Jayo
Jayo is a content creator, host, and musician whose audience stretches across Instagram, Tik Tok, and YouTube. It's always a pleasure to connect with someone who has as many talents as Jayo and catching up with him left us with several gems to share. Enjoy our conversation and some of his content below!
When did you first know you wanted to be a creative full-time? Was your family supportive of this decision?
At first, I knew wanted to be a creative full-time in January 2021. My parents were not immediately supportive of this decision, because they did not see the stability in this career field… However, they have come to be supportive of this choice now. I was able to convince them when I got my second gig contract. It showed that getting paid to create content is not a one-time thing.
How has where you grew up influenced your content?
Growing up in LA has made my music as well as my content positive vibes. Cold weather can lead to cold-hearted content so I am glad to be on the sunny side of things.
Do you remember the first video you posted on TikTok? If so, what was it?
The first video I posted on TikTok was a Selena Gomez trend in 2019 September, which is no longer up because the sound got restricted. However, as my first video, it had 800 views on the first day, so I was excited to continue using the platform.
You host a music show and you also do videos where you're in the streets asking people things. How comfortable have you been with hosting and is it something you plan to do more of in the future?
School Night was the first opportunity I got to professionally host a show and that has brought upon many other opportunities as well. I am super excited to continue hosting because I do find joy in it. I think it is fun getting to know and learning from other people. I feel like I can truly be myself. I think part of being a great host requires selflessness so that you don't make it about yourself. I believe I found a great balance in doing that.
Sugar Rush is a smooth song. What were some of the inspirations behind the writing and production?
Shoutout to Brandyn Burnette and John Samuel Gerhart because we've written other songs together, however, we decided to challenge ourselves this day. This was the first time that we separated rooms and came back to the beat with our own parts. It was crazy that we kind of came up with a similar concept just hearing the chords. Brandyn mentioned the words Sugar Rush in the pre-chorus, and that is what inspired us to continue using candy references for the rest of the song. We also thought it would be a good idea to use Candy in the beat itself, so you can say that it was inspired by Charlie Puth's song, "Light Switch," in which he used a random sound and made a hit.
You sound like someone who's been doing music for some time. Was it always the plan to do music?
I'm actually really late to music I feel. I did not know that I could sing until I was 20 years old, and I did not start writing until I was 24. For 2 years now, I've been releasing music, and it all comes so naturally and has given me more joy than other things I've done. I see myself only getting better because I feel I am just getting started. As the late Kobe Bryant would say, "Always be a student to the game." If he felt he can still learn more basketball, then I feel I can still learn more music.
What are some obstacles you've faced on your journey as a creative?
Balancing comedy and music has been challenging because my funny videos get a lot more shine than anything I do relating to my music. I know so many of my fans have not heard my music, but I know they would love it. Once I get over this hump, I feel I will truly reach people.
Do you have any words of advice for anyone who may want to do what you do?
My word of advice for anybody who wants to be a musician or creator is to stay consistent and prepare for the lows. Going viral and getting attention comes in waves so there will always be a crash that comes after that people are not always prepared for. But those who stay consistent won't crash as hard as those who are not.
Jayo has a show on November 20th at The Peppermint Club in LA! You can buy tickets here.
Check out some of Jayo’s music below!