Interview with Ryan Smith

1. What’s your name?

My given name is Ryan Taylor Smith and my stage name is TaylorJay

2. Where are you from?

I was born in Schenectady New York and grew up living in Schoharie, New York

3. How old are you?

I am currently 24, turning 25. Born April 8th, 1997

4 .When did you start making music

I starting DJing when I was 13 and transitioned into producing when I was 15 and wrote my first complete song when I was 16.

5. How serious are you about your career?

Music is my life, making music is what gives me joy and keeps me happy. There is nothing I would rather be doing! I will be working on my music and turning into a stable income for my family until I die.

6. Have you ever thought about quitting music?

Never. I don’t care if I never get any recognition.. you don’t quit what you love. There could be struggles, sure. But what passion doesn’t come with hard times? The more I fail, the more I learn. And when I miss my goals I thirst even more to hit the next one!

7. Who inspires you the most?

My biggest musical inspirations are Wiz Khalifa and Lecrae. There was a time in my life where I new every single one of Wiz’s published songs and could sing along. His flow has helped shape my flow tremendously. And Lecrae is my all time favorite lyricist. He has helped shape my theology in more ways than just music.

8.What got you into making music?

Honestly, music. I started beat boxing to heavy metal when I was 3 years old. My love for music makes it extremely hard to only be a listener, so I had to start creating.

9.Who is your favorite producer?

I would say it’s a tie between Sledgren and 40. They’re each animals of their own caliber. When I analyze songs these producers have created there’s almost always something subtly genius in their music. Something that catches the listener and makes them want to put the song on repeat.

10. What is one of your best songs/beats?

The best beat I’ve ever made in my eyes isn’t even published yet, the name of it is Final Stage and I’ve been sitting on it for quite some time now. I’ve written 3 songs to it so far and they have all been recycled in attempt to make it perfect.

My best published song however would have to be The Beginning (ft. Hannah Amigo) [prod. By Reazy Renegade]

11. Are you signed to a record or label?

No

12. Have you ever performed?

I have performed numerous times for smaller crowds and 1 time at an artist showcase in Saratoga NY where I came in second place to Jeezus Shuttlesworth

13. Who would you most likely collaborate with?

If I could collaborate with any major artist it would have to be Andy Mineo or NF. They both have a style I would love to work with and an energy that’s hard to find!

14. If you could open for any artist who would it be?

NF for sure because of the energy. Emotional and/or energetic music is medicine for the soul. NF has an energy very few artists can match and I am fortunate enough to share that same energy.

15. What’s next for you?

To gain the resources and connections needed to build my brand and name to a point where I can make music to provide for my family. And to surround myself with like minded artists who love the craft more than the money. Empires aren’t built alone!

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