Jaye Q.

Jaye Q. is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer, represented by his self-created label, Jaye Q. Soul Records. Growing up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jaye Q’s musical career began at the tender age of three, when he would play drums on his mother’s pots and pans. At seven, he was playing with a Chicago-based jazz band, having to be snuck into the adult clubs by his father. At the already musically experienced age of eight, Jaye Q. began taking piano instructions, at first with an instructor, but his lack of patience prompted him to teach himself by ear and creativity.
With several years of musical experience already under his belt, Jaye Q. began impersonating one of his musical idols, Michael Jackson, at fashion and talent shows. His uncanny performances were rewarded with first place finishes, which led him into advertisement modeling for corporations like Kellogg’s and Texas Instruments.
At fourteen, Jaye Q. continued his musical journey by performing professionally as a percussionist on Aretha Franklin’s album, “Aretha”. After touring with several theatre shows in Michigan, he switched his focus from playing to writing and performing original composition. His last two years at high school were spent at The Chicago Academy for the Performing Arts, studying musical arrangement, composing, and singing. As soon as Jaye Q. graduated, he packed his bags and moved to California, where he knew his aspirations for a successful career in music could be attained.
In 1996, Jaye Q. created his own label and released his debut album, “Sensual Thoughts,” a passion project entirely created and performed by him. The album was a small success, but a huge personal one. Highly motivated to continue his journey, he joined the R&B group “Shakespear Jones” (later, they were renamed “Forbidden”) in 2001. He toured with the group throughout Japan as drummer and back-up singer. Their success led them to a record deal with Priority Records, but unfortunately the album was never released. In 2004, he teamed with another group under the name “JQ Band” to release the album, “Funky World Order”, landing gigs at well-known venues in Los Angeles like The Viper Room, House of Blues and BB Kings. After opening for Shanice Wilson and Jon B. at the Rumba Room, a hallmark venue in Universal City Walk, they were offered gigs on a regular basis.
Today, Jaye Q. has grown as an entrepreneur, founding Q-Ball Studios, which offers a multitude of music services. In conjunction with his business, the release of his long-awaited second solo album, “From My Soul”, a Soul/Funk/Jazz double-disc endeavor, hit shelves in 2009, with international distribution in Europe and Asia slated for 2010.