Monday, November 17, 2008

Jay Signs with Chicago Artist Manager

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.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Song Feat. on Sundance Film Festival Compilation

Announced just today, Tim Sweeney and Associates has selected Jay Mathes' song "Commit" for their 2009 Sundance Film Festival compilation CD! The album features some of the best independent music available for indie filmmakers to use for their new projects. The compilation CD will also be distributed to attenders of this year's Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival, in January.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

New Vids and Pics Up!

New vids and pics are now up on YouTube, Flickr, and Facebook from my September Tour, this past week! Here are the links:

http://youtube.com/jaymathesmusic
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jay-Mathes/7804587530
http://flickr.com/photos/jaymathes

Thank you, everyone, for making this a tour I'll never forget.

Friday, September 12, 2008

On the Road... (again?)

Well, this isn't my first road trip, but this is my first road trip for my music. I'm super-excited, and my stomach is in knots, all the same. I've never been nervous before a show before. But yesterday I was. And I still have that unsettled stomach feeling this morning.

The shows yesterday were great. At Follett's, in the afternoon, I learned humility. At Courtyard Cafe, I played to a healthy group of friends. I also made a few new ones. Today is day 2, and I'm looking forward to meeting new faces at Noah's.

Thanks to everyone here at U of I - all my friends - for coming out and supporting me. I really appreciate it, and I really feel blessed.

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

More Shows Added for September Tour!

Check out the SHOWS CALENDAR for all the dates for Jay's September Tour! We may even be adding more in the next two days! Stops include: U of I/Champaign IL, IndWes/Marion IN, Cleveland OH, Yale U./New Haven CT, and BSU/Boston MA!

Monday, August 25, 2008

Putting It All Together

Over the coming weeks, you'll notice a few, subtle changes in our online "real estate." I'm really working hard to spread the word about my music, and one way in which I'm giving that a shot is by connecting all of the different web pages and profiles that I have, including Flickr, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, and Facebook Music.

No website is equal to the next, and I've found that different sites do better at managing different content. Flickr for pics, Facebook for community, MySpace for music, YouTube for video... The point is, take a look around! Subscribe to my blog, send a friend request on Facebook or MySpace, and subscribe to my Video Blog on YouTube.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

The Video Blog Begins

This past Thursday marked the inauguration of the Jay Mathes Vlog on YouTube.com. You can subscribe to the weekly Vlog by going to my YouTube page (http://youtube.com/jaymathesmusic), logging in, and clicking "subscribe" in the upper-left corner of my profile. This is the first post.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Song Featured on Temecula Film Fest Compilation

Just this morning, I finalized a deal with Tim Sweeney to be included on a hand-picked compilation CD that will be distributed to filmmakers at the 2008 Temecula Valley International Film Festival. In his own words, Tim said that my music was among the top 1% that him and his team have listened to. I'm really looking forward to the opportunities that this deal will open up, including working with indie directors to get my music placed in their films.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Shows in TN and KY

This week, I'll be traveling down to Mammoth Cave, KY, and Memphis, TN for some R and R. What exactly does that mean? Not quite sure yet. I'm always on the clock. But* I may try to find a small place to put on a short, impromptu show. I'll fill you all in on the trip as soon as I get home.

Monday, June 02, 2008

Concert Added for Fall Tour

Added to Jay's Fall Tour is a show at Bridgewater College, in Bridgewater, Massachusetts! In the coming weeks, we'll be posting the dates for the tour on the SHOWS PAGE.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Updates to the Website

Those of you who have followed Jay over the last two years of this musical ride will most certainly notice a few new changes to the website. Over the next few weeks, we will be updating a lot of the signature, "mainstay" images that you have all come to recognize as a part of the site. But alas! things change.

You'll also soon see a new pictures feature on the media page, as well as new icons, wallpaper, etc. And don't pass over the new Facebook image link at the bottom of the site. For those of you who haven't added Jay as a friend, or listed yourself as a "fan" on Jay's FB music profile, go on... click the new image!

