With his undeniable vocal prowess and authentic lyricism, Jay Alan is quickly establishing himself as an emerging LGBTQ+ pop star. He strives to expand a space where queer people feel accepted with his music, and plans to release his debut EP in 2022. He recently released his single “Got Feelings” which spotlights the experience of falling for a friend.

We sat down with Jay Alan to talk all about his new music, what he hopes listeners get from it and lots more. Check out our conversation below!

How excited are you to release new music?

Jay Alan (JA): I absolutely can’t wait for everyone to hear “Got Feelings!” I’ve worked closely with my producer Travis Heidelman for over a year on this song and my debut EP coming out in March, and it has been a labor of love the entire time. My last solo single was released almost a year ago, and I’m excited to show how my sound has evolved as a pop artist.

When people listen to your music, what are you hoping they get out of it?

JA: More than anything, I just want people to relate to the stories. I write my music in a way that can be open to interpretation, and I want you to be able to hear it through your own lens. My favorite songs to listen to are the ones where I think, “You took the words out of my mouth,” and I hope my music makes you feel the same.

How would you describe the sound of your music?

JA: I would describe my music as living in a dream pop or bubblegum pop soundscape. I really like to create an atmosphere in my music that takes you into the song while you’re listening to it. With pulsing 80’s synths, and rich electronic production, I blend my singer-songwriter roots with a fresh take on pop production.

Who would you say are some of your musical influences?

JA: My two favorite artists of all time are Lorde and Frank Ocean. I really love how both artists choose not to stay inside the lines when it comes to their music. Most of their songs aren’t necessarily “commercial,” but there’s something so unique and personal about their art.

Did you always know that music was something you wanted to pursue?

JA: Yes! I was singing as soon as I could speak, and I always fantasized about what it’d be like to be a famous musician. Growing up in Indiana, I didn’t always think it was possible for someone like me to actually make it, but once I got older and started learning how to write better music, I knew I just needed to go for it.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

JA: Especially to songwriters, but all artists in general, my best advice is to stay true to you. When I was first starting out, I noticed that I was making music based on what I thought people wanted to hear, rather than what I needed to say. At the end of the day, it does no good to make music that another artist is already making, because someone else is already doing it. It’s better to write YOUR words in YOUR sound, even if you have door after door closed on you, because that’s what makes you unique and special. One day, the right person will hear you and think it’s the best thing ever, and you can’t do that if you’re just a copycat of someone else.

What is your favorite song to perform live?

JA: My favorite song to perform live actually isn’t one of my own, it’s “The Men That Drive Me Places” by Ben Rector. I’ve been singing that song at every show of mine since high school, and it holds a really special place in my heart. I think it just reminds me of home and my family, and reminds me why I started writing in the first place. Whenever I’m able to do a cover song at one of my shows now, it’s always this one.

Can you describe your creative process when you’re writing new music?

JA: My creative process is really different when it comes to each song. Sometimes I need to just sit down at a piano and bang it out myself, but other times it can help to work in real time with a producer. I’m of the firm belief that a song should always sound just as good stripped down to a vocal and instrument, so I tend to find myself writing music acoustically and then taking it to get produced.

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