Jay Ham
LA-based artist Jay Ham has released his new single “Ooh La La” (feat. NATIIVE and Tre Wright).
The Summer record was co-written with Taylor Beau, Spencer Hendricks, Tre Wright, and produced by LA-based producer/multi-instrumentalist NATIIVE.
The single follows “Last”, released last month. The 24 year old artist released his first project Wild Potions in 2019 which included the well-acclaimed track “You Say” (over 1M streams on Spotify). Working closely with producer/engineer/artist Tre Wright, the musician is continuing to create timeless records while inspiring younger generations.
“Ooh La La” is now available worldwide.
Photo credit: Covell
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
What up guys. My name is Jay Ham and I’m a 24 year-old artist born and raised in a few places. From California to South Dakota to Ohio and back to California, haha. Just always been in love with music and the concept of displaying my emotions through song. Music is what I always leaned on most when I needed a pick me up, so I started writing my own and here we are.
What did you grow up listening to?
Mannnn. That’s a wild question let me tell ya. I grew up in very diverse areas as well as very rural areas too, so I listened to everything from hip hop, to country, and even alternative rock at certain times. I always loved different styles of music. Never been an instrumentalist myself, but I loved listening to smooth jazz as a kid as well. I started to get into pop music and reggae during my teenage years and now I listen to whatever intrigues me and catches my attention.
When did you know you had to become an artist and release your original music?
I started releasing music back on Myspace when I was about 10 years old. I know, Myspace, crazy right? I thought I was gonna blow up back then, but the 10 year old me not only wasn’t on beat, but I also was not ready for that life yet. I’ve always created my own original music, but in the past 5 years Tre Wright (Jay Ham’s producer/long time friend) and I have really been developing my own sound.
How would you define Jay Ham, the artist?
A glass of champagne, a spritz of OJ, and a shot of Henny. And what I mean by that is I feel that Jay Ham can be for plenty different moods but still cohesive at the same time. You can get a lot of different styles from me and it’s something I used to avoid, but now I value.
"Ooh La La" is your new single. What's the story/inspiration behind this song?
We wanted to create a real summer jam! Something that would be timeless, repeat worthy, and people could have a good time to yanno?! There was a lot of friends in the studio that night so it was a really dope vibe which made it easier to come up with the topic of partying on the weekends because we were already doing so. Sometimes I simply get high off of life and make dope music just because of the moment at hand.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process? What made you want to collaborate with NATIIVE and Tre Wright on this record?
Yeah for sure! Tre and I actually wrote the song about two years ago with some great friends of ours, Taylor Beau and Spencer Hendricks, and never released it over time. We had multiple plans for the track that just fell through, but everything happens for a reason, because now the song is better than ever! It was kind of outdated and just needed a new sound, so with Tre being good friends with NATIIVE, we asked if NATIIVE could reproduce it from scratch. And my oh my my did he do his thang! I didn’t even know if I was going to like the track enough to release it anymore just because we had sat on it for so long originally. But with a fresh new sound from NATIIVE and some touch ups on the vocals, it had a really nice touch to it.
What made you want to release "Ooh La La" as a single?
I think it could truly be the next Summer anthem. It’s great for the people that want to have a fun time, the people that want to just cruise, and the people that want to go wild. Even though there’s a lot going on right now, it’s still summer and people still need a good party jam to listen to! Hop in the kitty pool, light one, blast the song on maximum sound and envision yourself in the islands.
What do you like the most about this song?
Tre’s verse hands down! He’s always producing my songs, so for him to just have a verse on this song and not be producing it is weird but dope to me. It’s one of my favorite Tre Wright verses as well! The two of us on the track together with NATIIVE’s production is truly insane!
What is your goal for this new single?
To get people back into the mood. I know people have been in a funk lately with all that’s going on. And I’m not telling anybody to go out and party and get a bunch of people sick. But it’s ok to vibe out and imagine or take a drive yourself and jam out on the PCH yanno? I just want people to have a good time with my music and get inspired to live life! It’s ok to lose some sleep and have some fun sometimes!
In your opinion, what makes a good song?
Anything that has great writing or can make me get out of my seat. I love a great song I can groove to. Nothing better than feeling the music in my hips and jamming out, haha. If it’s catchy to me it’s on repeat!
What does it mean for you to be an artist?
To inspire the generation below me, or even my peers, to indulge and be great. As cliche as it sounds, I just want the people around me to understand that anything is possible. Leaving something for the future generations to be influenced by, in such away that they can find themselves, would mean being an artist to me.
What major life lesson have you learned so far?
I’ve learned a lot of major lessons thus far, but I think the one that sticks out the most is that, “Consistency is the key”! I cannot say that enough. You just can’t give up. Gotta give it all you got 24/7 and ignore the people that doubt you. Consistency also comes within self discipline and creating a routine, which I have not perfected. But it’s the effort that counts.
What are your thoughts on today's global situation and on the Black Lives Matter movement?
I’m all for it, as I am black myself. I think it’s important that there is a lot of emphasis on the Black Lives Matter movement right now. I am proud of the amount of people coming together from different backgrounds to express themselves about common goals. It’s even made me further my knowledge and educate myself more on the history of the land we walk on. I know it’s been a wake up call for a lot of people and that’s great, but like I said, consistency is key. We gotta keep speaking up and fighting for our rights while displaying genuine character.
What message do you want to give to the world?
One step at a time. Nothing happens over night and we can’t be discouraged with that. World Peace will come within time as long as we stand up and love one another instead of knocking each other down. We may not even live to see that day BUT it starts with us, right here.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Less haters, more lovers, and cheaper avocados!
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