JAI26

Hi, I’m JAI — “Jam And Improvise,” which pretty much sums up how I make music. You can call me JAI or James.

I’ve been playing guitar since I was a teenager, and I started recording back in the day on a 4-track cassette recorder. Later I graduated to a digital 8-track setup, which felt like a huge leap at the time.

Then life got busy — I took about a 15-year break from recording while raising kids and doing the whole grown-up thing.

Fast forward to 2025: the kids are grown, and I jumped back in. I started teaching myself a DAW (Ardour), and I honestly can’t believe how far things have come. It feels like stepping into the future.

Right now I feel like a kid in a candy store again — experimenting, learning, and rediscovering what I love about making music. And with all the new tools available (even AI-assisted vocals), it’s an incredible time to be creating from the humble home basement studio.

I play guitar, bass, and a little synth. I’m definitely not a “great musician” in the technical sense — just someone who enjoys experimenting and following ideas wherever they go.

Ardour (ubuntu studio)

I still run my guitar through a trusty old Digitech GSP-2101 from the ’90s — and yeah, I think it still holds up just fine. Some of my beats also come from a Korg Electribe R MkII, giving things that classic hardware groove and grit.

Top 3 all time favorite songs (They never get old)
Free Falling - Tom Petty
The End of Heartache - Killswitch Engage
Blurry - Puddle of Mud

My musical influences are all over the map in the best way. I grew up on rock, alternative and grunge, got into heavier stuff like metalcore, and I’ve always had a soft spot for strong songwriting and honest lyrics. There’s also a love for hip hop, electronic music, and even bluegrass in the mix — anything with a good groove, a hook, or a bit of soul tends to stick with me. I’m drawn to music that feels real, whether it’s raw and heavy, melodic and reflective, or built for the dance floor.

Who knows???