Rasha Jay

New Jersey-based, Maryland-born singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rasha Jay has made a name for herself with her cross-genre alternative soul-rock hybrid. Now back with the new album Muscle Memory, the solo artist once again demonstrates her unique alternative indie sound across seven soulful, moody, empowered and punchy yet smooth tracks.

Raw and real, relying on Rasha’s innate musical talents rather than studio wizardry, the album is built around Jay’s songwriting covering personal topics from boredom, reflection to self-esteem, and a genuine curiosity about humanity. Mixed by Grammy-nominated engineer Peter Labberton, the seven tracks are packed with layers of crunchy guitar chords and tight riffs, while Rasha’s soulful, emotive vocals take centre stage delivering ear-worm melodies and expressive tones, resulting in soundscapes that feel like a more R&B influenced Alabama Shakes.

The album’s lead single and standout ‘Saturate’ is a prime example of this style, dripping with soulful musicality as layers of interweaving guitar lines dance over a shuffling mix of live and electronic beats, deep bass, organs and subtle synths creating a driving yet melancholic and atmospheric backdrop. Rasha’s effortlessly impactful and emotive vocals take centre stage, raw, emotive and catchy as ever.

Speaking about the album, Rasha Jay adds: “I wrote this album quickly once I sat down and said “GO” to myself. I simply wanted to return to what I’ve always done, writing what I want, no genres, just give my voice and my perception on humanity. I recorded all songs but one in California and that added to the often-relaxed vibe of the music. This is my first full project since 2019, and I felt like I had nothing to lose. From my open-ended questions on “Would You” to my conviction in “Enough”, these were all real thoughts I had, and I wanted to go down the hole of those thoughts.”

Having gained a whole host of tastemaker press including Jammerzine, Higher Plain and Vents, Rasha has been named an ‘Artist to Watch’ by Ditty TV and established herself as an exciting up-and-coming talent. The new album Muscle Memory is out now. - Fab UK Magazine

Like Big Mama Thornton and Sister Rosetta Tharp before her, Rasha Jay is not afraid to blast away convention and dive headlong into a world which has long been the domain of white men. Fusing her knotted, raw soul vocals to a maelstrom of blues-based alt-rock, Rasha has both taken rock back to its roots and yet also managed to keep her music fresh and urgent. Taking influence from musical mavericks like Prince and rock royalty like Foo Fighters, Rasha Jay is the injection of new blood that rock was crying out for.
Inspired by her Uncle Larry’s eclectic record collection which she listened to as a child, Rasha grew to not only embrace different musical styles but also to have confidence with her own voice, happy to keep the raw edge, just as so many blues and soul hollerers before her have. To use Rasha’s own words:
“a previous time when women wailed with no apology”
Taken from her forthcoming EP, High Dive, “Red Coat” is a slowly burning track which emerges from Portishead-like atmospherics to take on an insistent drum beat and a grinding guitar riff, all whilst Rasha’s reassuringly strong vocals keep the audience on their toes. Rasha’s music is not political but touches upon the human condition in all its guises, from the abrasiveness of Red Coat as well as the vulnerable and more unguarded aspects of Love Enough. Her music and lyrics are about keeping the raw power of her music completely pure and projecting it to audiences of all kinds.
Rasha Jay’s voice has the ability to both move and inspire – away from music, she has successfully spoken at schools and has recorded audiobooks for others. Having grown up in the small town of Owings, Maryland, she is an example to anyone wanting to make music that no matter where you’re from or what your musical tastes are that you should trust yourself and have the confidence to both write and sing with your own voice. - Volatile Weekly

Rasha Jay populates two of the least well represented areas of the music industry for women – blues and alternative rock. For the former genre, this is especially mystifying, given it was one of the first areas of music to not only give women an equal voice but also black women. Whether it was Bessie Smith, Big Mama Thornton or Sister Rosetta Tharpe, women were able to take to the same stages as men and express themselves through their music, without the need to descend into novelty or stereotype. Alternative rock has proved intermittently accepting of female musicians but there has often been the sideways glance that this is something of a exception rather than the norm. To straddle both genres in 2019 could easily seem a step too far to even attempt.

