Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay McK, Justin McKinney.
Justin, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Justin McKinney, aka Jay McK, was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He was raised in a musical family with his dad being the influential source of musical capabilities. At a young age, Jay started his career as a tenor saxophonist, studying some of his idols in that time, such as John Coltrane, Grover Washington, Hank Mobley and many more.
After intense practicing, Jay became a professional saxophonist, playing with multiple bands around the city of Birmingham. Although Jay loved playing saxophone, he always admired the bass guitar instrument. In 2004, he bought a cheap bass guitar and began to teach himself how to play, by learning the basics from his older brother. Jay began to study some of his favorite professional bass players such as Oteil Burbridge, Marcus Miller, Jaco Pastorius, Victor Wooten, and Stanely Clark.
Once his bass skills were honed, Jay began to play around town as a bassist. As knowledge grew and his name expanded, Jay began to travel around the world playing and creating grooves for major artists. He eventually experienced a moment in his life that completely changed his playing of the bass guitar. In 2007, Jay met Oteil Burbridge and became a student under his teaching. This gave him more knowledge and a different view of the bass guitar. In 2013, Jay moved to Dallas, Texas and met Bobby Sparks on a gig and became his bass player immediately. In 2016, Jay received a call to become the bassist for American idol winner, Ruben Studdard. Jay recently started touring with Chris Dave And The Drumhedz. In 2017, Jay released his first album entitled “Feather” and is now releasing his second album entitiled”Funk” in August 2018.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Jay is a melodic, grooving, and professional bassist that focuses on making songs, tunes, and concerts feel good within any band’s vibe. As an artist, Jay strives to write songs with great vibes, encouragement, and an uplifting message that every life can understand. Jay ‘s goal is to spread love, create a dancing atmosphere, encourage spiritual movements, and influence an incredible experience through music.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
As a musician, one must be proactive in budgeting and living within the budget. There will be both a peak season and an off-peak season. During the peak season, set aside a budget and during the off-peak season, get creative and audacious to think outside the norm to create opportunities that will prevent financial challenges.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Individuals can visit my website and any social media stream.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jaymck.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jaymckbass
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jaymckpro
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/@jay2mck
- Other: https://jaymck.hearnow.com/
Image Credit:
Jeremy Lebled
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