More updates on their way...

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Restoration Project on WETN!

You can now hear Restoration Project on WETN, 88.1 FM, Wheaton College Radio. Call or email to request airplay for a song from the album: 630-752-5074 or wetn@wheaton.edu.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Restoration Project Album Release Show

As many of you know, Jay has spent the last nine months working on a new album with some friends of his. Finally. The album is done, and the release is just around the corner. The title? Restoration Project. Check out the website, here: RESPROJ.COM, and check out the SHOWS PAGE for info about the CD release show on April 19th, with SLEEPING AT LAST.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Tour Slated for Fall 2008

We're working hard to book a college tour for 2008, and things are beginning to piece together. We'll see you all on the road - at your school - in the fall. We still have a few openings for the Spring, so please contact us if you'd like to have Jay play at your school (this Spring or coming Autumn): jaymathes@jaymathes.com.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

New Songs on JM.com

Problem solved. New songs now in rotation on jaymathes.com. Check out "You Coulda Been" and "Not Rainin'" from the Nashville Sessions, in the music player area.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

New Pics on FB

I just put pics up from the Follett's show on FB. Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=48609039&k=46MXZ364T3TAZ1MDX1ZX

Friday, October 26, 2007

Show This Saturday!

Just a quick reminder about the show this coming Saturday at U of I! Here are teh details:

Saturday, October 27th, 2007 3:00 PM
Homecoming Show
Follett's Bookstore at University of Illinois
Urbana, IL
Price: FREE
The homecoming game starts at 11 AM.
Jay plays at 3 PM, or immediately following the game, if later.

Monday, October 08, 2007

"Nashville Sessions" Recordings Available on MS!

If you haven't checked out my profile on Myspace.com for a while, you may not have noticed I have two new tracks available from my trip to Nashville this past July. Hope you dig the tunes. Here's the link: http://myspace.com/jaymathes

-JM.

Friday, September 21, 2007

Upcoming Shows

I've been having some trouble with the main page of the website, so I figured I'd let you all know that I do have things cookin':

On October 6th, I'll be performing at the Homecoming Dance of Glenbard East High School in Lombard, IL. Students only, of course.

This coming weekend I'll be leading music for the 129 20-somethings ministry at College Church. We'll be hanging out at Phantom Ranch in WI for a few days.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Master Recordings In Hand from Nashville!

Finally! I just received the master recordings from the Nashville sessions just a few days ago! I'll be posting them online shortly, and you all will be able to hear the hard work we've been putting in over the last four months!

In other news, we're working on a live video from the Two Way Street show last month, but we're running into a few snags - slowly but surely... We'll let you know when it's up and ready.

And don't forget: NEW album out in Feb/Mar '08!

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Thanks! (TWS Show Last Week)

I just want to say thanks to Peter Frederiksen and Mike Mkrtschjan for making music with me last week at Two Way Street Coffee House, and for everyone else who came out! I had a great time, and I'm looking forward to doing more shows in the future, talking about how and why I wrote some songs, and what inspired me. Special thanks to the crew at the Moraine Water Park, who I had the pleasure of hanging out with a little bit two nights in a row!

Friday, July 20, 2007

Show THIS FRIDAY! @ TWS

Three reasons why you and a friend should come to see me play this coming Friday at Two Way Street Coffee House in Downers Grove, IL:

1. I'm performing with Peter Frederiksen (bass) and Mike Mkrtschjan (BGV's)
2. This is a super-special, super-rare show, where I'll be sharing the stories behind each of the songs I'll be performing. It's been over two years since I've done a show like this!!!
3. I need your support, and would love to see you all there, sharing in the music

Show details are on my
SHOWS PAGE.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

"Commit" Featured on Garageband.com

I just got word today that on July 18th, my song "Commit" will be featured on the front page of Garageband.com's Alternative Pop section. HERE'S A LINK to check it out for yourself on the 18th! Garageband says the feature is "a result of some very enthusiastic reviews from GarageBand.com members." Thanks everyone!