It goes without saying, given that introduction, that Rasha Jay is an artist doing exactly that. Though the rock element is more through dynamics than sonics, her beguilingly cool sound is subtle enough, yet also powerful enough, to fit neatly into a blues, rock or soul bracket, without upsetting any of those delicate of heart. Based in New Jersey, Rasha is all about breaking down walls, giving people of any background the confidence to find their own voice.

Taken from her forthcoming EP, High Dive, “Red Coat” is a slowly burning track which emerges from Portishead-like atmospherics to take on an insistent drum beat and a grinding guitar riff, all whilst Rasha’s reassuringly strong vocals keep the audience on their toes. Rasha’s music is not political but touches upon the human condition in all its guises, from the abrasiveness of Red Coat as well as the vulnerable and more unguarded aspects of Love Enough. Her music and lyrics are about keeping the raw power of her music completely pure and projecting it to audiences of all kinds. - Sonic News

A fresh, soulful and honest album release from Rasha Jay brings out some deep truths, danceable grooves, and memorable hooks that all come with a vibrant set of performances and something that just feels absolutely classic about it.


The Muscle Memory album is packed with sensational vibes and a live soul pop and R&B approach with vivacious and lively presence and shine throughout the entire record.


You really can't beat the cross of genres these songs portray and do so with such gracefulness and sway.


You even get rock styles popping in, cinematic and alluring songs also hit you with a gusto and get you thinking as memories pop into your head.


This record bears a strong performance that has the ability to let you get washed away with the music but also get lifted up at the same time somehow and it's pretty impressive to say the least.


The record showcases a wonderous palette of songwriting and the whole thing is enticing, colorful, genuine, and really alive and breathing with realness.


You get these, sort of chapters coming from the artist's life perhaps. They feel real and like they needed to come out in the form they did on the record.


This was beautifully done and had just the right amount of edge and loads of character.


It's been some time since you've heard something that has this level of eclectic styles meshing together and sounding so damn natural.


It's just a flow that works like a charm and gets you addicted within minutes flat.


But don't take our words for it. Have a listen to Muscle Memory and give Rasha Jay a shout. - Rag Magazine

When critics talk about women being the future of rock music, they’re usually referring to white ladies who sing indie rock. But women’s voices and feminine influences are also making a huge impact on alternative rock, not least, the newest entry on my desk – Rasha Jay. What makes Rasha unique? She’s a black lady taking many of her cues from the blues, and infusing into her incendiary alt-rock motifs.

the small town of Owings, Maryland, Rasha brings her blend of distortion-heavy guitars and bass line-forward tracks to create a sound that’s an updated rock take on lifting the soul of the blues into a state of euphoria. She sings with an appealing raspy power, throwing around attitude, as she breezes through her songs stocked with grit and emotion.

A good place to start understanding Rasha Jay’s visceral style, is on her 2016 EP “Cicada”. This recording is virtually floating in musical references from a myriad of rock and blues eras. Rasha works out her personal narratives all over this EP, invoking a fire and spirit that many of her contemporaries seem a little afraid to tap into.

On it Rasha Jay seems hell-bent on showing that this is literally how women – and especially black women – can rock. “Cicada” plays like a kind of musical revue, with nods at muscular rock, old-school blues, and vintage soul, all blended with alternative swagger.

Rasha has got the kind of forceful vocals and tonal deftness that forces a listener to sit up and take notice, but it’s the raw nature of her performances and her biting, candid lyrics that continually leave us wondering what she’ll sing next. All of which brings us to Rasha Jay’s latest track, “Red Coat”, taken from her forthcoming album, “High Drive”.

The new single encompasses the kind of sonic depth that most modern records lack. “I wrapped my love in a red coat, can’t see the blood flow,” sings Rasha. This is what music should sound like: honest, genre-bending and full of personality.

It’s her declaration of rebirth — stronger and smarter than ever before. Rasha Jay is an undeniable lyricist – her best musical quality, alongside her smoky rasp of course. Rasha’s soulful voice aches with the anger of a misleading relationship, but it also screams the triumph of self-discovery discovery and self-determination.

Nothing is more compelling than an artist that believes in themselves. And that sentiment shines through brightly here. It displays the kind rock posturing that separates Rasha from her pop contemporaries and all those cast into the catch-all alternative category.

