Interview: Jaye King
Florida native, Nashville based artist and songwriter Jaye King talks to Louder Than The Music about his new single 'Hard Place' and his recent signing to the No. 1 Billboard Top Christian Albums Imprint, Centricity Music.
For those who haven’t heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
Well, for those new to me, I’m Jaye King and it’s a pleasure to meet you! I was born and raised in Bradenton, Fl which is just south of Tampa Bay. My earliest introduction to music was in the church. Everything I know about music can be traced back to playing the drums in church. It wasn’t the large church model you see today. There was usually a small praise team, 2-3 “selections” from the choir (made up of families in the church), B3 organ and a drummer(me). If there was ever a bass player, keys or guitarist, THAT WAS BIG TIME.
I got involved making music after finally surrendering to God’s plan for my life. I wasn’t raised or developed as a singer growing up so I can kind of fell into it through my youth pastor speaking it over my life. Wrote my first “real” song in my early 20’s and the rest is history. Looking back, I’d say leading my peers in worship really opened the door to what I now know about “making music”. I’m always finding a way to serve people through my gifts. Music and leadership are a couple of those gifts, and I felt led to just focus on the stewardship of it.
Tell us about your new single Hard Place and what the inspiration behind it was?
“Hard Place” is my first release with the team at Centricity. It’s a play on the idiom between a rock and a hard place.” I’m declaring that Jesus IS the rock in a hard place. My salvation story, upon reflection, is a messy one. I know I had a very different upbringing than most in the faith community and I always felt I’ve had to explain why I am the way I am or see things the way I do. I believe there are a lot of people who have a messy story. But that’s the thing about Jesus. He is always willing to get His hands dirty. “Hard Place” reveals that we are never too far for God to reach. In fact, if you are in a “Hard Place”, if you just speak His name and invite Him in, you will see Jesus is with you. He will keep, redeem and walk with you. He is the rock or solid foundation no matter your situation.
You've just signed a recording contract with Centricity Music - how did that come about and what are your plans to release further music with them?
2020 the world shut down, but my heart and spirit were very much alive and wrestling. My Pastor, Mark Quattrochi, kept telling our staff that “you will either see it as an obstacle or an opportunity.” The Holy Spirit had placed music on my heart for quite some time. I took the vision to Jesus during the pandemic and felt led to finish my first independent project, with my friend Riley, and release it in 2022. I released it. Sent it to Centricity unsolicited. Emails were exchanged, a meeting was had. Couple sessions in Nashville, an indie retreat and a lawyer later, we have a deal. The partnership is sweet because it’s such a relational team dynamic. Jesus is first from the owners down to the staff team. I loved the mission statement of “enabling our artists to create life changing experiences for the world.” Such a bold statement. I knew I was moving into music somehow and had learned in my twenty’s “your resources are in your relationships”. In a world of independence, I knew if I could find the right team it would be a blessing to partner. I’m so glad our paths crossed and we are working together.
“Hard place” is the first of a handful of songs we intend to release moving into 2026. We are just getting started spreading faith, hope and love one song at a time. Stay tuned for all the music to come.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
In a phrase: “You are breathing. Your story isn’t over. It’s just beginning.”
Whether you’ve had to struggle your whole life or have everything you thought you wanted, we all have a story. We have to remember, our story is still being written. It’s not over.
I’m here to spread Faith, Hope and Love. Every song has that intention.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
My style is going to be determined by the listener. lol I am a fan of all forms and genres of music and right now I’m describing it as “pop” which is very broad.
If I tried to describe the style it would be a fusion of things.
My influences:
Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Aerosmith, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Charlie Puth, Van Halen, John Legend, Rascal Flatts, and the list goes on and on. Gospel artists like Kirk Franklin, Mississippi Mass Choir, Clark Sisters, Hezekiah Walker..
This list would be pretty long spanning genres and instrumental music artists of all kinds.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Quincy Jones. Why? Because he infiltrated just about every genre in the ART community.
The wisdom of a writer, producer, musician, arranger, scorer and just PEOPLE person. He seemed like a great person. Period. That would have been a huge highlight for me. I’m still discovering things and seeing credits with Quincy all over it. He is no longer with us, but he would be my choice.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
The lives I’m able to tangibly impact. There are people everywhere in need of help. Without basic necessities like water, a home to call their own or kids unaware that they have potential to be leaders and impact the world for good. Outside of caring and providing for my family, outrageous generosity is success.
Matthew 25:40 “I say to you in as much as you have done it to one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it to me”
What is your favorite album of all time?
Thriller - Michael Jackson
ALL DAY. Every song smacks!
You’re stuck on an island, it’s hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Probably “man in the mirror” by Michael Jackson or “Great is thy Faithfulness” by Thomas Chisholm.
What does the next year hold for you?
My hope is 2026 will see me continue to love and better care for my wife and kids, write, release and play more music than I ever have before, and growing as a person so I can serve people better.
