In this interview we spend a few minutes chatting with pop/acoustic singer/songwriter Jay Elle about his influences, his newest project and what he finds appealing about music, lyrics and songwriting.

Discover more on Jay Elle’s website. His newest single Twelve On Sunday is now available.

Introduce yourself to our readers and describe the style of music you create.

Hello. My name is Jay Elle. I am a singer, songwriter, and guitar player. I write pop songs, on the mellow side for the most parts these days. Since it’s only my guitar and myself at the moment you might think the overall sound fits in the folk category as well. Most often, I play a nylon string Ovation, having studied classical guitar, which gives me a fairly unique sound.

Why did you choose this style or genre(s)? What attracts you to it?

I love performing with other musicians. Yet, I find that being alone with my guitar and my voice is both more challenging and freeing. I think lyrics are very important and the genre gives me ample room to bring what I believe to be interesting lyrics and music.

Who or what influences your playing or writing styles? Also, what motivates you to keep creating?

I admire anyone who writes well-crafted songs from Cole Porter to many contemporary writers you hear on the radio today, in all genres. Of course, I have my preferences, writers who combine lyrics and music in a very unique way, and happen to be amazing musicians and singers, some of which are now classics: Billy Joel, Freddie Mercury, Paul McCartney, Sting…etc. By the way, I am a big fan of Billy Idol, Katy Perry, Pink, Avril Lavigne so the list is quite long and eclectic.

What was the last song you listened to?

Jack Rabbits by Joanna Newsom. I have Pandora on right now and they feed me whatever their algorithm dictates. Later I will be listening to indie stations, so who knows.

Was there anything specific you were trying to accomplish creatively, or otherwise, on your newest project?

I always strive to create better songs all around. Spend more and more time on each note or word. There is a limit to the pre-frontal cortex creative process. The “thinking” has its limitation. The “critique” is bound to its learnings. At some point you want to minimize that voice and free the artist. There is always a struggle as the industry folks, all of us really, have picked up rules along the way, such as “lyrics should be relatable by as many people as possible.” Well, that’s not a bad rule, yet in the case of “Twelve on Sunday,” the song I wrote about a father worried about his daughter out there on the streets, I understand how it might not appeal to a large audience by that rule, but it is more interesting to me as a rarer subject matter than a guy who’s girlfriend just left him.

Do you gig, tour or perform through any live streaming services? Where can music lovers see you perform?

I will be in Europe this Summer but I don’t know if performances will be streamed yet.

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?

My Web site: http://www.jayelle222.com/

Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?

Thanks to all the music lovers for being out there. I am grateful when someone spends 3 to 5 minutes listening to a song of mine. Time is the most precious commodity we have. I do my best not to waste the time someone grants me by striving to be the best writer, singer, and guitar player I can be.

And thank you for this interview. I really appreciate your time and your questions. Good ones.