Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Montgomery.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up the youngest of five in a household of musicians and athletes. My father played just about every sport, sings, and plays bass. I grew up going to church where my oldest brother played drum set, and my older brother set up sound. I picked up piano in the second grade, around this time my mother passed away after suffering a from Leukemia. I was seven years old at the time, and to be honest playing on my little Yamaha keyboard was my escape from reality. As I got older I began playing in church plays, filling in for the head keyboardist, until finally playing full time every Sunday while in high school. I attended South Cobb High School, where I met one of my biggest musical influences & mentors, James Wilson. Mr. Wilson at the time was the assistant band director, and a masterful jazz and classically trained saxophonist. He took me under his wing and showed me the fundamentals of Jazz and the importance of disciplined practice. I also met a great friend in high school who also studied under James Wilson, his name is Isaac Azeez (aka) “Master Don”. We spent a lot of time learning how to apply what we learned in drumline and being in band to our beats. Us being close friends, gave us an edge to our sound because our chemistry and sound blended so well. We later met artist “dndSection” in early 2018 and created a new sound with him. Master Don and I teamed up and co-produced dndSections EP “Love Lies Bleeding” as JZ Productions. The second song on the project “Get Out Your Feelings” is special because it was a collab between me and my close friend AJ Ruined My Record, and it was the most popular song on the project streaming over half a million streams. I began creating more buzz in the city for my melodies in my production, then received an opportunity to perform live. I met artist Yang, and we opened up performing a live set for Anna Wise, and Mac Ayres fall of 2019, Both of which were sold out shows. Through that gig I built a relationship with hand and the band, a group of amazing musicians. One in particular another great friend of mine Alex Hassell who I’m currently working and gigging with. Other artist I’ve produced for include ProteJay, Slime Life Shawty, OTF Timo, and more. I’m currently in the midst of creating a collective of producers, artist, and musicians to showcase and build each other’s talent and resume. I will be releasing placement ready loop kits, and also releasing an ep later this year be on the look out. Thank you for your time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No but I’m grateful for ever step of the way. I was kicked out my parents house at 17 years old, a week after graduation. That was a bit of a set back. Learning how to maneuver in the music industry has been a bit of a trial and error experience. Artist not wanting to pay for beats, or me low balling myself to make a sale was common in the beginning. Coronavirus was a bit of a blessing and a curse, here’s why. The good side of it all is that I was forced to stay home, so I made beats all day everyday, the downside was I wasn’t able to book sessions so my money slowed down.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a primarily a pianist, and secondarily a percussionist. I perform and teach fundamentals and technique of both piano and percussion. I was just freelance at first, then after graduating I began teaching at the same high school I graduated from. I later became the Young Adult choir Director, and pianist for St. Paul of the Cross the summer of 2017 until February 2020. That church was built in the mid 1900’s as the second Catholic Church in Atlanta for African Americans. Having that background set me apart as a producer because, I had prior knowledge of music as I transitioned into music production. My musical influence I give credit to my Dad and big brothers for putting me on as a kid growing up.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
People may not know this but, I’m starting up a non-profit organization to help families who are affected by cancer.
Pricing:
- Piano Lessons $45 an Hour
- Loop Kits $30 for 15 Loops
- Beat Leases $75
- Exclusive Beats $150-$300
- Recording $15 an Hour
Contact Info:
- Email: 88jaybeats@gmail.com
- Instagram: 88jaybeats
Image Credits
Brianna Barnard, Chris Phero