What intoxicates about “Red Coat” is that the record shows that you don’t have to crumble when your desires are unfulfilled. Instead, you have to fight and figure out how to survive it. Rasha sings with the instincts of someone who has been singing for many years.

If you’re sick of all the synthesized electronic voiced pop songs these days, get this track. Rasha Jay will restore your faith that there are still great emerging artists every now and then. - Tuned Loud

With a sound uniquely her own, Rasha Jay delves into a lush otherworldly atmosphere on the soothing “High Dive”. An effortless blend of R&B, soul, the blues, funk, and a hint of classic rock a la Jimi Hendrix’s gentler moment, the EP simply stuns. By far the true beating heart comes from Rasha Jay’s impressive vocals. She opts for a late-night, smoky quality to her lyricism, one that at times goes for the truly surreal. Production feels impressively polished and carefully considered. Refusing to be pigeonholed she mixes and matches styles flawlessly.
Esperanza Spalding’s kaleidoscopic works come to mind as the EP unfurls to reveal a dazzling degree of color. Unlike Esperanza’s work, Rasha Jay goes for a subtle approach letting the whole thing exist in a dreamy haze. Parts of it too, the expression of the self, tends to align itself closely with Frank Ocean’s highly confessional approach to songwriting. Instrumentally rich as well, the vibrancy of every moment has a beauty to it. Not a moment is wasted for the songs evolve in a naturalistic fashion. Throughout it all she maintains a clear-eyed intensity to the whole affair, one that lingers in the mind long after the songs have ended.
Glowing keys introduce the EP on the low-key grooves of “Rasha” the opener. Rather yearning at times, it sets the tone for what follows without needing to say a single word. The guitar work has a fiery center to it on the powerful “Red Coat” where the song embraces an intimate setting. Her voice has an endearing quality to it, for her flow is masterful. On “Don’t Revel” she incorporates elements of psychedelic rock into the swaggering groove. Easily the highlight of the collection, the whole of the piece rumbles and shakes with might. A tension runs through “Strangeland” where her lyrics have a highly reflective quality to them.
“Imaginary” messes with listener expectations. Usage of toy box melodies recalls Four Tet at his most creative. The wavering quality further lends it a sense of warmth. From far away her voice travels right to the forefront. A glistening interlude arrives with the shadowy rhythms of “Vertical” where the build up happens with such patience that it feels like a long-lost Stereolab track. Nicely bringing all that came before it together in a lovely, tender way is the stately closer and title track “High Dive”.
Rasha Jay proves to be a voice in the wilderness, with a poetry that comes so naturally to her with “High Dive”. - Entropy Magazine

Rasha Jay – High Dive
New music is here and we have to say that we have the talented Rasha Jay here with us today. Not only a true beauty, but this singer also has the vocals to match up with any singer in the game. It seems almost instantly we became fans from the single High Dive. As it stands, today’s music is lacking lots of vocal talent but Rasha Jay makes sure to bring true vocals back to the industry.

High Dive is a powerful single with a smooth feel. This single was currently released on SoundCloud about 2 weeks ago and we feel that it can do some numbers in time. The guitar in the background is perfectly played.

“.. being from Jersey when we think of vocals we mainly think of L. Hill but Rasha has some lungs as well” -Jermaie V.

That is something that we also agree with. Overall we give Rasha Jay a B+ on her single and an A on her professionalism. We are proud that she is making sure that she maintains a professional image in today’s music. Being a role model for younger women is a great thing and we hope that she can maintain this image as well as her music.

About Rasha Jay:
Rasha Jay has released her second single off of her new EP of the same name, “High Dive”. She is bringing her unique music front and center by blending the unshakeable sound of soul and the energy of rock. The New Jersey resident has been singing for her entire life and credits her Uncle’s eclectic record collection as her inspiration. Her love of so many genres shows in her seamless fusion of sound. Rasha has come a long way since the independent release of her first EP “CICADA” in 2016. The release of her first single from her newest album was met with glowing praise for her “voice that Rock was crying for.” “High Dive” continues to prove that Rasha’s noteworthy music will continue to wow us.

