Will Jay – Glory Days

By starrymag | June 25, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would say alt-pop. I’m going for Billy Joel meets BORNS: timeless songs with modern Sonics that sound like California.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Growing up, it was The Beatles, Elton John, Billy Joel and Stevie Wonder. More recently, I’m really inspired by BORNS, Kacey Musgraves, Frank Ocean, Jon Bellion, Moses Sumney and Arlo Parks to name a few.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Glory Days.”  How did your best friend from middle school inspire the song?

 

A) We bonded over 90’s hip hop and R&B, so I was heavily inspired by that writing this song. It’s simultaneously an homage to my friend and the good times we had as well as the music we both loved.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think we all long for the innocence of the past. When you’re younger, you have so much less responsibility and I think this song reminds the listener of a time when you were allowed to be a little more carefree.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) I really wanted to enhance the nostalgia that the song invokes through visuals, clothes and the overall color scheme. Almost like you’re seeing the world through rose colored glasses, as you would reminiscing on simpler times.

 

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) It honestly depends; mostly I come up with a title/theme I want to write about and the music comes to me. But it’s exciting to never feel like I’m writing the same song in the same way twice.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I always call myself a bit of a “backseat producer.” My knowledge is limited, but I definitely know what I want and I’m fortunate enough to work with my friends that are incredible producers who can bring my vision to fruition.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Working on an album!

 

Q) Your songs have been recorded by some incredible artists! Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Kacey Musgraves or Jon Bellion. But collaboration is my favorite part of creating so I’m open to anyone!

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves. It’s just a perfect album and I really hope my music can make people feel the way this album makes me feel.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) I love social media because aside from connecting I get to peek inside the world of the people who listen to my music. At the end of the day, we’re all human beings and I love being a small part of the soundtrack to people’s lives.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) First of all, I am incredibly grateful to be a part of the music that you enjoy! Second of all, I hope that you love this new music as much as I do! Lastly, I hope you’re taking care of yourself and staying grounded amidst all the craziness going on in the world.