A Profile of the Singer/Songwriter Dakota Jay

From the Philadelphia Area, Comfortable Anywhere

Music is an emotional journey for Dakota Jay, and this became obvious in 2001 at the dawn of his career as a songwriter. Raised in suburban Philadelphia by small business owner parents, Dakota's early years were peppered by the influences of Bob Dylan, Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Richie Havens, and The Counting Crows.

An instinctive songwriter, Dakota's intuitive style stems from his self-taught methods and his easy grasp of guitar tablature. Dakota remarks that he "hated the lessons," preferring to move at his own creative pace and in his own musical direction. When he began writing his own music, Dakota began to frequent local open mic sessions and record stores, observing and absorbing the career path that would eventually choose him.

Upon graduating from Pennridge High School in Perkasie, the polite but assertive songwriter attended Temple University for one year before he found himself fully devoted to music. It's clear that Dakota Jay is serious about music--a studious look crosses his face when his songs are discussed. Dakota's passion for the musical craft combined with a keen understanding of the music business is reminiscent of a calmer combination of Lennon and McCartney.

In 2006, Dakota Jay began working with Grammy Award-winning producer David Ivory with whom he has recently finished recording his two song single "The Next Time". Ivory was drawn to the emotional, fearless, and descriptive nature of Dakota Jay's music, as well as the musician's own willingness to instigate a creative and intense 'sidewalk chalk' grassroots promotion campaign.