We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jay Dot Rain a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jay Dot, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I remember being in college back in 2011 and interning for the #5 indie record label according to Billboard. Slow Motion Soundz was my first real introduction into the music “business”; more importantly these were people who looked like me and were from the same place as me. They gave me the opportunity to have a front row seat as they built their brand and business literally from the ground up. I was the camera man, the bag holder, the runner — whatever I had to be to make sure I was able to stay in the room.
I had the opportunity to travel with the legendary duo G-Side as they performed at Pitchfork Festival 2011. Being in rooms with legends as well as artists on the rise at that time gave me confidence that would carry me for years as well as the kickstart I needed to pursue my own career in the music industry.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am Jay Dot Rain — i’m from Northport/Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I’ve been making music professionally since 2012 and in 2023 I launched a platform catered to Artist Development and Networking; titled The Aux House. I’m inspired by all things music and culture related, so i’ve had my hand in all types of projects ranging from fashion to community activations.
My overall passion is acts of service — I am empowered by empowering others.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I always tell the story about me leaving one of my classes when I was in college to go to my first interview in New York City. At the time; I was a struggling student living off refund checks and whatever I could get my hands on so buying a flight wasn’t really an option. Me and the guys put our money together and left town enroute to NYC. It was a memorable experience and honestly set the tone for how I move today.
Bet on yourself and take that risk.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Over the years i’ve been blessed to work with so many different artists, executives, brands and businesses. My goal was to simply make a name in the music industry for myself. I always saw myself as being someone who has a strong network and one that could get any job done placed in front of me. I’ve been able to do everything I set out to do so I just want to keep that same energy flowing as I continue to ascend.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jaydotrain
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/jaydotrain
- Twitter: https://x.com/jaydotrain
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/jaydotrain
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jaydotrain
