We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Madison Jay a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Madison, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

With the industry I’m in it’s important to take risks. I got to perform at the Hopscotch Festival simply because I contacted the booking agent there directly. I ran down my resume at the time and not to long after submission I was accepted to perform. None of that would’ve happened if I didn’t take that risk to bet on myself. You have to trust what you’re doing will work wholeheartedly. Take more risks and claim more victories.

Madison, 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 hopped into the industry officially around the mid 2010’s. I started officially releasing material professionally. Once I got my sound really sounding like it needed to it was go time! In 2013 I developed my County! brand from scratch to provide a base for my endeavors (music, clothing, merchandise, and films) and I haven’t looked back since honestly. It’s been valleys and peaks but the journey has been so rewarding and built so much character within myself. Heading forward into the 2020’s, County! is looking to expand our reach by increasing opportunities for other creatives for the future.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I encourage everybody to READ more! One thing I’ve noticed is that people don’t like to read anymore. For all current and future creatives I’d highly recommend reading at least 2-3 books a month to not only keep your mind sharp but to mainly stay informed in the world around you. People will go online and ask for help but don’t due their own due diligence and that’s troubling. Subject matter will vary but we’ve gotta stay sharp mentally.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I’ve been making music since the 2000’s. A lot of my peers who started with me didn’t make it. A lot of artists from that time in general didn’t make it. It’s artists who came after me who didn’t make it. By the graces of the Creator, I’m STILL here creating on a high level. I’m still here doing what I’ve loved to do since a teenager. I tell people “milk has an expiration date but your journey doesn’t come from cows, it comes from you!” If I can stay the course and be successful, anyone can do it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @themadisonjay
• Facebook: Madison Jay
• Twitter: @themadisonjay
• Youtube: YouTube.com/themadisonjay
• Other: themadisonjay.Bandcamp.com

Image Credits
Photo courtesy of Madison Jay and Xavier Hill