“High Dive” is out now on all streaming platforms. Visit her website for updates and new releases. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and check out her new music on SoundCloud. - NY2LARADIO

Like Big Mama Thornton and Sister Rosetta Tharp before her, New Jersey indie artist Rasha Jay is not afraid to defy conventions and dive headlong “into a world which has long been the domain of men,” she proclaims.

The lead single, “Don’t Revel,” from her new E.P., High Dive, is a transfixing track that speaks to deep emotions. Hard bass lines and trip-hop-like beats, together with keys and guitar, are nicely mixed so that her range-friendly vocals are not drowned out.

“It’s the only song on the E.P. that’s written about my personal experience,” Jay says. “I had been off and on with someone for many years, but I didn’t know how I really felt about it all.

“In the end, it was more of a blur. I couldn’t get excited about it, and I had to end it.”


“Don't Revel”
HIGH DIVE
RASHA JAY
Audio Player

00:00
00:00

Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.
1. “Don't Revel” — RASHA JAY
3:34
Despite being the only personal song on the E.P., Jay’s lyrics are full of stories, especially about the ‘juicy center,’ as she calls it, of relationships. Her intimate, sincere vocal delivery is rough but inviting.

Regarding the interesting sonic textures of the song, Jay says: “I found a sound and I reversed it and it sounded like someone threw some guitars and violins in a blender.”

She adds that it was a last-minute addition to High Dive. Other standout tracks include the intense, haunting track, “Red Coat,” featuring a mean synth guitar riff; the remarkably soul-inspired “Imaginary”, and the smooth, intoxicating grooves and beats of “Strangeland,” plus the more rock-oriented title track.

The E.P. was written, recorded and mixed over the course of a year and a half. The producer and fellow musician, Katmaz, did an impressive job overall.

Jay possesses a strong DIY approach to her music with a distinctive, versatile voice that dances over insistent beats, bumbling basslines, and intricate guitar playing. She incorporates alternative, rock, blues, and soul into her songs.

While she may not be the conventional DIY/indie artist, she is a DIY/indie artist in every sense of the term.

Born in the town of Owings, Maryland, she moved to New Jersey as a young child. From a young age, she was interested in music and had a natural talent for writing.

Jay has always been passionate about music of different genres since listening to her uncle’s record collection growing up.

Her music has been described as a “vibrant clash between Portishead and The Black Keys.” Her influences include Prince, Foo Fighters, and St. Vincent. - Indie Rock Cafe

Genre-benders continue to intrigue and astound me and Rasha Jay is the newest lady to cross over tones and sounds. Portishead meets The Black Keys – her soulful bluesy rock meshes with Rasha’s slick vocals so that the power that comes through feels razor focused.
Her first single from her forthcoming EP ‘High Drive’ is entitled ‘Red Coat’. It’s a track the unravels and builds up as the guitars ramp up as well as Rasha’s passionate vocal performance. You can enjoy it below – the EP will be out soon. - Higher Plain Music

From small town Owings, Maryland Rasha Jay’s music is a storm of blues based alt-rock fueled with emotional vocals, powerful rock instrumentals and atmospheric beats and this is illustrated best in her new single Red Coat.

Lyrically the song is about protecting yourself from love and the heavy bass, strong guitar riffs and raw soulful vocals mirror the dark, murky and conflicted notions that come with the harder side of love. With her forthcoming EP High Dive to be released later this year, Rasha Jay comments that the EP will be a continuation of this exploration into love and the tangled mess of relating to each other – the title ‘High Dive’ referring to the times when it is best to dive in or jump out and the audience that is always there waiting to see what happens.

Taking influence from musical mavericks such as Prince and rock royalty like Foo Fighters, Rasha Jay creates innovative music that bulges real honesty and daring genre-spanning sounds.

Watch out for her forthcoming EP and click on the links below to check out more Rasha Jay! - Sweet Beats Music

Like Big Mama Thornton and Sister Rosetta Tharp before her, Rasha Jay is not afraid to blast away convention and dive headlong into a world which has long been the domain of white men. Fusing her knotted, raw soul vocals to a maelstrom of blues-based alt-rock, Rasha has both taken rock back to its roots and yet also managed to keep her music fresh and urgent. Taking influence from musical mavericks like Prince and rock royalty like Foo Fighters, Rasha Jay is the injection of new blood that rock was crying out for.

