Find Your Niche and Continue to Evolve
Photos provided by Jay Dot
By RayJaun Stelly
Falling in love with music at a young age while listening to greats such as Earth, Wind & Fire, The O’Jays, Stevie Wonder, and Luther Vandross, Jay Dot found music sticking to him like glue. Mimicking sounds without even noticing, his journey since adolescence has been filled with learning more about the art. Understanding what music means while discovering his own talents, Jay Dot has put together an amazing career from his youth to the present day.
"I don’t have a problem with anything involving music, as long as I wake up feeling the same way I did when I first started making music," said Dot. "That passion, energy, desire, and the need to learn something new, without becoming complacent—I’ve never been able to lose that. With all the new music that comes out, I can always hear the throughline connecting the culture and its influences."
Dot continued, "Even if it’s just a melody or a sample, you can hear things being retold. I have an absolute passion for music, and as long as that doesn’t go away, I’ll probably never stop working on music."
Known for his ability to innovate and genre-blend, Jay Dot is continuously recognized for his unique sound and dynamic storytelling. His lyrics reach out and grab audiences, taking them on a ride as he explores themes of love, self-discovery, and societal issues with authenticity and depth. His songs reflect personal experiences, offering listeners a chance to connect on a personal level.
When it comes to his music, the motivation and message he sends is that love isn’t dead. "Everyone talks about how R&B and good music are dead, but no, you just have to dig or be exposed to it," Dot explained. "At my age, I remember hearing the same complaints from my parents. Music isn’t dead; it’s just changing."
He added, "That’s true across all genres. People become attached to the music that impacted them or carries certain memories. So when newer music doesn’t affect them the same way, they feel it’s lost something. But in reality, it’s evolved. Passion and the impact of music are what keep me going."
Listening to a Jay Dot song, you’ll find yourself drawn in by his catchy hooks and infectious lyrics, which create a signature sound that combines emotional vulnerability with an energetic beat. Embracing multimedia projects and incorporating more visuals, he continues to evolve his storytelling, leaving fans in awe with his high-energy, engaging live performances.
Navigating nearly every genre, Jay Dot has carved out a lane to create relatable music. Like every profession, he faces obstacles, and how he manages these challenges brings out his best.
"I’m a studio rat at heart. I could stay recording for days and weeks, but I understand there’s a season for it," said Dot. "When I’m in a creative rush, I write like crazy and store it up. When that rush fades, I focus on the business side. That’s how I’ve balanced things out for a while. I intend to keep growing and evolving my work."
Jay Dot understands the importance of evolving with the times, which explains his longevity. Pushing boundaries and exploring new musical territories allow him to keep making great music with each release, earning him new listeners and paving the way for an even brighter future.
"Are you in it for the music, or because you actually like creating music? That’s the question I’d ask. Either way, there’s a place for you. There’s always a place for people who believe in music at its core," said Dot. "I’m very passionate about music. You don’t have to keep chasing the bag; chase your craft, and the money will come. That was the best advice I heard when I was young."
Find Jay Dot on Instagram @jaydotpresents.
