We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful DeShaun Jay. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with DeShaun below.

DeShaun, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

In my opinion, my most meaningful project would be my “Phone Calls” series. I’m currently working on my fourth installment (which is also nearing completion), but I’d would have to say the entire series would be the most meaningful because it’s made it easier to grow as an artist as well as work towards being more versatile with the music I create. “Phone Calls” is a series of vibes I’d like to call R&B Rap. I wouldn’t put it in just one of either category. I grew up a huge fan of R&B, singing all of my favorite songs from Usher, Ginuwine, Blackstreet, Shai, and many more R&B legends. But at the same time, I loved when my favorite rappers shown vulnerability in their music. We all have our experiences as we grow when it comes to dating and relationships as well. Soooo with that being said one day when I was just starting my journey as an artist (or at least contemplating it at that point), I was at the studio with a friend of mine from high school recording, we were taking a break and talking outside and he was like “Bro, why don’t you rap about your relationships? You got through ALOT with women that you could talk about like Drake, Joe Budden,etc.,” so the idea was stuck with me since that day in 2013. Then years later, after my second SoundCloud mixtape, it finally came to fruition with the first installment of “Phone Calls”.

DeShaun, 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’ve been involved with music one way or another since I’ve been able to read honestly. From choir, to band, to making my own music it’s just always been a language I speak pretty fluently. I started writing verses in high school. It was sort of a secret hobby at first until I met friends with the similar interests then I started rapping at school during lunch and after while we waited for the bus. After high school was when I actually ventured into studio recording finally. I was somewhat insecure at first. Entrepreneurship wasn’t exactly smiled upon in my family at the time, especially pursuing it as an entertainer. But after a while I finally decided I was ready to stop being scared and go for what I love.
If there’s anything you can take from my music, know that regardless of the song, the mood, even if it’s a feature, every word i say is 100% me. What makes it even better is you can relate to it. Whether it’s one of the Phone Calls projects or some of my other music, I’ll paint the picture so you’ll feel as if you’re the one with the brush.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Definitely, distribution companies. I’ve been writing original songs for the longest, and when I say that I mean years before I’ve ever released a single verse on the internet…I just never knew what would be the next step after the song was done. But I will take accountability and say most of my obliviousness is due to me just being stubborn. I’ve definitely learned to ask and I got a couple great friends that are creatives as well so I can always call on them.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing I feel non-creatives may not be able to understand is what comes with vulnerability in music. Phone Calls was just an experiment for me at first. To be completely honest I was only planning on doing two projects for the series because at first it was just something for me to prove to myself that I could do. But after I changed my mind and kept the series going it became a way for me to reflect on moments and feelings I may have gone through with people of the past. Even though it can make for great music to enjoy, set the vibe, or just listen to when you’re in one of those moods non-creatives may not realize what we have to go through during the creation. Sometimes even bringing back the good memories can cause old pain again, you know?

Contact Info:

• Website: linktr.ee/DeShaunJay
• Instagram: @deshaunjayfrvr
• Facebook: DeShaun Jay
• Twitter: @deshaunjayfrvr
• Youtube: DeShaun Jay

Image Credits
Photos by Eyeland Shots, Stilo Jordan Photography, and Doc Shots Photography