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

Jay, appreciate you joining us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

Working a 9-5 was something that I always dreaded. Couldn’t stand it. I use to be at work and coast through the day just waiting to get off so I can do whatever the fuck I wanted. I had a decent paying job but I couldn’t give it everything I had. I became lazy, I became detached and eventually walked away from it to pursue my career in artistry. Little did I know that making music was the easiest part of the music business, and that the business behind music is the driving force behind any given artist. I noticed that bad habits I developed at work I brought into my own pursue of music. Creating music never been a problem, it’s been the background work that has been the most surprising. I’ve recently learned that if you have a 9-5 or any job, practice doing that things that you hate at work. Even if you know this job isn’t for you because you have something of your own, work hard so that those traits carry over to what you desire for yourself.

Jay, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Jay Bragg born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. After graduating high school I attended college could years and then served in the military. It wasn’t until the year after serving in the military that I decided to pursue a career in music. I honesty always had a deep connection with music but I never realized that I wanted to do the artist route. Music has always touched parts of my emotions and mind that other things couldn’t. Me being a major fan of music and what it provides, I wasn’t a big fan of the music being put out on the major scale. It all started by seeing if I can freestyle to certain beats/instrumentals. At the time I was working and wasn’t doing music full time, so I used my checks to buy the equipment needed to start recording at home. I became a self made engineer as well as artist over the years of self teaching through YouTube and other websites. What sets me apart from others is being self-sufficient. Again, Im self taught when it comes to writing music, structuring music, engineering, performing my craft, and actually singing the vocals. The army Swiss knife of independent artist.

Im most proud of the work ethic, the support, and the progress made throughout this journey. There have been times where I wanted to quit and give it all up but the consistency is what outlasts any emotions I have. Hearing people say they never heard anything like me or they can’t wait until I make it is something to always be proud of, especially when it’s something so intimate and personal. I want potential fans and others to know that no matter what it is that you’re chasing you have to be consistent and give it your all. Tunnel vision is key to getting where you want. It won’t be easy, it won’t be fun at all times either. I don’t ever cheat my craft or half-ass anything I do when it comes to this passion. Every time you hear a song of mine you will know that I gave my all.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative I would say that feedback you get from random fans who came across your art/craft. A lot of people don’t see the hard work that you put into your craft only the finished result. The sleepless nights, tears, doubts, hard work and resiliency seems worth it even if one new person loves your craft. IT literally motivates me to keep creating and pushing through my own insecurities in this music business.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Being from Milwaukee you see a lot of poverty, a lack of opportunity, and overall you feel trapped. I moved to California back in 2014 and I seen a lot of opportunities available for people here. There aren’t many options for a positive outlet and even opportunities for work, travel, scenery, school and even money opportunities. I always said I wanted my music to be the driving force behind the real mission. For me, the mission I want to accomplish is providing that opportunity to those from my city as well. Letting them see that someone from where you are can accomplish certain things that’s non traditional. Overall, my goal is to change how kids from Milwaukee view the world and themselves.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.braggofficial/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/JBraggOfficial
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfyOzctN8f2lNWjq3_zYi-A

Image Credits
images by Brandon Towner