Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay College.
Hi Jay, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to creating. Whether it was making music, drawing, painting, producing beats, or imagining stories, I’ve never liked being confined to one lane. Today, people know me as Jay College, but at the core I’m an artist, producer, songwriter, and visual storyteller. Every medium I work in is just another way to tell a story.
Being raised in St. Louis had a huge impact on how I see the world. This city gave me grit, culture, and perspective. I became fascinated with how music, film, and visual art could capture real life. That passion pushed me to study art while teaching myself music production, songwriting, and filmmaking. I spent years sharpening my craft, learning the software, experimenting with sounds, creating artwork, and figuring out how to tell stories that feel real and authentic.
As the years went on, my work grew beyond just making beats. I’ve been blessed to collaborate with talented artists while continuing to build my own catalog. Some of my recent releases include producing “Stripper’s Dream” by Inara Fyahh, dropping “New Masters” featuring my longtime collaborator Dylan Cozart, and my latest single, “My Line” featuring Milhouse404. Every project reflects a different season of my life and another step in my evolution as an artist. Working with Dylan through Glitchentists also taught me the value of building with people who push you creatively.
For me, music is only one piece of the bigger picture. I love painting, creating visual art, and developing films that bring stories to life. Whether I’m producing a record, painting a canvas. I’m always chasing the same feeling creating something honest that people can connect with long after they experience it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but honestly, I think every creative goes through that. One of my biggest challenges has been getting out of my own way. I’ve dealt with self-doubt, overthinking, and chasing perfection instead of just letting the work live. You look at the artists you admire and realize they all wrestled with those same thoughts at some point.
Another challenge has been collaboration. Not everybody shares the same vision, work ethic, or level of professionalism. I’ve learned that talent alone isn’t enough and you have to surround yourself with people who are just as committed to the process as they are to the outcome. Those experiences have taught me to be more intentional about who I build with and to value relationships that are rooted in trust and respect.
At the end of the day, though, the love of creating always outweighs the setbacks. Every challenge has taught me something, made me better, and pushed me to keep growing. Whether it’s music, visual art, or film, the process of bringing an idea to life is what keeps me inspired. That’s the part that always wins.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a producer, songwriter, recording artist, and visual storyteller. At the core of everything I do is creating experiences. Music has always been one of my biggest forms of storytelling the way I connect with people, express ideas, and bring emotions to life.
Over the years, I’ve worked to develop my own sound while also helping bring other artists’ visions to life. I’m proud of the music I’ve created because each project represents a different chapter of my growth as an artist and producer.
One project I’m especially proud of is “New Masters” featuring Dylan Cozart. That record represents more than just a song it represents years of creativity, collaboration, and building with another artist who shares the same passion for pushing boundaries. Working with Dylan through Glitchentists has been an important part of my journey because we’ve always approached music as creators, not just musicians.
I’m also proud of my recent production work on “Stripper’s Dream” by Inarah Fyahh. Being able to help shape another artist’s vision and contribute to a record that carries its own personality and energy is one of the things I love most about producing. It’s rewarding to see an idea grow from a concept into something people can connect with.
My latest release, “My Line” featuring Milhouse404, is another example of where I’m headed creatively. It represents my continued growth as an artist and my desire to keep experimenting with sound, storytelling, and collaboration.
What I enjoy most about music is the process. The late nights creating, finding the right sound, rewriting lyrics, and watching an idea transform into something real. Every song is a piece of the bigger story I’m building with Jay College.
What sets me apart is that I don’t see myself as just a producer or just a recording artist. I’m building a creative world where music, visual art, and storytelling all connect. My goal is to continue creating work that represents St. Louis, inspires other creatives, and show people the power of sharing their own stories.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about St. Louis is the personality and culture of the city. There is so much history, creativity, and pride here. I love places like the St. Louis Zoo, grabbing an Imo’s pizza, enjoying some good Chinese food, and cheering on the Cardinals. Those are the little things that make St. Louis feel like home.
As an artist, one of my favorite things about this city is the growing creative community. There are so many spaces where artists, musicians, and makers can connect, collaborate, and bring ideas to life. St. Louis has a lot of talented people, and I love being part of a community that continues to create and support each other.
If I had to pick something I like least, I would say the unpredictable weather and the never-ending road construction and potholes. St. Louis weather can definitely keep you guessing, and navigating the roads can be a challenge sometimes. But even with those frustrations, the culture, people, and creative energy of this city are what make it special.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaycollegemusic?utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/jaycollegeproducer
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JayCollege
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jaycollege?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
