- Bryon Harris
Jaye Wood - Exclusive Interview
D.C., Maryland (DMV) native Jaye Wood is the newest R&B sensation who is about to top your playlist. The singer-songwriter is no stranger to the limelight. His career spans Broadway, television, and the stage. His journey started in the entertainment industry as a successful child actor (credited as D. Jamaar). His most acclaimed roles were Young Simba in Disney's theatrical play The Lion King which premiered on Broadway, Young Wesley in Preaching to The Choir, and his appearance on The Dave Chappelle Show. Jaye Wood gets his musical influence from the 90’s R&B era; it is very clear, as soon as you hear Jaye's smooth vocals, that he is the real deal. From his incredible falsetto to his to his rhythmic runs Jaye Wood is the voice, the songwriter, and the performer that R&B has been waiting for. Jaye's latest single is titled "Outta Time."
What got you into music?
Actually, I would say what got me into music was my mom. I think a lot of folks can relate to waking up on the weekends and having to clean. But it was slightly different in my house. I knew what was up when I heard Janet Jackson, Toni Braxton, Michael Jackson, prince and others. We use to put on a show ... Even if only for ourselves. Great times man...Wouldn't trade it for the world. After all it made me who I am!!
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, recording, something else?) Tell us why.
You know what....The best part about being an artist is creating!! Writing is the stimulus of it all. If you aren't a songwriter then you perform other's visions and make them come true. I love taking my experiences, friends experiences, and situations that I come close to or hear about, and making it into something that folks can vibe too. Who knows ... It may be the vibe I'll create that gets people through hard times!!
Can you tell us what being in the recording studio is like for you?
The recording studio .... hahahahahaha so unconventional. I record slam in my office in my house. I salute those who travel to "the studio" but i'm so much more comfortable right here at home.
As a songwriter or musician, are there any obstacles you have had to overcome or obstacles that you are facing right now in your career?
Obstacles....come on...we all have speed bumps. But that's just it ... Once you get over the hump you realize that; hell I am still on level ground and killing it!!! Let's gooooo! It's only more motivation, fuel for the fire ... why ... because i'm hungry!!!!
Who do you admire most in the music scene today and why?
This is a tough question....because i'm detail oriented ... and you said "in the music scene today" so I would say Usher, Beyonce, Tank, Ginuwine, Tyrese, Mario, Justin Timberlake and even Justin Bieber .... I'm all about vibes man .... take me to a place where I feel something when you sing. That's what music is to me...vibes!
To date, what do you think your best song is? Can you describe the song for us?
Hahahahaha you can't ask me that ... I'm always going to say my best song is my latest song. Why?...Because I learn from others yes, but I also learn from myself. Each and every time I create something new i challenge myself. Some may call that "job security" hahaha
Are you working on any new material right now or what's in the works for the upcoming year?
Every week i'm in my studio ... Music Fridays. New material is always being created. Understand ... I'm trying to build my "Prince valute". I want you all to have Jaye Wood vibes beyond my time.
Tell us where fans can access your music?
Ok bet ... if you vibe with me or just feeling my energy and want to see what i'm all about head over to my website or jump on instagram (ig) ... Because I know you have one, and give me a follow @ijayewood my music links are in my bio.
For more information, visit Jaye Wood's website. Connect on Facebook | Twitter| Instagram Listen on Spotify