“If everyone did what they loved and were truly really good at it, the world would be a much better place,” said Michael J.R. (Jay-R, not “junior”), 24 year old Producer in Baltimore.
His first step into the world of music was when he played the trombone. “From there, I realized I had a talent for music. It wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school when two friends introduced me to FL (Fruity Loops 5 at the time) that I grew a serious passion for wanting to pursue music as a career.” Mike spent the last 9 years producing and elevating his craft. He creates Pop, EDM, Hip-Hop, and R&B. “I’m the old-school definition of a producer: I don’t just do beats. I’m also a very creative recording/mixing engineer and songwriter. So I understand the entire process of creating a song from the first kick and first word to the final mix and master.” He keeps a level head by staying humble and being willing to help others.
“I’m starting to see that nothing in this life is about me, and I’m more like a cog in a wheel just doing my part. So anything I have I want to give back because it’s not really mine to begin with. With this talent for music, I want to impact the next generation in a positive way with good quality records and give the world something that can help them through all the ups and downs of their journey.”
Mike noted the golden era of Hip-Hop where music encouraged listeners to dance and enjoy themselves.“I remember a time when d*** near all rap music didn’t make you want to shoot somebody or take a million drugs. You weren’t too gangsta to dance. You weren’t too hard to have a good time. As a matter of fact, the more of a good time you were having listening to music, the better you felt and those around you felt about you.” He wants to bring that old vibe back in his music. “I just want to get people up, moving, and having a good time…nowadays people are too callous to enjoy good music. And there isn’t enough meaningful music to consume, even with the billions of songs out today. I want to help try and change that.”
Lately, Mike’s focus has been on creating Baltimore club music. He’s currently creating a club tape titled IGDIB Vol. 2. Mighty Mark, another producer who was featured on Dreamer Loop, is a good friend of Mike’s, and the two are working on an ep called KXNG as the duo Hands Up!.
“I can’t describe how many times I’ve been rejected by others,” he exclaimed,“for stupid reasons, but that only makes me stronger.” Mike learned to let go of others’ opinions and remain focused. “Success is when preparation meets opportunity, so I have to keep pushing. And it’s only going to get harder as we go up. The real test is facing that man in the mirror. That’s my real opposition because he’ll really be the reason I fail if he’s not overcome.”
Mike had the following advice for aspiring producers:
“Be dope, yo. Be dope in your own lane. DON’T FOLLOW THE TREND: ‘If You’re Producing This It’s Too Late.’ Understand why you’re doing this. Making music isn’t about you, it’s about the listener. Express yourself to the best degree you can because you’re not the only one who’s gonna relate. And when you do, make it the best it can be. Learn how to mix your own s***, get creative, and separate yourself from your peers. To hell with the money, the lifestyle, the fame and notoriety. All of that stuff only comes to stay if you’re dope. So get NICE before you put yourself out there, and then get out there in every way. If you’re really dope, everything else will fall into place.”
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and SoundCloud
Twitter:@mikejayarrr
Instagram: @mikejayarrr
SoundCloud: mikejararrr
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Original article appeared at Dreamer Loop. Reprinted with permission.
Photo credit: Dreamer Loop