Inspired by her Uncle Larry’s eclectic record collection which she listened to as a child, Rasha grew to not only embrace different musical styles but also to have confidence with her voice, happy to keep the raw edge, just as so many blues and soul holler’s before she has. To use Rasha’s own words: “a previous time when women wailed with no apology.”

Rasha Jay’s voice has the ability to both move and inspire. Having grown up in the small town of Owings, Maryland, she is an example to anyone wanting to make music that no matter where you’re from or what your musical tastes are that you should trust yourself, and sing it loud and proud. - Jammerzine

I have been speaking with Rasha Jay about her new single, Red Coat. I ask what it concerns and what we can expect from her upcoming E.P., High Dive – Rasha Jay talks about breaking down boundaries and when music came into her life.
The songwriter discusses a few albums important to her; whether she has plans for this year and what it is like stepping into Blues – a genre dominated by men – and whether there are challenges – she picks a great song to end the interview with.
____________
Hi, Rasha Jay. How are you? How has your week been?
I am well, thank you. My week has been great!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
I am Rasha Jay; a singer and songwriter from the U.S. in the Alternative/Blues genre, mostly. Blues, mainly, because of how my voice comes across, I suppose, and Alternative in how I write my songs.

Can you tell me when you got into music? Were there particular records or artists that inspired that passion?
My family tells me that I’ve been singing since I was two or three; a relative would teach me Gospel songs on the front porch. I don’t recall it but seems about right! I was deeply drawn to music early on, hearing melodies and singing all of the time. Prince’s Sign o’ the Times album sticks out for me - I think it was mainly a black cover. I recall opening the album and reading the lyrics and being fascinated with the grooves.

You play in a Blues-Rock/Alt-Blues mould. It is traditionally populated by white men. Were there any hesitations stepping into that world?
No hesitations at all! It’s about storytelling and standing firm, singing your song. I have a song to sing and I rest on great shoulders; those unbridled voices I admire so much. I want to push it forward. I want to expand the story.

Do you think it is important that artists break down walls and barriers in order to bring about progression and evolution?
Yes, absolutely! I love the classic songs like everyone else but they’ve been done before. (And again and again as they should be). But, I’m more curious about what’s around the corner; what’s going to be a part of that lexicon that we can look back on in years to come? And, personally, am I pushing myself to seek new ways to convey my thoughts in song?

Red Coat is your new single. Is there a story behind it at all?
Red Coat is a song that I wrote, in part, years ago but it didn’t make my first E.P. It was something that always lingered around my mind, though. I sang the guitar riff all the time - it wouldn’t leave me. The song is about the murky, thick part of knowing yourself and how love can be abrasive. It’s also about how other’s behaviour can keep you from giving all that you have. To keep a part of yourself wrapped up is, I feel, perfectly fine and it happens within every relationship.

Can you reveal any details about your upcoming E.P., High Dive, and the sort of themes explored?
High Dive is a short journey about exploring different emotions, those that are conflicting and those that are tough. And, purposely, the songs have questions posed within the songs. They are questions that people ask of you and you ask of yourself.

Do you already have plans for 2019?
Yes. I can’t wait to release this single and its video! I’m also going to give listeners an inside view about how Red Coat was made in the studio with my co-producer, Katmaz. I can’t wait to go home to Maryland and sing these new songs live for my hometown and I’m planning my E.P. release show.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
My favorite time so far...that is tough!
But, I will say that playing live is my favorite thing to do and I am fortunate to know some talented musicians. One sticks out: my first show at The Twisted Elm in New Jersey a few years back. I’m playing with a new guitarist, Mike, and when my set was done they yelled “One more!” I was so shocked and humbled. Mike and I didn’t plan anything.
I looked to him and said “Plush by Stone Temple Pilots?” He nodded ‘yes’ and hit the chords. I had no idea if he knew it. I ended up doing two more encores that night. He knows every song. I keep him close to this day!

