Ever since he first arrived, emerging artist Lesser Jay has always looked to add something new and distinctive to today’s synth-pop scene. And after breaking through with a flurry of impactful offerings last year, he is now back once again with his wondrous new single ‘Alarm Clock Song’.
So with his profile continuing to grow, we decided to catch up with him to find out more about his background and what he has planned for the future as well.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
I started playing classical piano as a kid but found myself more interested in writing my own music than practicing assigned pieces. That led me into composing, music production, and playing in bands. Now, as Lesser Jay, I blend those classical foundations with indie-pop and electronic elements.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
My favorite band is Self/Matt Mahaffey. I was obsessed growing up. Uplifting, catchy, a bit surreal, and clean, bright production. I’ve been playing more classical piano lately too and I guess I’ll be that guy and shout out Felix Mendelssohn, the first time I heard his String Octet, and the first time I played through some of the Songs Without Words, were pretty transformational. Kind of for similar reasons actually, his music is bright, magnetic, concise and surprising. I think both of them influence my approach to production—bright, precise, and sometimes a little unexpected. I love the idea of music that feels magnetic and effortless, but when you break it down, there’s actually a lot of intricate work behind it.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
There was no contest with any other career for me. Believe me, if there was I would have picked something else! But it had to be music.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
I usually start with a catchy hook—whether it’s a lyric, melody, or texture. Then I’ll spend time acoustic songwriting at the piano, where I finish structure and lyrics. When I move into production, I play with layering sounds, writing counterpoint, and figuring out how to make everything fit together in an interesting way.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
I try to take from what’s going on for me personally in some way but I also try to avoid the obvious lyrically. I want to be conversational and relatable, sometimes straightforward and a little bit silly, but I really love songs that are about things other than like the top 5 song subjects. This is a random example but I love the Carly Rae Jepsen song “Boy Problems” where she’s basically like, “I need to break up with my boyfriend because my friends are annoyed with my complaining”. So specific and easy to connect to, but not your basic song topic! I think that’s deceptively hard to do, it takes a quick wit and cleverness to pull off.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I want my music to make people move, laugh, and think—sometimes all at once. I love the idea of writing songs that get stuck in your head but also make you see something from a slightly different perspective.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
It takes a lot of confidence, persistence, tough skin, and flexibility to pursue a music career. I do a lot of second guessing myself. It helps to remember that the doubt goes away eventually, it’s just a normal passing thought on the way to my goals.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
I’m really proud of the music videos I’ve made with director and videographer extraordinaire McKenzee Griffler. I think they’re weird and beautiful and artistic and interesting and wonderful.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
Honestly it’s been a process of trial and error. In the last year of launching Lesser Jay I’ve been just kind of up for trying anything to see what works. Especially when it comes to social media. I’m able to look back and see what doesn’t feel authentic and what does, but sometimes I can’t see that until I actually give it a go.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
I’ve been working for a while now on revamping my live set and I’m looking forward to playing more shows locally in Colorado soon. I’m also going to continue putting out live looping performance videos of originals and covers. I’ve got a few videos I’m finishing now that I’m excited to share.
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
I’d love to have a dedicated fanbase—people who listen to my music and come to my shows because they connect with what I’m doing. I also want to keep evolving my sound, refining my live set, and making quality videos.
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Watch the new video for Lesser Jay’s ‘Alarm Clock Song’ below.
