Feature Interview: Jay Memory

CD/Song Compilation – Trust
Genre: Rock/Pop/Folk
By Julie Cook Hess

Jay Memory has seen it all. During his career, he signed a major label deal with the reputable Capricorn Records and toured internationally back with his former band Memory Dean. He is also one of the few artists around today that manages to make a living as a musician without the backing of a record label. This insightful and humble singer/songwriter from Atlanta now offers his talents to both churches and local venues alike. His extensive experience playing live over the years enable him to feel equally comfortable in either setting.  But, Jay will be the first to admit that it has been a long road getting to this place in his life.

I had an opportunity to spend some time talking with Jay recently about his journey.  Enjoy this excerpt from my conversation with this talented musician and Christian:

JCH: How would you describe your musical style?
JM: I grew up listening to U2 and REM. In college, I was predictably into the "college rock" type of music that was popular in the late 80s and early 90s. Our band, Memory Dean, formed in Athens, Ga. in the early 1990s.  We were a pop/rock college band similar to Hootie and the Blowfish. For over a decade, I played guitar and sang in the band.  I recall each night feeling like I was faking the role in which I had been cast.  More importantly, I knew that the audience could see right through my mask.  We would "use" alcohol to ramp-up in order to become what we and our audience perceived as "rock and rollers".  In retrospect [it was] a very tiring and selfish lie I was living.
 
Now, to answer your question Julie, I have learned how to be myself for the benefit of the audience and especially me.  At some point, I embraced my "Southerness" in my singing, my guitar playing, my writing, my performance, etc. The result has been amazing.  I am free – musically!  We'll discuss this more but really it is all because of my relationship with Jesus.

JCH: You’re one of the few people who actually make a living as a musician.  How do you do that? It seems like it would be so hard to make ends meet as an independent artist.
JM: It ain't easy Julie!  I used to tell anyone who would listen just how hard it was and is!  Then, as I matured, it became very apparent to me that whatever a person does for work is tough!  My wife was a flight attendant for 14 years – talk about hard! [There are] mean people out there. I could list 1000 professions that are all harder than mine.  Work is a blessing and what I was wired to do.  Plus, I have a couple of secret weapons that many do not have. I really love what I do and my wife is supportive.

JCH: Has your daughter Ellie shown any interest in music?
JM: Thank you for asking this question, Julie – YES!  She loves to sing, play piano and generally perform.  I have a studio in our home and she daily begs me to start our CD.  At three years-old, she named our band "The Halies" and now at almost six years she will have her first C.D. in the bag this year!

By the way, The Halies are Jay: guitar, Kappy: autoharp and Ellie: vocals and interpretive dance.  She's good!  Think "You are My Sunshine, My Only Sunshine" type music.

JCH: Have you had any situations where you were afraid your faith might be compromised, especially during the days with Capricorn Records?
JM: Each member of Memory Dean was a Christian. The Holy Spirit would often stop us in our individual tracks.  However, I'm sure that none of us were walking daily with Christ.  In my case, personally, I had not yet been taught or discerned what a life in Christ really meant.  I thought I was a Christian. I know I was seeking truth and joy.  Trust me, Julie, it's not out there in the venues and lifestyles in which we were living.

All of our friends were jealous that we were really doing it!  [It was] fame and fortune, TV and radio, House of Blues and Music Midtown. When I look back I was a sad, selfish and lost kid.

JCH: Do you prefer being a solo performer or in a band? You literally have a one-man band thing going on. I applaud someone who plays drums, guitar and sings all at the same time! Do you miss the camaraderie of being in a band?
JM: Being in a band is all about logistics!  When you are in your 20's, with fewer responsibilities, being in a band is easier.  When people start a family, buy a house and cars, children start school, etc…the band concept, on a professional level, just doesn't work well. At present, I much rather prefer performing solo.  I do not have to work around anyone else's schedule thus I can be as professional, punctual, and committed as I choose to be.  I do enjoy playing with the band on occasion though.

JCH: When did you become a Christian?
JM: I became a Christian as a teenager. But, I committed my life to Christ in my 30s.

JCH: Who are some of your favorite artists, both current and past?
JM: I love good music from every generation and genre.  Music really moves me in ways that no other art form can touch.  I listen to everything from classical to jazz to bluegrass to rock to Christian artists daily.  I love music!

JCH: Recently, it seems as if the mainstream music business has become more willing to accept artists who are Christians. It seems there is such a fine line between making music for the masses and trying not to compromise your faith in such a worldly business. Who do you think does a good job at keeping the balance? Some Christians in the business have tried to distance themselves from their spiritual beginning (Evanescence for example comes to mind) which is a shame.
JM: Well said Julie.  Maybe your article and my music will help another artist publicly acknowledge their purpose and Savior! In Christ!

For more info on Jay and his music, visit: www.jaymemory.com