Jeremy Kay

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The latest...  "Jeremy's sound is sometimes reminiscent of the Dave Mathews Band, and other times it reminds me of G. Love and Special Sauce. But it is not derivative. Instead it is unique and familiar- a near perfect combination." --Hilary, 91X San Diego.  Somewhere between rock, soul, pop and folk lies Jeremy Kay. In a time when the lines between genres often get blurred, Kay is happy to smudge the lines even further with his self-described brand of 'soul-folk.' Kay attributes his unique sound to a diverse background. Growing up in the tiny town of Descanso (outside San Diego) Jeremy found himself with plenty of solitary time - perfect for raising, among other things, an active imagination. At age nine, his Grandma bought him an old upright piano. He started taking piano lessons and that lasted about three years until he discovered the guitar.  "Once I heard Jimmy Page and Eddie Van Halen it was all over- I wanted to rock!" says Kay.

Meanwhile, regular trips to his grandparents' house down by the beach had him surfing by the age of 12. "You aren't going to find too many 'hick surfers!" says Kay.  But then again, you aren't going to find anyone who sounds like him either. His dual lifestyle growing up is reflected in his music, as it ranges from down-home acoustic to alternative electric. Jeremy Kay's self-titled debut, released May 23rd on Surfdog Records, succeeds in melting all of his diverse influences into one package. Produced by David Darling (Brian Setzer, Meredith Brooks, Boxing Ghandis), the record packs an eclectic punch, highlighted by soulful vocals and deep grooves. The opening track, Only One, perfectly captures a carefree Southern California beach vibe. Paul Leary, who has produced and mixed such California staples as Sublime and the Butthole Surfers, helped shape the track by delivering an amazing mix. Heard Ya Talkin' and Have it All combine Kay's pop sensibilities with a dose of classic soul to produce memorable sing-alongs. Other cuts, such as Skin is Too Thin, make an edgier impression both musically and lyrically, while Wine and Roses and Feeble Line highlight Kay's ability to make slow, soft, yet poignant musical statements. Producer Darling states, "J. Kay writes music for the heart, soul, and head." Also, J. Kay is part of an all-star line-up including Paul McCartney, Beck, Ben Harper, James Taylor, Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Everclear, Snoop Dogg, Pearl Jam and Jimmy Buffett who have contributed songs to the MOM 3 album. MOM 3 is the Music for Our Mother Ocean benefit CD that supports the Surfrider Foundation in its work to preserve the world's oceans, waves and beaches.