We were lucky to catch up with Jaylon Young recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jaylon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Just as an artist, calling yourself an artist is risk. i feel like there’s so much pressure put on the name “artist” What makes you an artist? how much you practice? how much pain, or joy you have that your art reflects? Where does your art come from? is it internal or an external place? is it both? is that place valid enough to call it art? is it good enough for you? is it good enough for people? is it good enough for others to call and see you as an artist?

identifying yourself as an artists, is not for the faint of heart. for those that put their all into what they do. is a great deal of acceptance, accepting yourself is beautiful, yet, its a risk. A risk of people not liking your music, or me not liking my music. its accepting the part of your art that you may not like, or the process i went through to make art.

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?

My name is Jaylondon. I been playing instruments and fiddling around with beat production software in my teenage years. In my mid twenties, i wanted people to experience what music has done for me so much, that i created an event production company called art alive movement. i create host concerts for positive centered artistry, giving local and elite artists a platform to showcase their talents through a variety of art forms.

i am currently working on events, music production and djing.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 2018, I embarked on a significant project involving a team of seasoned professionals dedicated to organizing a benefit concert for an underserved non-profit aiming to support college-bound teens. This endeavor entailed numerous meetings, securing sponsorships and venues, liaising with renowned artists and their teams for performances, navigating contracts ( with professional aid) and seeking funding through relentless pitches, often leading to sleepless nights.

The investor showed keen interest and remained engaged throughout the planning phase. However, despite all efforts, there was a last-minute withdrawal. Ironically, this turned out to be a hit of luck as the event coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The unforeseen withdrawal saved us from the complexities of rescheduling and navigating the chaos that would have ensued during that challenging time.

That setback turned out to be a catalyst for personal growth. It honed my skills and inadvertently steered me towards a more of authentic path , sparking a bit of a Wall Street girl in me. Haha. Initially, it stung emotionally as it could have been a game-changer for my event business, garnering press and other opportunities. However, I didn’t allow it to derail me. In hindsight, I saw it as a redirection rather than a failure. Those countless hours invested weren’t wasted; they were laying the groundwork for something more aligned with my journey.

It was a turning point that fueled my determination. I continued booking renowned artists, making fire music, and organizing events, doubling down on my aspirations. The experience taught me resilience and instilled a deeper appreciation for the journey toward realizing my dreams. I’m genuinely grateful for that unexpected turn—it pushed me harder and guided me toward a path meant specifically for me.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The year 2020 brought about venue shutdowns and a halt to the vibrant music nightlife due to shelter-in-place orders and social distancing measures. Faced with this limitation, I turned inward and decided that if I couldn’t create events, I’d create music. For years, I’d dabbled in music for personal enrichment, but this time, I got serious about it and thought, “Yes, this is my path.”

Realizing that my usual contribution to the community through shows was no longer an option, I redirected my focus inward. Restless nights ensued, not from stress but from a different kind of intensity—the quest to find the perfect snare for a specific drum pattern, practicing instruments, or simply immersing myself in playing music to nourish my soul. It became a deeply fulfilling pursuit, allowing me to channel my creativity and passion into something intimate and personally rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: jaylondonmusic.com
• Instagram: yo_jaylondon
• Facebook: jaylon young
• Linkedin: jaylon young
• Youtube: You’ll Be Fine Radio
• Other: https://theelementals1.univer.se/

Image Credits
devin