We were lucky to catch up with Jarrett (Jay) Bailey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jarrett (Jay), thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

This question is so tough because I am unsure if you can really feel one without the other. It has some of the highest highs and lowest lows. If you were to ask if I’m happy with my decision to become an artist, then the answer is, absolutely! Being an artist lets me live every day with purpose. I get to be the most “me” every day and live each day becoming more aligned with my values and dreams. Of course I see so much more for myself than where I’m currently at but that only fuels me. I gave up the cushiony life in order to pursue my career as an artist/creative. I was making comfortable money really young but felt like I was the farthest away from knowing who I was or what I wanted/desired. If I were to die tomorrow, I can actually say that I’d be okay because I went out pursuing/fighting for what I believe in and love. I wouldn’t have to worry about “what if?” because I’m answering that question already. I’ve had regular jobs. Like too many of them haha! They never have been something that feels worth fighting for. I’m willing to suffer each and every day in order to be an artist. I wouldn’t be able to say the same about other careers.

Jarrett (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?

Originally what got me into music was getting screwed over in my career. I was en route to becoming an event planner. I loved music and performance but struggled with seeing myself as the artist. Being the event planner seemed like I could be close enough but from a safe distance. After taking a major L, I realized I don’t want to leave my destiny in the hands of someone else. Initially, I learned music production and was aiming to be a world-touring DJ creating electronic music to perform live. During Covid, sitting around the house gave me time to really reflect on my art. I made the choice to follow my heart. I’ve always loved songwriting, storytelling, and live music. Picking up the guitar and vocal lessons, I started the hey it’s jay project. I have released 2 songs already and the 3rd song is coming out August 18th, 2023. The songs will all be apart of my upcoming ep, H.E.L.P. I want to create art that helps the broken, misfits, and the misunderstood. hey it’s jay will be a beacon for inclusion

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

How there really is no “step-by-step” process in your creative journey. There really isn’t a laid out path that just ends up being a one size fits all. You think when someone wants to become a doctor, they are going to go to college, then get into med school, and then apply at a practice and work your hours until you own your own practice. You want to become a lawyer, then you’ll get into law school, study and pass your bar exam, join a law firm and work your way up. When you decide to become a creative, there is only you and your passion to create your art and your own fire to research how to move forward. No one sees what happens behind closed doors and artists share only a mere fraction of what is going on. You don’t often get to hear about the mental struggles and daily war that goes on for each artist as they battle with the constant unknown. It’s already hard enough to quiet the voices in our head that want to tear us down, remind us that we aren’t where we want to be, poke at our fears of never being good enough, and that we are also imposters, but to top it off we are always playing a guessing game of what to do next. Every day a creative has to just show up even without direction.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I think the most rewarding aspect is being able to bring something into this world that never existed through your own emotions, experiences, and vulnerability in service of yourself and others. Music itself heals. The fact that I can create something that might alleviate someone’s pain or help create a moment/memory that will last a lifetime is everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/heyitsjay.mp3
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyitsjay.mp3/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heyitsjaymusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/heyitsjay_mp3
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@heyits_jay/
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyitsjay.mp3