Check Out Jamel Morris-Barclay’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamel Morris-Barclay.

Jamel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started as a kid who loved to sing, dance, make noise, and listen to music. It grew into isolating instruments of a song in my head to focus and mimic them. My big sister then put a guitar in my hand in freshman year of high school. She taught me the basics she was learning in college and I took off running with that. I got a little pc laptop from a rewards ceremony at my school and downloaded Audacity free recording software. I got ahold of a cheap handheld microphone from… I don’t even remember where anymore, and started making my own little recordings. After graduating high school, I went to community college part time for Music Business with a focus in Creative production. Financial aid and Pell grant made it possible for me to upgrade to a macbook and buy some gear from a friend I’d made in school to make my recordings even better. I grew so much in my field at Miami Dade College and made some great friends who helped me progress with recording with them, giving me programs and gear, And being folks who were already recording that I could bounce ideas off of. I eventually transferred to Middle Tennessee State where I learned Pro Tools, had access to campus studios, and got to record friends bands and do some live mixing in addition to all of my studies. All of this while working multiple jobs. I now still work multiple jobs, but it’s sound at multiple venues.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been the least smooth road. When you can’t afford to work for free, but every place wants you to intern or participate for exposure, it takes a really long time to break into any aspect of the industry.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a multi-hyphenate; as most creatives are haha. I’m an audio engineer who studied for the recording studio but works in live sound. I’m also a singer/ Songwriter. I produce a little bit, to at least get ideas down. I’m most noticed for my singing; but with Audio Engineering, if you’re doing your job well, people won’t notice. You make things sound as natural as possible but complimenting the situation they’re in. What set’s me apart is actually less to do with music/ sound and more to do with my consultation approach. When working with someone new, I try to ask a variety of questions to better understand what they want to work on, what exists that’s inspired the project, and things to gain an idea of that person or groups general feel and demeanor.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I can’t say I have the full secret. But it’s really important to talk to people. Ask questions; if you go to a concert, hang around front of house mixer (wait until after the show) and ask how they got their start. Working in music stores like Guitar Center who have an audio area to then meet people who are buying that sort of gear. I happened to work at a music store in Tennessee that the owner was also an audio engineer and songwriter. So his perspective and knowledge has been a great guide for me in navigating relationships.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jamelmb.com