News

Performance Tomorrow at Norton Creek Elementary!

2010-02-09T10:45:00.002-06:00

Closed show and presentation, for students only. Just announced: I will be presenting and performing in West Chicago as a part of the school's series on "writing in the real world". I'll be talking about my process for songwriting and how I write lyrics, particularly. Details on my shows page.

New Gear has Arrived!

2010-02-04T09:28:00.002-06:00

After much thought, planning, researching, spending, and waiting, my new live performance rig is finally complete! In the last few weeks, I've blogged about ordering a new computer to use on stage with me, problems with a pedal, and a few other things. All of those issues *appear* to be *solved*, and it's now up to me to make sure that I fully utilize the tools I have for live shows.

I have set a self-imposed deadline for getting my new live show up to speed. Why? Because I need it, and because I really, really think you all are going to want to see this in action - sooner than later. (Less talk about it, Mathes, and more prepping it!) So here it is: by March 3rd, my re-tooled live equipment setup will be performance-ready.

For those curious, here's my setup: I'm running one acoustic and one electric into a Boss LS-2 (AB box), into an Apogee Gio, into Logic/Mainstage (depending on the song). I'm using the stereo output of the Gio to connect to the house PA system.

"We are very, very close..."

2009-12-13T16:07:00.004-06:00

I just got word from The Gap on Friday. John Alagia still has not selected a winner for the Best Song contest, but according to representative, Michael Balser, "We are very, very close to determining a winner."

I am still confident in the music that I submitted, and look forward to hearing the results of this contest. I would be humbled and honored to be selected - and hope that I am!

Again, this contest began with over 15,000 applicants, whittled down to 750, then carved down to the top 50, where I still remain standing. One, grand prize winner will receive a one-album production deal with John Alagia.

New 2010 Jay Mathes Logo Announced!

2009-12-07T13:11:00.007-06:00

Red Line Tap Show Tonight!

2009-11-22T15:40:00.002-06:00

Be there! and meet Jay's new band member, Mr. DL4 Delay Pedal.

New Concert Videos on YouTube!

2009-10-28T22:24:00.003-05:00

Just posted on Jay's YouTube profile today: three videos from his show at Uncommon Ground Coffeehouse, Wrigleyville, in Chicago on September 25, 2009. All new songs: Politician, Broken Well, and Jump. Check 'em out: http://youtube.com/jaymathesmusic

Music Video to be Co-Produced with Nick Gray

2009-10-21T16:18:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone! I just wanted to let you all know that it looks like a good friend of mine, Nick Gray, over at shadeofgraydesign.com (he does mostly web design, but he's getting in to video), and I are going to be working together on my debut music video. We're still talking it through, but it's all in the works. In fact, I expect a call from Nick this week... I'll keep you all in the loop. -JM

Jay Featured in G2.fm Intro Video

2009-10-13T12:10:00.002-05:00

The newly-launched concert-booking website, G2.fm, contacted Jay last month about being featured in the site's intro video. The video was published on their website just a few days ago. Check it out at G2.fm!

Just Announced! Jay is in the Top 50!

2009-10-06T13:22:00.003-05:00

Just confirmed today, via email, Jay has placed in the top 50 of The Gap's Best Song Contest. As a finalist, Jay's music will now be heard by legendary music producer, John Alagia (producer for John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Josh Kelley, OAR, Ben Folds, Dave Matthews Band), who will select one grand prize winner for a single album production deal. The winner is expected to be announced on October 21st.

All-New YouTube Channel Promotion

2009-10-03T15:29:00.002-05:00

I needed to let you all know about this new promotion I'm doing for my YouTube channel:

If you're one of the first 50 channel subscribers, I'll send you a link to download my new album, Glimmer, for free. No other strings attached.

For those of you who are already subscribers, if you get 5 or more friends to subscribe, I'll let you tell me what you want me to give you - within reason, of course. For starters, whatever it is has to relate to my music. Some examples might be: a T-shirt, a CD, buttons, stickers, or other merch, maybe an autographed baseball, a song written just for you, a digital copy of the music video I'm working on right now, etc.

If you're up for the challenge, you could really help me out.

Also, watch my video about this new promotion here: http://youtube.com/jaymathesmusic

New YouTube Vid Posted

2009-09-30T12:01:00.001-05:00

http://youtube.com/jaymathesmusic

Jay Mathes on YouTube.com

2009-08-24T22:48:00.001-05:00

I just posted a new video on YT. Watch it here:

http://www.youtube.com/jaymathesmusic#play/all/uploads-all/0/NafcXI_qa1w

The Gap Selects Jay as a BORN TO PLAY Artist!

