Exposed Vocals Interviews Solomon Jaye

Solomon Jaye has opened for countless musical acts, including Pop Star, Robin Thicke at the SunFest Music Festival, in Palm Beach, Florida. Other recent performances included sets in Las Vegas at the famed Palms, Rio, and Gibson Showrooms.  Jaye performed live with Mindi Abair at San Diego’s renowned Jazz Club, ‘Anthology’. He headlined in featured performances with Pentatonix (from NBC’s Sing-Off). Harnessing his theatrical background Jaye starred as Seaweed J. Stubbs in Royal Caribbean’s Hairspray: The Musical. Jaye is also a founding member of the international vocal group, ‘The Edge Effect’.  He is a featured songwriter, co-producer, and performer on the Grammy considered album, ‘Alphabet Radio’.

Solomon Jaye studied Voice as a Bachelor of Musical Theatre at Oklahoma City University. Jaye trained as a tap dancer under Jeremy K. (of The Tap Dawgs), Heather Cornell (Director of the Manhattan Tap Ensemble), and Robert Reed (founder of the annual Robert Reed St. Louis Tap Festival). He developed his unique, vocal style as the lead vocalist of the Jazz quintet, 23rd Street.

In Los Angeles, he applied his versatile training as a Jazz & Hip-hop dancer and acrobat for Fusion Dance Company. Jaye broadened his experience as a choreographer for Santa Barbara Dance Arts. He also worked as a concert planner for Santa Barbara Performing and Visual Arts.

A Voting Member of The Recording Academy (N.A.R.A.S), Jaye has written, recorded, and performed internationally with a variety of bands.  This includes winners of MTVs Top Pop group, Americas Got Talent finalists, Jazz bands, Alternative bands, Musicals, and much more.  He is currently performing as both a New York-based solo artist, touring as a lead singer, and guitarist with The Edge Effect. With a bright future ahead, Solomon Jaye is a solo Headliner for Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Holland America cruise lines through Don Casino Productions. He recently announced the release of his debut solo album, ‘Ordinary Man’ (Produced by Jamey Tate & Clark Germain).

I was born in Tampa, Florida, but I grew up in Houston Texas. Before the music bug hit, I was in a break-dance crew with some friends. I wasn’t much into music and was much more into politics and governance. We needed a fin arts credit to graduate high school, and I didn’t have one. I was gonna take Drawing as an “easy A”, but a friend talked me into joining the school choir as an “easier A”. It’s completely random and almost a total fluke. I don’t believe in coincidence though.

I’m actually Solomon the third, named after my father and grandfather. I was born “Solomon Johnson”, but Johnson is about as common as “Smith”.  I started using Jaye to set myself apart. Apparently, it worked, because I’m the only one on Google.

I wish there was a better way to moderate only sharing. Artists definitely should be paid for the work and sacrifice that goes into the creation of music. I definitely give music away though. When I spend a ton in the studio on musicians and engineers, I charge. When I grab my guitar and just play something acoustic or cover a song I like, I usually give it away through my website or Facebook.

One piece of advice I’d give to other start-ups is to say “yes” to every gig and every TYPE of gig literally until you can afford to say “no” to the gigs. I played coffee houses, smokey cigar lounges, weddings, night clubs, musicals, summer camps, and everything else under the sun before becoming a full time musician. Also, there’s no shame in a “day job” to pay for extra gear, wardrobe, etc. You can be your best investor.

I get my inspiration from a couple of places. I keep a journal and write daily, weekly, whenever something hits. I’m a “voice memo hero”, too. It’s amazing the material you find just in your own archived daydreams. I also get fed up with things I see in the media, social media, and the news in general some days. Venting on paper and re-writing the world makes for great lyrics. I’m typically lyrics and melody first.

My website is www.SolomonJaye.com My is available through all the general spots like iTunes and Google Play. I also use ReverbNation, Sonicbids and sometimes share things exclusively through my Facebook Artist page. It’s cool to post more personal music there or even songs that are still just ideas.

If I was given half a million dollars and a year off, I’d drown myself on old vinyl collections, and all my neighbors would hate me… or love me. Prince, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Sinatra, Elvis, and several glasses of Honey Jack Daniels, while planning the most ridiculous circus act of a show you can imagine (because what musician can actually take a year off from music?). So, where is this cash, again?

The best decision I made to promote my music was to hire a publicist. I lucked out and found one I knew from working with another band a while back. Things have started snowballing with her contacts in local media outlets. Social media promotion is fine, but thats just a piece of the puzzle (a big piece, but still just a piece).

I’m excited that I just announced the release of my first solo album last month. I went indie and funded it myself (by saying “yes” to all the gigs) but managed to get some amazing players and producers onboard. The music video for the album’s first single “Love You Now” will be available through my VEVO page launching at the end of March.

If I wasn’t making music, I probably would have ended up a breakdancing politician, and that’s just a bizarre thought in itself. At this point, the backup plans for my backup plans involve music.

The best way to juggle the rest of life’s responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in music is just to accept that it’s a long walk, no matter what level you’re at. Most people work other jobs for 30+ years before retiring. Music isn’t a license to not do work. Whether your version of the “work” part is waiting tables, playing a night club gig for $150, or crunching numbers behind a desk all day, the music doesn’t stop life. And your life doesn’t have to stop the music. Do a little bit every day to make yourself a better musician. Do a little bit every day to make sure the lights stay on. Then, you can hopefully play your swan song a smile on your face.

In 2016, fans can look forward to more live show dates around the country and internationally. My album ‘Ordinary Man’ is ready to hit the road, and I’m pumped to share it. Definitely keep an eye on my website and Facebook page for free, acoustic versions of the songs too.