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
The Arctic Monkeys! My rider would just be a huge fan and some water. The fan and water to help me not faint at the thought of opening for them.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
I would say that whatever you are creating, know that everyone won’t be on board and you’ll have to ride alone. And that’s alright. Keep going.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?
I’m working on that, I promise! I played in the U.K. previously. Looking to head back there as well.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
My producer, Katmaz. His music is brooding and bubbling all at once. He gets me and my dark style and Red Coat couldn’t have sounded the way it does without our sync.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
I unwind by listening to more music - I don’t want to get away from it. Late at night, I’m always looking for shows such as Rick and Morty and The Great British Bake Off. - Music Musings and Such

Taking precedent from the likes of Big Mama Thornton and Sister Rosetta Tharpe before her, Rasha Jay is an artist who’s not afraid to stride beyond convention and make music that’s true to herself. This is music that harks back to a previous time where blues and rock bounced in tandem, and women wailed with no apology. Her raw soul vocals and songwriting ability combined with blues based alt-rock – as seen in her forthcoming EP ‘High Dive‘, she has managed to take rock back its roots while also managing to keep her sound simultaneously fresh and urgent.

Thinking figuratively about how a person protects themselves from love, the underlying themes emanating through lead track ‘Red Coat‘ have been meticulously crafted to bring out elements that show just how dark, murky and conflicted love can be. Speaking about the record as a whole, she explains: “The EP ‘High Dive’, is a continuation of that exploration, the tangled mess of relating to each other, if and when to dive in, jump out, and the audience that’s always waiting to see what happens.”

Rasha’s mantra stems from one of looking to encourage all artists who are unsure of their own writing ability, or those who are lacking the confidence to write anything at all. From her own heart comes a raw, thunderous love for performing. To her, singing is like another language where you use the same words differently – it’s like learning to speak all over again, and once learnt there’s no turning back.

In order to typify the feeling Rasha is endeavoring to portray, everything is enveloped in a raw state. Her voice, the music – all the elements are kept as simple as possible with the sole aim of getting the message across. Furthering this, Rasha offers some insight on her lyrics: “I am in love with words, how they sound, nerdy things like syllable counts, inflection and assonance. But that adoration comes through in my songs, I hope.”

Away from the limelight, Rasha Jay has also been an active member of her community – volunteering for various non-profit organizations as either a mentor or helping homeless young adults. Her passion for words also extends to reading. Coupled with her love for using her voice, she’s also spent time reading to children at story time and in various other settings and has also notably stepped neatly into a voice-over role having narrated Talk Show Wendy Williams‘ audiobook ‘Hold me in Contempt‘, back in 2014.
Rasha Jay typifies a very niche selective of African-American alt-rock artists. She has not gone on record to say that she is looking to break down walls or to change anyone’s perceptions of the genre, this is merely the style that feels most appropriate and true to herself, and from that foundation she will endeavor to sing her heart out. - Songwriting Spotlight

Like Big Mama Thornton and Sister Rosetta Tharp before her, Rasha Jay is not afraid to blast away convention and dive headlong into a world which has long been the domain of white men. Fusing her knotted, raw soul vocals to a maelstrom of blues-based alt-rock, Rasha has both taken rock back to its roots and yet also managed to keep her music fresh and urgent. Taking influence from musical mavericks like Prince and rock royalty like Foo Fighters, Rasha Jay is the injection of new blood that rock was crying out for.
Inspired by her Uncle Larry’s eclectic record collection which she listened to as a child, Rasha grew to not only embrace different musical styles but also to have confidence with her own voice, happy to keep the raw edge, just as so many blues and soul hollerers before her have. To use Rasha’s own words:
Taken from her forthcoming EP, High Dive, “Red Coat” is a slowly burning track which emerges from Portishead-like atmospherics to take on an insistent drum beat and a grinding guitar riff, all whilst Rasha’s reassuringly strong vocals keep the audience on their toes. Rasha’s music is not political but touches upon the human condition in all its guises, from the abrasiveness of Red Coat as well as the vulnerable and more unguarded aspects of Love Enough. Her music and lyrics are about keeping the raw power of her music completely pure and projecting it to audiences of all kinds.
Rasha Jay’s voice has the ability to both move and inspire – away from music, she has successfully spoken at schools and has recorded audiobooks for others. Having grown up in the small town of Owings, Maryland, she is an example to anyone wanting to make music that no matter where you’re from or what your musical tastes are that you should trust yourself and have the confidence to both write and sing with your own voice. - Vents Magazine

One of the best parts of being an independent artist is the freedom to shape your career in any way you see fit. No one can force you to conform or put your music in line with the mainstream. We recently came across Rasha Jay who is creating waves with soulful alt-rock sound, is catching the attention of the music industry.

