Today we’d like to introduce you to Halley Jay.
Hi Halley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am originally from Jonesboro, La but was partially raised in Arlington, TX. Since I was born I’ve always been a pastors child. I started to sing at a very early age of two or three years old in the choir with my mother. When my father noticed the gift God gave me, he pushed me to build my confidence and be able to sing my first solo at the age of six. From then on I was always known for being one of the youngest soloist at my church. I truly enjoyed the gift of passion God gave me for music. I was always the child that was fascinated with old musicals and loved to watch broadway while other children watched cartoons. I was raised on gospel, blues, jazz, soul and zydeco music. I’ve always been told I had an old soul lol. In school I was always apart of choir, theater arts, or any organizations dealing with music.
In middle school and high school, I won first and second chair in both city and state competitions called the “UIL” competition multiple times. It’s always been my dream to be a singing artist and create my own essential genre of music. I always dreamed to be a singer on the biggest stages, but unfortunately I lost passion by my senior year of high school and had a new view of what I wanted to do in life. I let someone influence me to think I wasn’t good enough. After my junior year I focused on dance and applying for college to be a nurse. I attended Prairie View A&M University where I received my BSN in Psychology Spring 2020. Through my college years I found myself in different organizations and gospel choirs during my attendance. God was always my main focus when it came to singing because that was my way of truly connecting. Although I tried to sit in the back of the choir, my voice sparked others attention and I was shocked. That organization truly built my confidence from my freshman year to senior year to the point my passion for music was continuously flowing through my veins again. 2019 I went to the studio for the first time in my engineer, 1107, college apartment. My first session went horrible lol, but I soon went back ended up recording my first single called “Rock” in his living room.
After hearing the input of others and how they loved my craft, my confidence continued to grow. I started to write more songs and work on my craft more. I was introduced to T Ray out of Houston, Tx and we put together my first project called “REJUV” that I released in 2021. While in school, I had fun but I also worked A LOT. One point of time I had two jobs. I was never the student that had everything handed to them. After I graduated in 2020 I knew I wanted more for myself and felt stagnated. I always dreamed of moving to NYC so I took my dreams and put them into action the end of 2021. Since I’ve been here I’ve been flourishing and learning my craft as an artist. Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone to grow and become the person you’re supposed to be.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like all journeys of a warrior, no it has not always been smooth. Like I previously stated, I lost my passion for singing in high school. With that happening to me, I eventually lost my voice due to me not practicing my gift anymore. If you ever heard the saying “when God gives you a gift, use it, because he can always take it away”, I am a true testimony of that. I was damaged from the opinions of another that I allowed my gift to be hindered. I was very bitter and upset that I had to rebuild my voice. But listen, the love of God poured into me and flowed out as I continued to practice my voice just through praise and worship. God healed my heart and my voice.
Now I have a new purpose. I also battled with mental health due to my transitions in school and life at the same time. They say your biggest enemy is your mind/ yourself and I’m a firm believer of that. I can be my own biggest critic due to me being a perfectionist at times. I had to realize that being perfect is not actually being authentic. I also battled with confidence when it came to performing on stage because who’s wants to mess up in front of a group of people they’re expressing their talent to? No one. I’ve learned practice makes perfect and what God has for you will always be for you. At the end of the day you have nothing to lose but you’ll lose everything moving in fear.
Lastly, I battled with the transition of moving to a different state and being in a new environment. Moving to Brooklyn was a drastic change for me coming from the South. Some days I questioned if I was doing the right thing because it was a lot to handle emotionally, financially, and spiritually. At the end of the day I’m thankful for the transition through it all and know it’s molding me into the creator I’m supposed to be in this lifetime.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an R&B/ Neo-soul singer/ songwriter. I would describe my music style as an unique old school and new school mix. My music is based on life experiences and realistic stories of a young black woman navigating through everyday life. I have a R&B/ Soul feeling through lyrics and also vocal cadences. Although my music is based off of my experiences and the experiences of my community, anyone can relate to my music no matter their gender, race, or sexuality status.
What I’m proud the most is the creation of my first EP project that dropped on February 14th of 2021 named “Rejuv”. I call it my love story full of lessons.
What sets me apart from other artists is my story and passion behind my music. I focus on truth, real emotions, spirituality, woman empowerment and also black empowerment. I want to uplift and bring the realization that others need and can relate to. I feel that my style of music sets me apart from others also due to it being something new for the R&B world. My music has a different tone and vibe to it. I also can create other genres of music but R&B/ Soul is my passion at the moment. I feel that my image also makes me different from others. I love the 90’s vintage style with a twist of new school.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When finding a mentor look for a person that’ll understand you but also push you out of your comfort zone when it comes to your craft and skills to reach higher limits. Networking isn’t always easy but try to go in with a positive attitude and open mind to learn. You never know who can truly help you so don’t miss your chance being closed off. Try going to different events that seems like a fun experience for you so you’ll be more engaged. What’s worked well for me is honestly just being myself (I know it sounds cliché lol) and being authentic to others. When you have good energy others will feel it and gravitate toward you. Be confident and stand firm within yourself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @itshalleyjay
- Facebook: H Jay Music
- Twitter: @itshalleyjay
- Youtube: TikTok: @itshalleyjay
- Other: https://ditto.fm/rejuv
Image Credits
Kevin Wyre (Mightysharpmedia) Max Media
