Jay’s musical journey began at the age of six when he first picked up a guitar, and he’s been shredding ever since. Throughout elementary and junior high school, he expanded his musical skills by playing the viola, trumpet, and snare drum, laying the foundation for his deep understanding of music. Over the years, he’s become proficient in most stringed and brass instruments, as well as percussive instruments, further shaping his musical versatility.
He has played in several bands, including Misled Youth, Lackluster Hero, Discord, Burden of Truth, and The Sequel. Jay’s guitar influences range from virtuosos like SRV, Steve Vai, Gary Hoey, and Joe Satriani to modern talents such as Tim Henson, Andy James, and Angel Vivaldi.
Early on, Jay was heavily inspired by punk bands like NOFX, No Use For a Name, Pennywise, Lagwagon, The Descendents, and Bad Religion. This influence sharpened his fast picking and staccato playing style. As a teenager, he teamed up with some high school friends to form his first metal band, setting him on the path that would define his music career. His influences span across metal, country, bluegrass, rock, nu-metal, rap, hip-hop, pop, punk, and more, making him a versatile and well-rounded musician.
In college, Jay studied music theory and minored in it while attending SDSU in San Diego. He fully embraced his role as a metal guitarist, taking on various responsibilities in the bands he played with—rhythm guitar, lead guitar, backup vocals, clean vocals, and even delivering guttural screams.
In addition to his performance experience, Jay has also developed a strong ear for music production and recording. His ability to hear the music as a whole allows him to seamlessly blend different parts, ensuring that every element contributes to the overall sound. This skill has been crucial in both studio settings and live performances, making Jay not just a musician but a well-rounded producer as well.
Having performed hundreds of shows and toured throughout the Southwest, Jay’s ambitions are clear. While he dreams of one day earning that coveted Grammy, his main focus is to share his music and lyrics with as many people as possible. He often says it’s not about “making it big” but about being heard. And if success happens along the way, it’s just the icing on the cake.
His message to his listeners: “Music is more than sound—it’s a connection. I want to make people feel it.”