We caught up with her to dig a little deeper. Enjoy the interview below:

What first drew you to creating music?

I was first drawn to creating music because I was always singing! Singing whatever I heard, and I wrote my first song at age 9 called “Turn Around”.

How would you describe the Rasha Jay sound?

Good question, I would describe it alternative with soul. My songs can sound bold, some angst, and smooth at times. Let’s call it a dormant volcano

Which artists have had the biggest influence on you?

My biggest influences come from far and wide. I adore the freedom of Prince, the power of Blues singers like Big Mama Thornton, the energy of alternative and rock artists like Arctic Monkeys and Foo Fighters, and first-my Grandma B and my Mom, who were the first voices I heard at home, and realized quickly that I had that same love for singing.

There seems to be a lot of emotion in your voice. How do you share this with the listener?

The emotion in my voice for this new song, well, I don’t have to work too hard because I knew what I wanted this song to do, and it starts from the ground up. And then back to the ground.

What is your songwriting process? How does a track come together for Rasha Jay?

The songwriting process for me starts with the melody I hear, or a word, a phrase. I can hear the music I want on the track, and sometimes I lay down some stuff on my keyboard. Sometimes I go to my little studio in my place and lay down the structure. But most songs are just me singing into my phone to start.

Tell us about your latest song “Red Coat”?

My new song “Red Coat” is about not wanting both feet in a relationship, to wrap yourself up to hide the blood flow/the love for someone. It’s a call to state things as they are. I had the words and the guitar riff and the mood. I met up with my producer, Katmaz, and sang it to him, and we worked to keep the edge, and rawness of the song. He’s a wonderful producer to share ideas with,

What advice would you give to other artists trying to create their own lane in the music industry?

My advice for those who have a sound that isn’t dominant in today’s music, or super popular, is to stay at it! Don’t ever conform or change, stay at what moves you the most. I will be doing the same.

How does the next year look for Rasha Jay?

Performing live a lot this year, and releasing the next single, and then the EP. Very excited to share more music. - Indie Band Guru

Rasha Jay's "High Dive" the title track from her new album is a cool rock track with killer vox

Alternative blues / rock singer-songwriter Rasha Jay cites her influences from such diverse artists as Prince, Big Mama Thornton, Stone Temple Pilots, Bessie Smith, Jimi Hendrix, Anita Baker, Smashing Pumpkins and The Foo Fighters.

Her latest offering High Dive starts with Jays evocative vox in what feels like a mid conversation intrusion. The smart rock motif rides on double time keys and formidable rock chops, guitar driven with cool notes floating while the bass and drums lay down a head bobbing groove. Throughout the tight rock motif, Jay's killer vox is at the center of it all. She possesses a powerful organic rock / alt pop sound within her vocal character. Kudos to the music production. When the track shifts into a kind of lush proggy guitar lead outro, the groove stays in your head long after the song ends.

Rasha Jay hails from Owings, Maryland and has toured in New York, London and Washington, DC. High Dive is the title track from her forthcoming EP. - American Pancake

Alternative blues / rock singer-songwriter Rasha Jay cites her influences from such diverse artists as Prince, Big Mama Thornton, Stone Temple Pilots, Bessie Smith, Jimi Hendrix, Anita Baker, Smashing Pumpkins and The Foo Fighters.

Her latest offering High Dive starts with Jays evocative vox in what feels like a mid conversation intrusion. The smart rock motif rides on double time keys and formidable rock chops, guitar driven with cool notes floating while the bass and drums lay down a head bobbing groove. Throughout the tight rock motif, Jay's killer vox is at the center of it all. She possesses a powerful organic rock / alt pop sound within her vocal character. Kudos to the music production. When the track shifts into a kind of lush proggy guitar lead outro, the groove stays in your head long after the song ends.

Rasha Jay hails from Owings, Maryland and has toured in New York, London and Washington, DC. High Dive is the title track from her forthcoming EP. - American Pancake