New Boston Bred Artist Jay Roddy has been applying pressure. Born and raised in Massachusetts, JayRoddy attempts to bring a fresh sound to the culture. With a mix of rawness & melodic vibes, MA rapper/songwriter has a very promising future. Make sure to subscribe to his Youtube Channel and follow him on Spotify and Apple Music. In our recent Q&A interview, we were able to catch up with him about his mentality, goals, influences and much more! Tap in and check out his website as well.
Boston Culture: Where did you grow up? How was that like?
JayRoddy: I grew up in Hudson, MA about 40 mins west of Boston. Since Hudson’s such a small town, big dreams don’t exist there. Growing up I realized I had bigger plans than just your typical/safe 9-5 job. The Hudson mindset is to play it safe and live by societies standards but I found my passion and haven’t stopped since.
Boston Culture: How did you get your name?
JayRoddy: My boys growing up actually came up with the idea. My last name is Rothberg so instead of saying that, they took the “Rot” from my last name and started calling me “Rotty”. I didn’t like the way it was spelled so I changed “Rotty” to “Roddy” & added the Jay because my first name starts with a J.
Boston Culture: Talk to us about how you got the attention of Vybe.
JayRoddy: When I first got serious about music I got in contact with VYBE’s CEO, Los because he lived a town over from me. At the time he was starting his journey in the music industry and noticed that I had the talent & work ethic. After we got some solid buzz we kind of went our separate ways but ultimately linked back up because we both have that desire for success. I like to surround myself with people who have drive and execute daily and that’s the type of thing VYBE ENT does.
Boston Culture: What was the best advice you got early in your career?
JayRoddy: That’s a good question. I’d say believing in yourself. I know it’s cliche but once you genuinely believe in YOURSELF, all possibilities exist. You need to convince yourself you’ve already made it before it even happens & envision yourself already having it. Do you think people will believe in you if you don’t even believe in yourself? It’s easy to just say you want something but in order for you to manifest it, you need to attach emotions to the idea of already receiving it. You need to get to the point where you’re so delusionally optimistic that you only see the wins & that’s how blessings are created. A combination of delusion, persistence, & gratitude are the essential qualities to making your dreams a reality.
Boston Culture: Top 3 favorite artists?
JayRoddy: That’s tough because I listen to a lot of artist, but the artists that had the most influence on me are: Drake, J Cole, and Tory Lanez
Boston Culture : Walk us through your creative process as far creating music.
JayRoddy: First I start with looking through beats & picking a few I’m vibing with most. After I find a beat, I bring it into Logic Pro and either freestyle the first couple bars or use some one liners that I put in my notepad. Once I have a foundation down I just start adding on so it’s essentially like building a house brick by brick. Once I have the final structure completed I sauce it up with some adlibs.
Boston Culture: What do you dislike about the music industry?
JayRoddy: I wouldn’t say I dislike anything about the industry but if I had to pick something I’d say the politics that are involved. Now a days there’s so many opportunities to get your music heard so there’s really no excuses. People automatically link big labels with success but that’s when the politics are involved because they base it all on who you know and how much money you can make them. If you have the passion & self discipline everything is possible. If you put in the time and energy you can accomplish everything on your own.
Boston Culture: Who or what are some of your biggest influences?
JayRoddy: Growing up my mother exposed me to many styles of music from earth wind & fire, Usher, & Joe to Neil Diamond, Matchbox 20, etc. So when it comes to my sound I think I was heavily influenced by all the genres my mom introduced me to. When I was in 3rd grade some of the first rappers I listened to were: DMX, Snoop, 50 cent, & Eminem and I think that fueled my love for hiphop/rap. Once I really started getting into writing & recording music, the first artist that inspired me to take it serious was Kid Cudi. His sound was just so different to me. By that time I was fooling around with GarageBand learning the mechanics then I came across Drake’s music. His sound & style completely blew me away. Being able to create a sound that had meaningful lyricism, melodies, and bars completely changed my mindset and perspective on rap music.
Boston Culture: Talk to us about your younger mentality.
JayRoddy: When I was younger I never understood the magnitude of what was essential to being a successful artist. Everything that I built was strictly from passion. I was excited to show people my music even when it only got 10 views on YouTube. I really just enjoyed the process and expressing the feelings & trauma I’ve endured in my life. I could have easily given up if my goal was based on views/money but the drive to get better pushed me. So when I first started, pure enjoyment and passion were the two things that kept me focused on my goals and I wouldn’t be where I am today without that passion.
Boston Culture: Tell us about your goals for 2021.
JayRoddy: Everything that I want in this industry and brand has already happened, time just hasn’t caught up yet. In my mind I already have the billboard hits, the fanbase, the streams, the money, it just hasn’t happened yet. That might sound cocky but it’s not. I truly believe in my music to that extent and I’m at the point of being delusional. I was at a dark place in my life and I resorted to quantum physics which changed my mindset extensively. Basically, whatever you think you create. If you’re constantly thinking about what could go wrong, that’s exactly what you’re going to see and vice versa. Too many people are spending more time focusing on the absence of success then they are the presence. Other then manifesting success, my main goal this year is execution. Execution out shines talent any day of the week.
Boston Culture: Did the pandemic affect any of your plans?
JayRoddy: Ehh not really to be honest. If anything it gave me the opportunity to find myself. Since I spent a ton of time by myself I got comfortable with it. Spending time alone made me realize it all comes down to me at the end of the day. Eventually I ended up investing in my own recording equipment to eliminate having to rely on other people. If you want something you have to do it yourself.
Boston Culture : Talk to us about your new video.
JayRoddy: My newest video was for my track “Big Facts” and was my first official music video. VYBE & I have big plans for the “Splashin’ It” music video so wait on that!!
Boston Culture : What brands should sponsor you?
JayRoddy: If you know me and my brand which is “Dgnz” (Pronounced Da-genz, short for degenerate) you know that I’m a degenerate. From my perspective, “Dgnz” gives degenerate a different connotation. For example the perceived meaning of degenerate is someone who is unmotivated, takes but doesn’t give, and is overall a disgrace to society. My generation of degenerates can party all night but still wake up and accomplish what they need to. But going back to the question, I would love a sponsor from bud light or jack Daniels.
Boston Culture:Anything else we missed you want to tell your fans?
JayRoddy: CHASE YOUR DREAMS. Don’t listen to anyone that says you can’t accomplish something. Those types of people are salty that they never took the risk to chase their own dreams. Also want to say I’m grateful for everyone that shows love, you guys are real ones and I appreciate you more than you know! BIG MOVES COMING.
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