Exclusive | Lamar Jay Talks Using His Music as Pain Music and Being Motivated by His Fans

“I just want whoever listens to my music to take something from it. I’m far from perfect, and we all can learn from each other. I need you and you need me. Much love!”

By: Omar Cook

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is West Coast singer, Lamar Jay! Lamar Jay has been making for a while with some of his most popular songs being “Bad Habits”, “The Masses”, and “Joy”. This artist is extremely talented and has a vibe that just about anyone can get into. His mixtape releases of A Better Tomorrow and Heaven Only Knows are full of vibes all the way through that are perfect for those long car rides. Cali is full of under the radar talent and Lamar Jay is no exception!

We talked with Lamar Jay in an exclusive interview, check it out below!

Lamar Jay - Why Lie (Official Video)

QUESTION: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?

Lamar Jay: I’ve been creating music ever since I learned to put stories together, I don’t recall how old I was at that time. I got started because of my family. My mother and her sisters were in a gospel group and just hearing them harmonize and come together to trigger this feeling inside of me that made me want to sing too. So I began to ask everyone that I knew do they know anyone who can help me get to a studio.

QUESTION: Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?

Lamar Jay: My biggest influence, musically, is my mom and her sisters’ gospel group. I have too many favorite musicians, but if I have to name a few, I would say Earth Wind and Fire, Musiq, U2, and Anita Baker. 

QUESTION: What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?

Lamar Jay: I would love to work with Musiq Soulchild and Pharrell. Musiq’s records are so powerful. His music opened up the genre for artists like me. Pharrell is a musical genius.

QUESTION: What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?

Lamar Jay: That’s not a fair question. I have a few favorite songs and projects. They’re all my favorites for different reasons. Lol I’m a music head. 

QUESTION: What projects can we look forward to in the near future?

Lamar Jay: I’m working on an EP right now. I don’t have a title yet but just know it’s going to be heartfelt. I’m going to be vulnerable and open and discuss a few topics that are sensitive to the Black community and to me, as a Black man. Also, I plan to start touring soon and spending time with my family.

QUESTION: How do you generate new ideas for your music? 

Lamar Jay: I usually sit down and write down my ideas anytime something pops in my head. I also take from my life experiences, things I see, and issues, whether good or bad. 

QUESTION: What motivates you and how do you define success?

Lamar Jay: I’m motivated by my fans, knowing someone can hear one of my records and respond with such joy and happiness makes my day. A fan literally had her parents write out my lyrics and got it tatted on her ankle that read, “Grow with Joy”. That’s how I define success, to know my music touched someone. 

QUESTION: How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?

Lamar Jay: I describe my music as pain medicine. I’ve found my musical purpose and that is to help others as much as I can. That is my job. What separates me from other artists is, I’m just me and that’s all I can be.

QUESTION: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?

Lamar Jay: Yes. Don’t give up. 

QUESTION: Who is your greatest inspiration?

Lamar Jay: My greatest inspiration is my family and my fans. Without them I would have quit long time ago.

QUESTION: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?

Lamar Jay: There are so many influential and successful artists in my genre of today I can’t just pick one. Not fair lol

QUESTION: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?

Lamar Jay: Passion, Joy, and Sadness. Mix all three, you’ll get Lamar Jay. Why? We’re all human and go through many emotions, which dominates my music.

QUESTION: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?

Lamar Jay: Relationships, health, sleep, list goes on. I’ve been at this for so long, sometimes I surprise myself how I keep fighting, all to make my dream a reality.

Lamar Jay - Joy (Official Video)

QUESTION: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?

Lamar Jay: Picking the production and the final product excites me most. What discourages me the most, is the mixing process, videos, and all the promo you have to line up before releasing new material. 

QUESTION: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?

Lamar Jay: In the next 10 years, I see myself touring, and writing for other artists. I will be the founder and CEO of my own writing team, and help other artists, especially singers, get their shine.

QUESTION: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?

Lamar Jay: Keep a prayer in your heart and don’t look down, look up. If you give up in your mind, you already lost.

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Exclusive | Lylo Gold Talks the Release of Her Debut Album 'Heartbreak & Wray'

By: Omar Cook

This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is London based R&B songstress Lylo Gold! Lylo Gold recently released her debut album entitled ‘Heartache & Wray’, following a turbulent relationship which featured an array of melodic sounds that introduces you into her own world.  This artist is building an impressive resume with over 250,000 accrued plays on Spotify and has also been featured on The Fader, The MOBO's Ones to Watch and The AfroPunk Playlist, making her an artist to watch throughout the UK and beyond.  

