Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jaye King brings pop, R&B, gospel, and funk together on his debut Centricity Music album, All God, Not Me. Behind its hopeful sound is a personal story shaped by growing up without his father present, watching his mother raise four children, and becoming a husband and father himself. In this interview, King discusses the experiences behind "Hard Place," what Blanca brings to their collaboration, and why "Valleys" remains a song he is still working through in his own life.
Q: Before we get to All God, Not Me, who is Jaye King as an artist? How did playing drums, bass, and keys shape the sound you wanted to make?
A: I'm working hard to narrow this down. Here is how I'd say it today:
As an artist, I'm a Jesus centered creative, musician, songwriter, and storyteller that uses music to remind people that their story isn't over.
Playing the instruments listed above gave me an opportunity to explore the various styles/genres of music that use them. Funk, soul, jazz, blues, r&b, rap, rock to name a few. Everything I'm creating pulls from these genres and fuses them as a result of my musical experiences.
Q: Your album moves between pop, R&B, gospel, and funk. What did that range allow you to express that one musical style could not?
A: Emotion. We all have a "range" of emotions that one genre would be hard to communicate. Not impossible but hard. As humans, we navigate a range of emotions in our lives. Musical styles help us express that in a song. Each one of the genres you mentioned has a distinct characteristic that allows me to express myself authentically.
Q: "Hard Place" turns a familiar phrase into a song about hope. What experience gave the song its personal meaning, and what did Blanca bring to the new version?
A: Growing up without a father in my home, seeing my mom raise FOUR kids alone, navigating development as a man without healthy representation are a few experiences that gave "Hard Place" its meaning. My life journey is not a straight line. Nothing wrong with a squeaky clean life, it's just not my story. Recognizing Jesus met me where I was, got His hands dirty and turned my life around is the gospel story at work in my life.
Blanca radiates the message in this song. When you listen to her music, you hear her authenticity showing up. Her life, the culture, perspective, voice and testimony she carries is felt when you hear her sing this song. I'm so thankful to have her step into this song with me. She's a powerhouse!
Q: "Valleys" speaks to testing and renewal. What did you have to work through before you could write that song honestly?
A: I had to work through disappointment, dark moments of my life story, the year of 2020, and honestly I'm still "working through" this song in my life. Valleys are not a one-time experience and I hope to go through them now with a new perspective. The valley only has shadows because there is light breaking through. Jesus is that light that never leaves or forsakes us. I still have life in the valley. Truthfully, I don't like it when I'm in them but I thank God for the valleys.
Q: You have spoken about growing up without your father present and becoming a husband and father yourself. How has that journey changed the stories you choose to tell in your music?
A: I get to speak to both sides. Our history doesn't have the final say. The choices we make today do. I'm an advocate for those choosing a new path and breaking generational curses. I get to be honest about my experiences while celebrating who and where I am today. There's hope on the other side of disappointing circumstances. I'm proof God can turn the mess into a miracle.
Q: The album is called All God, Not Me. What does that statement mean to you in daily life, especially when your faith feels harder to hold onto?
A: This statement in my daily life means, "I don't know how and I don't know when but I know who God is and what He can do." However things play out, I can declare it was "All God, Not me." God this is all you. I trust you. You're gonna get the glory out of this.
It doesn't change that life is hard and I have to go through it but man it gives me confidence to know God is with me and fighting for me.
That's the thing about faith. Without it, it's impossible to please God. We have to believe He exists and rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6) When faith feels harder to hold onto, HOLD ON. Mustard seeds are tiny and that's all the faith you need.
For all the latest Jaye King music, tour and more news, visit www.jayeking.com and follow him on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.
