyone was paying attention to the show. Maybe they would if they all knew how he felt about playing those songs for them.
About a week before the show, we were sitting in that very same bar, getting buzzed. At one point he paused then made a remark that stuck with me, “I love to perform”. I believe it, and so would you if you were to check out one of his shows. The minute he starts playing, it’s easy to see. I couldn’t help but wonder what he thought about Milwaukee’s music scene and being a part of it. Once I asked, I was happy to find out he had quite a lot to say on the subject.
“The scene here is just lacking in togetherness; bands seem more willing to work AGAINST one another than WITH one another. I'm just as guilty as the next guy to be honest with you. We all look out for the better interests of ourselves and our bands before considering how we can reach out and help other talented bands find their way around here, you know? It’s pretty laughable when you really think about it, but it’s been that way as long as I can remember. ‘MY Milwaukee band is better than YOUR Milwaukee band.’(laughs)
It took me five years to gain the bit of attention and notoriety I've been able to accumulate, and I've worked damn hard for it, so I guess I get it when bands turn cold toward one another… Everybody needs to push themselves, there are no free handouts in life and the rejection made me push way harder than I ever thought I could, or would.”
Jayk has learned quite a lot with his experiences thus far, and is always willing to share what he’s learned. “Keep writing, keep playing, keep working. I’m a firm believer that if you want something badly enough, you’ll find a way to get it- no matter what.” From what I know now, it’s easy to tell that Jayk is an extremely determined person and I don't foresee him quitting any time soon. Now that he has music that was recently mastered in Los Angeles, I’d put money on him pushing even harder and making things happen. He put it in very simple terms to me, “This isn’t just a hobby, I really believe in what I do”.
My only hope now is that many more people discover this artist’s talent and enjoy his music as much as everyone else has already, because from where I'm sitting, I see nothing but a great musical career in the future. Become a fan now, while you're still able to stroll up to him and say “You gonna remember me when you're famous?”
Don't worry, he will.
Myspace.com/Jaykforever
Facebook.com/Jayk
Twitter.com/Jaykforever
_______________________________________________________________________________
Like what you read? Check these out:
Full Disclosure
Voice of Others
