GET TO KNOW: Austin Jay

After spending the last few years turning out a wealth of fresh and vibrant gems, LA-based artist Austin Jay is now looking to cement his legacy to date with the release of his eagerly-awaited self-titled debut EP.

Bringing back more of that fun and uplifting pop-rock aesthetic he is known for, this new six-track collection makes for an incredibly upbeat listen. With his instantly engaging persona riding across a shimmering production from start to finish, he is continuing his rise as one of the more captivating names doing the rounds with this one.

So with the new EP available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.

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What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?

The first band I fell in love with was Paramore. I loved Hayley Williams specifically, because I love how she was a rock singer, but she would still do vocal runs and things not usually associated with rock music. For example, the gospel-influenced break in “Ain’t It Fun” was so awesome to me. I’m like that. Just because I’m singing a rock song doesn’t mean I won’t sing in styles more associated with pop and R&B.

The first non-band artist I fell in love with was Prince. His mixture of styles, as well as how he navigated the music industry as a mixed person, really inspired me. I love his stage presence, his mystery and mystique. He is one of my biggest influences.

Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?

I actually did! When I was like 10 haha, we did mostly covers as well as the first song I ever wrote, a rock song called “Live Your Life.” We only performed a few times, at adult parties and festivals. I was like this little kid, jumping around on stage and singing my heart out, in front of these crowds of all adults. It was crazy!

What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?

Just living life. I always say that writing songs was never something I consciously decided to do. I just did it. The songs just come out of me, and then I write them down. I was writing songs when I was 3 years old. I used to sing songs on my parents' answering machine, and when people called us and it was sent to voicemail, they would hear me singing some random song haha. So I would really just say life, my experiences and the experiences of other people that I hear and find interesting. It’s my own personal scrapbook of life.

What is a song you wish you had written yourself?

Mr. Brightside by the Killers.

If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?

The excitement I had when I performed on stage for the first time, though I don’t really feel the need to relive it because I still feel that excitement every time I perform!

And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?

I would love to collaborate with Olivia Rodrigo, I feel like our vibes would mix so well together. I would love to share the stage with Kendrick Lamar, he’s an artist I’ve admired so much for so long, and he brings a passion and an energy onstage that I so love!

Where do you see yourself in five year’s time?

Touring internationally to sold out audiences, with hopefully at least 3 full length albums out by then! I would mostly just love to continue to connect with people and spread my message and my music to generate positivity and catharsis through song!

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Austin Jay's self-titled debut EP is available to stream now. Check it out below.