Meet J Cae | Music Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with J Cae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi J, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Being true to myself and trying to live out what God has for me. That’s the main reason behind my name J Cae. I’m not trying to be anyone else but me. I’m a Nerd/Geek that likes anime, and other related topics, a combination that is pretty niche in and of itself. I still struggle with some aspects like marketing, but it’s something that I’m improving on. At the end of it all, I’m doing what I do best, growing, developing, and having fun with it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’d like to describe my music as poetry. A poem can range from the most basic piece to something a lot more complex. I try to encompass the mindset in the lyrics I write and the sounds I create. This extends into the sound as you will hear different genres of music. From Rock Rap, to Future Bass/EDM to Hip Hop, I let my music find its way in whatever sound I choose. I believe that’s what keeps it interesting and unique. And since I listen to different sounds, I want to create different sounds. So with the ability to create with different sounds while also having solid, hard hitting lyrics, you have an artist that can be dangerous and is full of potential and drive.

With that said, nothing really comes easy. Everyone has to start somewhere. Many don’t start at all. But for the ones that do, the journey gets more adventurous as you progress. Some start as a kid. I didn’t start making my own music/start Youtube until 2017 while I was in college. It was rough because I didn’t have an understanding really of what I was doing and also time restraints due to studying. But like previously stated, you have to start somewhere. And that’s where poetry was crucial. Some of the poems I wrote during that time slowly turned into raps. Finding instrumentals on Youtube and configuring what I wrote to the beat. Recording with what I had and not a clue what mixing was. I’ll call it for what it is. Humble beginnings. I made due with what I had and didn’t let whatever what could be said deter me from my path. Also, I’m only human, and something my dad always tells me is to take a break. So I do, and then get back into it when I’m ready. Looking back, I went form recording on my android phone/laptop at the time, to a MacBook Pro/iMac combo today. Things were costly as I upgraded overtime, but it’s paying off as I continue learning. Remembering how you started and what you endured to get to where you are currently keeps you humble and thankful. Even then, I still have a lot climbing and journeying to do before I reach where I truly would like to be. So I’ll continue being a student looking to learn more. Speaking of learning, I’ve been blessed with connections such as fellow artist Mark Cooper. He’s helped growing artists like myself continuously develop the artistry by giving tips and tricks in music production. Thank you Mark!

For anyone reading this, don’t give up. Enjoy the little things. Are you making progress on a goal or objective? Even if it’s not the grand prize, just keep moving forward. Rome wasn’t built in a day. I could have given up years ago when things weren’t working out for me. Jealousy, anger, and pride could have taken over, but those waters were halted. Thank God. I could have been bitter about my growth rate as an artist, and you will have those moments. But you have to remember that this is your journey, your race to run, not anyone else’s. I want people to know that even the underdogs have a ground to stand on. Even the quote on quote background characters have a role to play. Whether you are the sun or a firefly, you still have a light to shine. Bringing up something previously, my artist name is J Cae because I’m just being me. I may not have the biggest voice in the room, but if I want to speak and make myself known, God willing, you’re going to know who J Cae is. People may ignore and criticize me and the music I make, but if I love what I create, then who can truly stop me. However, if you don’t get out of your own way, you’ll never make it to where you need to be. So even though it’s a struggle at times, it’s a journey that I’m on for the long run, and I don’t want to stop until my time on earth is done, God willing a long life. No one can change that except the Man above. But I believe it’ll work out. It just takes time, patience, and perseverance.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To be honest, I tend to be a homebody. But when I do go out, one place I would take a friend or relative would be Grumpy’s Restaurant in Orange Park. The food there is peak! I usually get an omelette w/pancakes and I would split the waffle of the day with friends. Speaking of, they always change of the waffle of the day, so it’s definitely new and interesting experiences every time. The best part is they always hit the mark. Another spot I’d recommend is Soupa Noodle Bar with its Anime Themed style if you’re into that. If it’s convention time, I’d recommend Bold Matusri and WasabiCon in Jacksonville to enjoy the Japanese styled scenery and pick up any merchandise/food. Also, Winter Jam usually comes around the Jacksonville area if you’re down for Christian music/entertainment from artist like Skillet and KB. Of course, being Florida based, we could always go to the Orlando area and go to Disney/Universal Studios/SeaWorld.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First off. I have to give Glory to God being a follower of Christ. There were many moments I wanted to quit and give up, but the prayers wouldn’t have come to fruition if I did. It takes Faith and trusting in Him to guide you where you need to be. Which leads into the next point. I want to thank my family. My mom who is the self proclaimed #1 supporter (she really is though), my Dad who listens to me all the time practicing and supporting my journey. My brothers who give me words of encouragement and advice when I’m producing or struggling. My Uncle who was there for me throughout my adolescence and adult life. All the friends I’ve made along the way who hear me rap or are tuning in to my journey. And last but not least, I have to shout out my friends in my music group called The Hydragoons. It feels like a brotherhood with them as we grow, learn, support each other, and strive to achieve our dreams. The group came around a good time when I was ready to give up on music groups/collectives. We’ve been going strong ever since the group started back in 2023.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcae_yt/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JCae19

Other: Merch Shop: https://j-cae-shop.fourthwall.com
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/j-cae/1547636027
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6rzEzXzo28agg4ODVgNHjE
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jcae_yt

Image Credits
ShieruDoll
Mark Cooper
MagFest
Twill Distilled
J Cae