We recently connected with Jay Vlone and have shared our conversation below.

Jay , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I knew from a very young age that I’d want to use my words to craft masterpieces. I’d say first or second grade, I’d write poetry and one of my teachers got me published. That encouragement brought me a long way. I didn’t know it would translate into me making music but I’d say that’s where it started.

Jay , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Jay Vlone, The Rckt!! Rocket with no vowels. Me and my collective of artists have been honing our sound for the past few years and trying to carve a path in the east coast underground for a new generation of artists with a lot to offer. Hailing from Mount Vernon, New York, I’ve overcome so many different obstacles and being able to express that through my music and being vulnerable with my supporters definitely helps me resonate with not only the listeners but my peers as well. We all have a common goal and in some cases a common backstory (traumas, shortcomings, etc) Rckt as a collective is all about pushing the boundaries creatively and embracing individuality and I hope to expand the network to help other independent artists thrive. For more Rckt music and events you guys could follow @rcktteam1 on instagram or my personal music page @stilltherckt

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I’ve learned that adversity shouldn’t be a deterrent, it should be a driving force. Resilience is one of many keys to success and I don’t think everyone fully understands when something is truly not working and when you have to reapproach with a better strategy. My upcoming project ‘Detour 2’ was influenced by the past 2-3 years of my life and for anyone that knows me, they could tell you how much I’ve managed to push through. My grandad used to tell me before he passed, “you gotta go through s**t to get through s**t” and that advice has carried me through some of the darkest days anyone can have.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Coming from poverty is enough to keep anyone going. That alone pushes me to be one of the best at anything I do in life, even outside of music. I have loved ones that have given countless hours and resources to ensure that I’m the best me I can be. I can’t let those people down. I have my brothers with the Rckt movement and we discussed the bigger picture, I can’t let them down. I try not to view it as pressure but I accept the fact that every Rckt goes through trials before takeoff and coming this far through so many trials is just confirmation that I’m doing something right. I see this being the beginning of a dynasty.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stilltherckt/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rcktmusichub?si=kpyk_2MN07tKDe9K
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/KQjuFNQ3XR9X3Ywm8
• Other: Apple Music

  https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jay-vlone/1496700048