Meet The Artist: Jaysin Cadell
When he's off the baseball field, local artist Jaysin Cadell is in the studio making music. Inspired by artists ranging from Justin Bieber to Morgan Wallan, Jaysin is known best for his unique blend of country and pop music. Raised in Sacramento, the singer/songwriter now calls San Diego home.
Tell us about your musical background. When did you start making music? What inspired you to start releasing your own music?
“I am a college baseball coach and have worked really hard to create a successful career on the diamond. However, those who grew up around me know I've always had a passion for singing and songwriting. While I was in elementary school, in the late hours of the night when my family was asleep, I remember sitting on the corner of my bed listening to music through my earphones, pretending I was performing in a stadium in front of thousands of people. Although it has taken longer than I would have liked, making music is something I am incredibly passionate about.”
“During my freshman year at the University of Arizona (2016), I decided to email dozens and dozens of local musicians and vocal teachers expressing an interest in making music for the first time. I received one reply from Hugo Vera who, at the time, was a vocal coach with the UA Fred Fox School of Music. Simply put, he introduced me to the world of music and gave me the confidence to write and vocalize my first original songs.”
“Before Covid, I tracked and released my first three pop tracks from my friend’s closet in Tucson (‘Foolish Kids,’ ‘They Don’t Know,’ and ‘Sun Go Down’). Were they good? At the time I thought they were going to go Platinum. Looking back now, no, they weren’t very good. But they were a first step. They were the first building blocks. I believe I’ve come a long way from those first pieces of art. “
“While living back home in 2021, I sent an email to Alec Martin, Studio Manager/Producer at BlckLbl Studios in Sacramento. After introducing me to his professional music studio for the first time, with the help of Alec, his team, and several instrumental producers, I dedicated a lot of time and effort to creating my first EP titled “…” (To Be Continued). Since then, I’ve released 6 more pop singles, and my first country EP titled A Boy With A Backward Ballcap with BlckLbl. This summer, I will be releasing my third EP.”
“At this very moment, I have 772 vocal recordings on my Voice Memos app of different snippets and ideas that I hope to one day create in the studio. My brain is my inspiration in making music, and I am constantly allowing my thoughts to originate new lyrics and melodies for future projects. I have always had a desire to share my musical ideas with those around me. I’m so beyond happy that I now have the confidence and resources to do that, and I can’t wait to see how my music evolves over the coming years.”
Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations?
“Justin Bieber’s ‘Purpose’ Album is the sole reason I took a chance on my music career. Justin’s authentic realness as a musician has always been the foundation for my own journey within the studio.”
“Morgan Wallen is the inspiration behind my newly-found love for country music. His energy and persona on stage is contagious, and his music expresses so much life and excitement.”
“Post Malone, Zach Bryan, and Noah Kahan are other artists I greatly enjoy and hope to slightly emulate through my future releases. “
What is the biggest challenge for you when it comes to writing songs?
“Writing lyrics is the easiest aspect of the music process for me. In high school, I discovered I had a knack for fictional and creative writing after winning a senior year school-wide short story writing project. Storytelling and lyrical composition have always come naturally, and I believe my music showcases that ability well. Songs like ‘Simple Love’ and ‘You’re A Summer In Louisiana’ were written in a single sit-down, and most of my tracks, including ‘Dandelion,’ were written in no more than two sessions. Of course, not every song is written the same, as some tracks do take longer than others. Writer’s block is a real thing, and I have come down with a case of the blockage before. Nonetheless, I love sitting down and allowing words to flow seamlessly from my hand to paper.”
“Financially funding my music has been and continues to be my biggest challenge. I have invested thousands and thousands of dollars into myself and my passion. Although the listeners and streams haven’t quite reached a sustainable level, I will continue to devote my own time, energy, and savings to my music creation.”
What is the common theme to most of the songs you write?
“I’ve never thought about ‘a common theme’ within my music before and believe as a singer/songwriter, I should never settle on my music. I want to continue exploring new sounds, lyrics, and messages to keep my listeners engaged and curious about what is to come. I never want my audience “anticipating” what’s next. I also find it more enjoyable as an artist to approach every new music project as its own entity and give my brain a chance to build something out of nothing.”
Tell us about your most recent release, "A Boy with a Backward Ballcap." WHat was the process of creating this EP and what is the primary message?
“The process began on a June night last summer up in Reno when my friends and I visited the Jack Daniel’s Tent, an entertaining hotspot where the alcohol flows at the Reno Rodeo. Naturally, after a night full of twists and turns and all the fun that comes with one’s first rodeo, I sat down within the following days and wrote a song about my experience. Following the completion of ‘Jack Daniel’s Tent,’ I wanted to shift gears from my pop background and transition into the development of my first country EP.”
“The one thing you should know about young college baseball coaches is we devote massive amounts of time and energy to the betterment of our career growth with very little to no financial profit in return. While coaching in the Bay Area last year, I lived in the program’s locker room to save money. The modest space with no bathroom or sink or stovetop was where most of the EP was written. My song ‘A Boy With A Backward Ballcap’ encapsulates a snapshot of my current life. Scrappy, hard-working, and honest, waking up each day loving what I do but hoping there’s at least one day a month I can escape the daily routine and have a memorable night with my friends.”
“‘You’re A Summer In Louisiana’ might be one of my favorite tracks I’ve released. It is definitely the most popular track from my latest EP, and I believe its poetic name and enjoyable instrumentals make for a great listen.”
“I’ve reached the age where a lot of my friends are now tying the knot with their significant others, and I wanted to write a song celebrating their big days and all that comes with spending forever with your true love. ‘All Worth The While’ is a track that does just that and hopefully resonates well with those who are just beginning their lives together.”
I wouldn’t say there is an overarching message to my most recent EP. Each track is unique in its own way, and with it being my first country release, I hope it can set a great foundation for a future within country music. The process behind my new EP was a lot of fun. Overall, it took seven months for all four songs to be written, recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered, and I am so excited for more and more listeners to hear the songs.
If you could go on tour with one artist, who would it be?
“Morgan Wallen. As I said before, the liveliness he brings to the stage enriches his fan’s experience, and I believe our personas would pair well on stage. No gimmicks, no scripts. Just a couple of boys in backward ballcaps who love singing and engaging with their audience.”
“When it comes to making a song with another artist, Justin Bieber will always remain at the top of the list. I remember being in 7th grade and secretly loving his music. He’s the reason I got into music, and if given a chance to pick his brain and record in the studio together, it would be a special experience.”
Is there anything you have planned in the future that you want to let listeners know about?
“More than anything, I want to create authentic and genuine music. I want people to see a young artist who is taking a chance on himself, not for notoriety, but for the purpose of passion. I do this to fulfill that young boy’s dream of releasing music that people truly enjoy.”
“My third EP will be released this summer. My new project will be an incorporation of both country and folk-pop. As I progress in my music journey, I find myself wanting to be more acoustical, and I believe this EP will demonstrate that well. Voice and instrument. Nothing more, nothing less. I’m so excited for people to hear this next project of mine, and I really appreciate all the people who have taken time out of their days to give my music a listen!”