Super Saiyan Jay’s latest single, “Keep It Direct,” is upbeat, catchy, and full of energy. He’s just having fun and feeling the vibe as the artist. He is also addressing and exposing issues that he is facing at the same time. Because the underlying theme of this new single is that he has no problem trampling on people’s toes in the song. Check out the latest single & the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how you got started?
SUPER SAIYAN JAY: Hi, My name is Jalen. Im known as Super Saiyan Jay through my music. I’m an artist based in West Palm Beach FL. I’m an underground artist and I’ve been making music since 2017. I’ve always been doing something musically for the most part but officially starting that year.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
SUPER SAIYAN JAY: As far as any formal training with music, I learned how to play instruments as a kid. So I played the piano and the trumpet growing up. And branched off to a little guitar. That experience introduced me to musical theory and gave me some of the knowledge that I have for music today. As far as rapping and song making, not at all. I’m self taught in that department.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘SUPER SAIYAN JAY’?
SUPER SAIYAN JAY: My first and strongest influences are a plethora of artists but I think a lot of people would also have Michael Jacksoen on their strongest influencer list. But there are so many that I take from creatively as far as music. As far as my rap name, I’m a big anime fan and Dragin Ball is my favourite. So I just threw that name together and went forward from there.
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
SUPER SAIYAN JAY: The key elements in my music is that I’m big on having lyricism and context in my music. I want to give people something to listen to from start to finish and it makes sense. Also I get into many different topics when I write my music. I don’t always make it for myself, I create it for other people to resonate with. My sound can be rough as I bring in the depth of my voice or energetic and melodic to give a more vibrant tone to my music.
SUPER SAIYAN JAY:
Originality is definitely a key component within my genre of music. I like to stay true to my craft and my approach to my music. I’m very much a student of the game so I try to take bits and pieces from a lot of great talent and spin it in my own way. My development with my music is great actually, I genuinely believe every song that I make next is better than my last. I can see the growth and I’m honning everything I learn on my journey.
6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative and entertainment?
SUPER SAIYAN JAY:
Music has always been a path of expression, artistry and entertainment. I feel any artist in whatever it is that you do, you should never be silenced as far as what it is you want to convey to the world. It’s one of the greatest ways to connect with someone you don’t know but the connection is real. I definitely put it in my music when I feel necessary. What I feel or what I experience I know I’m not the only one so I use my platform to do so.
7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfilment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
SUPER SAIYAN JAY:
I expect more for the work I put into what I do. But I put that on myself to never be too satisfied because I’d be giving myself a ceiling. Once I do that, I’ve become comfortable and I don’t want my hard work to waiver because of comfortability.
8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
SUPER SAIYAN JAY:
There’s a lot of creative ideas that go on in my head all the time. I usually try to find a beat that I vibe with and work from there. But ideas come to me from driving in my car or even just laying in my bed. Once I get the inspiration for something I have to create it.
9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
SUPER SAIYAN JAY: The most difficult thing I’ve had to endure is finding people to have consistent work with. I’ve come with 110% effort when it comes to getting music done. But when it’s not reciprocated it can set me back a lot because I would almost have to start from scratch or do something new.
10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
SUPER SAIYAN JAY: A high note for me musically was definitely when I hit 10,000 plays for the first time on one of my songs on Spotify. I ain’t the biggest numbers guy in the world but I’d say that it wasn’t a milestone. And I got to create that song with another dope artist who I consider a friend. Shout out to King Dev.
Other than that, my organic growth in my music development. I enjoy the process more than anything. I’m a perfectionist so when I see the slow and steady improvement in my craft, that brings me the most joy.
KEEP IN TOUCH:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP | YOUTUBE
Photo credits: Super Saiyan Jay