2009-08-11T16:47:00.005-05:00

With over 15,000 bands competing, The Gap has selected Jay Mathes as a BORN TO PLAY recording artist! As one of this select group of up-and-coming performers, Jay will be performing at The Gap's 40th Anniversary Bash, in Racine, Wisconsin, on Thursday, August 20th, from 7-9 PM.

The party celebrates The Gap's 40 year heritage of jeans and music, and will feature free food, give-aways, coupons, and, of course, live music. In addition, Jay's selection puts him in to the next round, where one, hand-picked artist will receive studio time with legendary music producer, John Alagia (John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Dave Matthews Band, OAR, and Josh Kelley).

Glimmer Share and Download Campaign

2009-08-07T15:09:00.000-05:00

Share Jay's music with three friends and download the new album, Glimmer, NOW - FOR FREE! Here's how:

1. Go here:http://www.jaymathes.com/downloads/glimmer

2. Complete the form that says "Share and Download Now!"

3. Download the zip file from the link provided on the new page.

4. Listen and enjoy!

This promotion is for a limited time only!

Summer Festivals, House Concerts

2009-05-22T15:02:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to let you all know that a few concerts are now in the works for the summer, including festivals, house concerts, and college shows for the fall. More details coming soon. In the meantime, check me out at the local hang, La Spiaza, on Friday, June 19th, at 8 PM.

New Album, New Website

2009-04-28T21:56:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the new jaymathes.com! Listen to songs from the new album, Glimmer, using the music player link in the upper, right-hand corner.

Glimmer Initial Mixes Complete

2009-04-15T12:52:00.002-05:00

I just finished up the initial mixes for Glimmer last night. I'm really happy with how everything is sounding. I'll be sitting on the recordings for a week, then doing a final mix this coming weekend. We're almost there.

Glimmer Album Release!

2009-04-07T08:39:00.004-05:00

On Tuesday, April 28, 2009, my new album, Glimmer, will be released! You can pre-order the album today, at the Jay Mathes Store, or buy a digital copy online on the 28th. The new website will also launch on the 28th, and will feature music from the new album, new pictures, and song lyrics from all of Jay's albums.

New Song from The City Completed and Online!

2009-03-06T14:59:00.003-06:00

In the early morning of Friday, March 6th, 2009, The City completed the final mix for their first song recording together. The song is called "The New Logic," and is available to listen to on the group's website, thecitymusic.com.

The City is Gary Stanton and Jay Mathes. The mystery of Chicago: the atmosphere, the people, the way of life that we all find so appealing. This is the music of The City.

Now Producing!

2009-01-28T13:41:00.004-06:00

If you haven't heard, in the last few, months I've just started to produce and record music for other, local artists. If you are looking for a cozy space to record you and your band in, and if you're interested in working closely with a producer, check out the website for Swiftly Running Records:

http://jaymathes.com/srr

Sessions start at just $20/hr, and includes everything - except dinner. I have a small set-up, but it's effective, just as long as you come to the table with an open mind about what a modern studio looks like today.

January 2009 Newsletter Now Available!

2009-01-08T13:14:00.005-06:00

Read the January 2009 Newsletter here:

http://jaymathes.com/newsletters/20090105

Check out the latest video blog on YouTube or Facebook:

http://youtube.com/jaymathesmusic

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=544316094507&subj=48609039

Risque Cafe Show on Saturday!

2009-01-03T16:21:00.003-06:00

Come on out to the Risque Cafe in Wrigleyville this coming Saturday, January 10th for a great show! I will be performing and trading sets with Brandon Briggs. Here are the details:

Saturday, January 10th, 2009 10:00 PM

Risque Cafe

w/ Brandon Briggs

3419 N Clark St.

Chicago, IL 60657

(773) 525-7711

Price: No cover; $2 beer special!

"Glimmer" Slated for April 2009 Release

2008-12-25T13:12:00.004-06:00

Just letting you all know that we're still on track to release "Glimmer" in April 2009. Check out a video blog about the new album, including a lo-fi audio sample from my apartment recording studio here: http://youtube.com/jaymathesmusic

U.P. of Michigan Show on Friday!

2008-12-01T08:17:00.003-06:00

This Friday, December 5th, I will be performing with Restoration Project at Grace Church of Gladstone, MI. Contact the church for more details: http://www.gracegladstone.com/

Jay Signs with Chicago Artist Manager

2008-11-17T13:42:00.001-06:00

After spending several months emailing back and forth, chatting over the phone, and meeting at new age coffee shops in Chicago, I have decided to partner with an up and coming artist manager. I'd like to introduce to you Meredith Reynolds, who will be helping me out with everything from booking shows to street team relations to running my merch table at shows.

Meredith starts this week.