Monday, July 02, 2007

Next Shows...

Just wanted to remind you all of my upcoming show at 2WS on Friday, July 27th. It's going to be totally different than any show I've done over the past two years. Before I perform each song, I'm going to give a brief story about how the song was written, what it's about, etc. I'm still settling on the details for this show, including instrumentation, etc., but this place is small, in a coffeehouse in the basement of a church, and has that intimate atmosphere... Come check it out! Details on my UPCOMING SHOWS page.

Also, I'm booking now for a fall tour, and I'd like to book several shows at colleges in the midwest. If you know the contact person for setting up shows at your school (or you are that person), let me know! Let's get something on the calendar! You can call my booking phone line: 630-217-0084.

Monday, May 07, 2007

Recording in Nashville in June

Though Jay hasn't had any shows in while doesn't mean he hasn't been hard at work. He will be finalizing details this week with a producer in Nashville to do some recording there this coming June! Nothing is finalized yet, but, as you know, Jay is committed to making every new recording better than the last. This Nashville trip is no exception, and Jay is upping the ante of his game - bigtime. We'll keep you posted, but look for new recordings in Mid-July.

Jay is also solidifying his Summer schedule. If you'd like Jay to play for your event, party, or venue, check out his EPK.

Monday, April 16, 2007

T-Shirts On Sale Now!

For a limited time only, receive a free copy of any Jay Mathes CD when you purchase a brown "Logo T" from the Official Jay Mathes Online Store. Before your order ships, you'll be contacted via email to confirm which CD you'd like to receive with your order!

Monday, March 12, 2007

Show Cancelled!

I just needed to send out a quick news brief to you all about the show scheduled for tonight. Unfortunately, I have to cancel my show at Green Leaf. I've been sick since Tuesday, and am only now getting better. Please spread the word and let everyone know I can't make it!

Also, the open mic at Green Leaf is still scheduled as usual. So, if you're in to that, still show up! My apologies to those of you who were planning on coming tonight. But, plan on being at Fat Bean in a few weeks!

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Upcoming Shows!

Hey Everyone! Check the Calendar Page for my upcoming shows! There are two in the Chicago suburbs you all should come and check out! Thanks for your support! - Jay

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Meeting with Potential Band Manager

Hot off the press! Tomorrow night we have a meeting with a potential band manager! He's a friend of ours from Columbia College, and he's looking to get involved with a few more bands locally! This is just the first in a series of meetings to see if we are a good fit with him (and he with us).

As you already know, things have been seemingly slow on our end. Actually, they've been deceptively slow - just in terms of shows, etc. We've been spending a lot of time working through how we're going to approach the rest of 2007, and recording new tunes. The plan at this time is to release a series of acoustic recordings beginning sometime in February!

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Roosevelt University Show - November 17th!

Hey Everyone! I just wanted to make sure that all of you (especially the city crowd) knows about our show on the 17th. Details are on our shows page. Me and the whole band will be playing a chilled out hour and 30 minutes, with a little break in the middle to hang out.

Friday, October 20, 2006

Retreat Center Performances Newly Added!

College Church in Wheaton just recently asked Jay to perform for their junior high students on retreat at Dickson Valley Retreat Center, in Newark, IL - this weekend! Jay was happy to commit with them, and has written a song just for the group, fitting with the weekend's theme of "Loving God's Commandment to Love."

Monday, October 02, 2006

We're Comin' to NIU and U of I!

We're currently working to book shows and promote in DeKalb and Urbana IL, with the help of a couple friends of our at college out those ways. Be prepared for several shows over the next 6 months in each city. Also, check your college's bookstore frequently (and request the CD) if you go to NIU or U of I!

