HipHopSince1987: Jay, thank you for joining us today. To start, I’d like to ask about your experience working with various artists in Milan.
Jay-Carter: Thank you for having me. My experience in Milan was intriguing but also somewhat disappointing. I noticed that many artists there are not truly committed to investing in their dreams. In contrast, I find more opportunities in Switzerland, where there is both financial support and a stronger work ethic among artists. In Italy, many expect others to handle everything for them, from writing lyrics to music production. This mindset was surprising to me.
HipHopSince1987: You’ve mentioned that many Italian artists lack authenticity. Could you elaborate on what you mean by that?
Jay Carter: Certainly. I’ve observed that many Italian artists project an image that is not reflective of their reality. It often feels like an illusion aimed at young people aspiring to enter the music industry. Many rappers and trappers claim to represent street life and the struggles of the ghetto, but in reality, they come from privileged backgrounds. It’s a stark contrast to the experiences of American artists, who often speak from genuine life experiences.
HipHopSince1987: You also shared some thoughts about Italian record labels. What is your perspective on them?
Jay-Carter: In my opinion, many Italian record labels operate with hidden mechanisms that help young artists secure financial backing to inflate their streaming numbers. However, despite the millions of streams some Italian artists accumulate on platforms like Spotify, record labels retain a significant portion of the earnings, leaving the artists with only a small fraction of the revenue.
HipHopSince1987: You’ve had some challenging experiences in New York. How have those shaped your music?
Jay-Carter: Living in New York was incredibly difficult. I started from nothing and lived in some of the most dangerous neighborhoods, such as the Bronx and Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn. I even found myself caught in street violence, including shootings. These experiences not only shaped me as an artist but also gave me a unique perspective that I bring to my music. Additionally, I built financial success that I could never have achieved in Italy. Most importantly, I earned trust and respect on my own from the American community—something that Italian artists, without record labels acting as intermediaries, would struggle to accomplish as I did.
Interviewer: What would you like to bring to Italy to support its artists?
Jay-Carter: My goal is to establish a bridge between Italy and the United States so that Italian artists don’t have to endure the same struggles I faced. However, my work and expertise come at a cost—I cannot provide these opportunities for free. I encourage truly committed artists to reach out to me. I firmly believe that the Italian rap scene needs to redefine its vision and cultivate its own identity rather than attempting to imitate the American style unsuccessfully.
HipHopSince1987 : Before we conclude, is there anyone you would like to acknowledge?
Jay-Carter: Absolutely. I would like to extend my gratitude to HipHopSince1987 for their unwavering support and for providing me with the platform to share my journey. Their dedication to promoting hip-hop culture and giving artists a voice is invaluable. I truly appreciate their efforts.
HipHopSince1987 : We understand you recently released a book. Could you share more details about it?
Jay-Carter: Certainly. I recently published a mini book titled The Art of Sound: Introduction to Sound Engineering through my record label, JCMG Records. It serves as a foundational guide for beginners looking to enter the world of studio recording and music production. The book covers fundamental concepts and industry insights to help aspiring producers and artists navigate the early stages of their careers. Additionally, I am currently working on the second volume, which will delve deeper into advanced techniques and professional studio workflows. The book is available in both paperback and digital formats on Amazon.
HipHopSince1987 : Thank you, Jay. Do you have any final advice for young Italian artists?
Jay-Carter: Yes. My advice is to remain genuine and authentic. It’s far better to develop your own style and artistic vision than to poorly replicate someone else’s. Stay true to yourself and put in the hard work required to achieve your dreams.
Official Website: jaycartermusic.com
Instagram: @realjaycarter
Facebook: JayCarterGroup
YouTube: JayCarterMusicVEVO
Buy on Amazon : https://shorturl.at/wOUqZ
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