How would you classify your music?
I’ve always listened to a very broad range of music, so my own reflects that blend of genres and styles. At my core I’m a singer-songwriter, and so everything builds off of that, but my music contains elements of rock, pop, R&B, country, and Americana. If I had to boil it down I’d classify it as ADD singer-songwriter….
Who are some of your top 5 musical influences?
Currently I’d say The Goo Goo Dolls, NEEDTOBREATHE, Gary Clark Jr., The Script, and the X Ambassadors.
What do you want fans to take from your music?
More than anything in music I value authenticity – so that’s what I want my fans to take from my music. Whether it’s a song that’s telling a story, or one that’s just conveying an emotion or message, I want them to hear the reality of that and be able to relate it to something they’ve experienced in their life. Music has been there for me through so much of the ups and downs in my life, and I want my music to be there for my fans to celebrate with, think with, mourn with, and grow with.
How’s the music scene in your locale?
I’m based in Los Angeles, and the music scene here is about as eclectic and spread out as the city itself, so someone’s experience of the LA music scene will be based largely one what part of the city and what genre they gravitate towards. Personally I probably spend the most time at Hotel Cafe of any venue in the city – where you get a lot of singer-songwriters, rock, and Americana – any music that revolves around real instruments.
LA doesn’t have the most accessible live music scene. There’s so much talent here, but oftentimes traffic, parking shortages, and high cover charges keep the city from having a thriving “walk-in” style local, live music scene. Almost anytime you’re going to hear live music you’re going to have to buy a ticket to something or spend some time looking and driving. But if you’re willing to do some homework and look, you’ll find some real gems out here…
When did you know you were destined for music?
That’s an interesting question. For me, music started as more of a natural expression of my thoughts and the way I processed reality than a career pursuit. Growing up I’d write songs, but didn’t think I’d necessarily be doing it professionally. When I was in college, I started recording, and in that process I think I started to realize that what I did wasn’t normal for everyone, and that the things I had to say musically were actually special. I wasn’t an experienced (or good) singer at the time, but I found that my niche as a songwriter actually had some potential, then right after college is where I realized it was no longer and option for me to pursue it – that I had to. So that was probably the moment I knew I was destined for it….the moment I chose to be all in.
What is the best concert you have been to? What do you like most about playing live?
I went to a NEEDTOBREATHE concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, and between the magic and legendary status of that venue and the energy the band brought to the stage, that would be my favorite concert I’ve ever attended.
Live music is such a different animal than the recording studio. I spend most of my time in the studio, but there’s an electricity to the live experience that I was just reminded of again last week at Hotel Cafe. I love the spontaneity and the group dynamic of live shows – where the band and the audience have that dance back and forth, feed off each others’ energy, and create an experience that will never be exactly the same ever again.
Is there a song on your latest CD release here that stands out as your personal favorite, and why?
Lately I’ve been putting out singles as a solo artist, but the last full album I was a part of was the ENDURE album I wrote and produced with Syrian refugees alongside LA based artists. There was a song on their called “One Day” with Souzda Ammo (in Beirut, Lebanon), and Faith Richards (in LA) that is hauntingly beautiful. The way their stories, voices, and languages blend together makes that a stand-out song.
How have you evolved as an artist over the last year?
The last year has been a trip for all of us in different ways. With a lot of abnormalities in the world, I’ve processed much of it through music, and it has given me an even greater sense of urgency as an artist to get these songs, stories, and sounds out there. I’ve also started incorporating a lot more of the piano in my sound that in the past has been usually guitar based.
If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, have a drink with any band or artist (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
First band that immediately jumps to the top of that list is U2. When I was growing up they played at the Super Bowl and it was one of the most memorable performances I’ve ever seen (even just from my tv). They’ve had such an incredible run as a band, and I’d love to hear their stories, and perspective on music over the decades – through all the changes in the industry. I also admire the leadership role they’ve taken both in the music community and culturally around the world. They’ve used their platform in some really cool ways, and I’d happily talk with them about all of it over some good Irish whiskey.
What’s next for you?
For years now I’ve been based in Los Angeles, and I do love making music out here. I’m in the process, now, of setting up a studio in Nashville, TN, where I started really pursuing my career as a songwriter. My studio, ENDURE Studios, I think will level up when we’ve got a presence both in LA and Nashville, and get to work with artists, producers, and musicians in both cities. Both places have some incredible talent and their own unique strengths, and I couldn’t be more excited to make music in both places.
Along with that I will start working on my next ENDURE collaborative album – this time with veterans, and will also be working on my next full album as an artist that I’ll be releasing in 2022. We’ve got a lot of work to do!
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jaydenton/?hl=en
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/073K51uK3IIOq80d1NRvTu?autoplay=true
End of Interview