Lylo Gold began singing at a young age of 11, and now at 25 years old, she has gone on to compose, write and co-produce an array of songs alongside a variety of artists. She is mostly known for some iconic releases including Starry Night & Over U, which were produced by frequent collaborator XVR BLCK. The UK has a number of talented artists, and Lylo Gold is another proven talent coming out of London. This artist has a voice that needs to be heard and don’t be surprised if you start hearing her name more in the near future!

We talked with Lylo Gold in an exclusive interview, check it out below!

QUESTION: How long have you been making music and how did you get started? 

A: I’ve been making music forever! I started writing poems and lyrics when I was around 7 and I started singing on stage at 11. I’ve always made music... I just lacked the confidence to front my own music. Until... (drum roll) NOW!! 

QUESTION: Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?

Lylo Gold: My biggest influence is Mariah Carey. I love her! Her voice is like water! It’s so incredible. I love male singers usually so I’m shocked really but I love so many artists! From Donell Jones, Usher, The Whispers, Earth Wind and Fire, Jasmine Sullivan, Whitney, Nai Palm, Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill, Erykah, Xavier Omar!!! Boys II Men... I just love a beautiful vocal!  

Lylo Gold

Photo by: Gillian Murray

QUESTION: What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?

Lylo Gold: I really want to work with Anderson Paak - he has this freedom in his music and a personality with it that I think evokes ideas in me from listening... to imagine a session. With his creativity and mine.... ooh... I get really excited! I feel this way about Q Tip, Pharrell, Beyonce... the list is extensive!  

QUESTION: What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?

Lylo Gold: Heartache and Wray... I actually love the project now - which is weird because we have a weird relationship. I loved the fact that I got expressive and experimental and allowed my vocals to really shine on this project... I’m not like one of those people who just care about my voice... I love the whole dynamic of a song, which I feel was expressed on this project. 

QUESTION: What projects can we look forward to in the near future? 

Lylo Gold: Amazing music, stunning videos and a reality tv show.... honestly!

QUESTION: How do you generate new ideas for your music?

Lylo Gold: Music comes to me, I don’t look for it. Songs are already there... it’s just not everyone can hear them. I think I just channel what’s already there. Its the magic... it’s like you hear a language that no one else can hear - like Parsel tongue in Harry Potter - it’s wizardry! 

QUESTION: What motivates you and how do you define success?

Lylo Gold: Life is my motivation. Life is all about balance, progression, growth and love. I try to treat the world how I want to be treated. I try to be as loving as I can... I believe that we are all connected and all contribute to the state of the world. That makes me responsible. It means I know my place in the world and what I need to contribute to the world.

QUESTION: How do you describe your music to people?

Lylo Gold: I literally say. “You tell me”. My music to me sounds like different things dependent on my mood and where I am at emotionally when I listen. 

QUESTION: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?

Lylo Gold: Yes, by committing yourself to your craft, respecting and believing in your craft. I think people have to invest in their talents... they have to see the value in it before anyone else does.  

QUESTION: Who is your greatest inspiration?

Lylo Gold: My mum. She’s a Queen. She had two sets of twins and bossed at being a phenomenal mother!

QUESTION: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?

Lylo Gold: Beyonce…she works her arse off. There really isn’t anything more to say. Hard work pays off!

QUESTION: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?

Lylo Gold: Love. Because I am love. 

QUESTION: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?

Lylo Gold: lol.... how much space do I have? I sacrificed time with my family, time with my friends, sleep, relationships, I’ve worked jobs I’ve hated, endured people I don’t like... allowed people to do things that I dislike for the sake of peace... I’ve made so many sacrifices! Especially financially!

QUESTION: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?

Lylo Gold: Writing the songs and adding the harmonies and ad libs! I love this stuff lol I like chords so I guess the creativity. I hate recording :(

QUESTION: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?

Lylo Gold: Several awards. Several platinum plaques... I see myself happy with a family and a music school!

QUESTION: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry? 

Lylo Gold: Work hard. Not just on your instrument, on yourself... work on your energy, your emotions, then your craft... your understanding of music.. learn as much as you can. Learn how people operate. Learn about the legalities...Learn to protect your talent.  

QUESTION: Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?

Lylo Gold: I’m going to be releasing some of my best work in 2019. Follow me!!!

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