The next few months guarantee to be "big business" - we're now working with several promoters, producers, and agents to book shows, record a new promotional album, and "make things happen." Stay tuned... The best is yet to come...

-JM

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Jay Mathes Show This Saturday!!!!!

Everyone come out to the show this Saturday and support a great cause!

Saturday, September 23rd, 2006 7:00 PM
Toys for Tots Benefit Show
Green Leaf Coffe Shop
2400 S. Eola Rd
Aurora, IL 60504
Price: $4
With additional performances by: Ryan Dengel (7 PM) and The Standard Form of Falling (8:30 PM). Jay plays from 7:45-8:15 PM. Presented by Screaming Beaver Records

Monday, September 11, 2006

Internet Back-to-School Special! Now 'til Oct. 1st!

We're happy to announce that for the rest of the month of September, we're offering everyone back-to-school net pricing on a Jay Mathes "Logo T-shirt" + "Love Said CD" - just $12!!!! Here's how it works:

1. Go to the Jay Mathes Store: http://jaymathes.com/store.
2. Add the "Logo T-shirt" to your cart (for $12)
3. Pay for it by credit card or PayPal
4. We'll automatically send you a copy of Jay's new CD, "Love Said," with the order!

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

New Merch, Recording, Promo Person, Drums?

We have new merch! O.K., so it's not in our hands yet, but we have ordered it. We should have some new stuff available online in a couple weeks - and we'll definitely have it at our next show. Look for new buttons, stickers, and guys and girls shirts!

Next, you all should know that we're planning to hit the studio hard again soon. Our buddy, Brian Zieske, over at Gallery of Carpet Studios is going to help us out. Full band. Pro recording. And you'll be sure to know when the first recordings from the sessions become available. (We're pretty sure we'll record the new songs in shifts - not just in one slam dunk.)

Alright, I know there's a lot here, but continue reading! We're also looking for a new part-time-"ish" promo person for the western suburbs. Any takers? If you're interested in helping us promote, and getting free stuff for doing it (maybe a bit of cash, too), then go to our MYSPACE PAGE and send us a message telling us why you'd be great for the job.

Finally, we're also looking for a new drummer! If you know of anyone, again, direct them to myspace, and send us a message. Spread the love!

Monday, July 31, 2006

Exclusive mp3 Download!

If you sign up on the mailing list before September 1st, you'll receive an email with a link to a free, exclusive mp3 download - of one of Jay's newest home recordings! Click the mailing list link in the upper, left-hand corner.

Friday, July 21, 2006

iTunes Links Updated, Show Cancelled!

All of the "Love Said" iTunes links are now updated to link straight to the album. Also, we regret to inform you that our slot on the Battle of the Bands show at Fat Bean has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict. Thank you all for your support, for those of you who have already been planning to come. See Jay play solo at one of his other upcoming shows.

Friday, June 23, 2006

"Love Said" on iTunes, Jay Goes Global

If you haven't yet, check out Jay's new album on iTunes. We know that most of you already own it, but if you don't, here's a great (and convenient) way to get your grip on the recordings. (We're in the process of changing over the iTunes links on the website to link straight to "Love Said," but in the meantime, go HERE. You can also check out the new Jay Mathes Store and order CD's, T-Shirts, etc.

Finally, you all shouldn't be worried by Jay's lack of concerts from June 29th through July 18th - he'll be in Spain! Of course, most of you won't get the opportunity to see him play flamenco style, but he may play a few impromptu songs/sets while over the Atlantic. Don't worry, though, because Jay's schedule is packed for his return. Check out the Shows Page.

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Welcome to the NEW jaymathes.com!

Welcome to the new jaymathes.com! We hope you'll have a look around and check out some of the cool, new features on the site: the "Next Show" advert to the right, the flash up-top, as well as the new web store and media pages with banners, icons, and photo gallery. Enjoy! And thank you all for your support of the music! -JM