Hi, my name is Mykaela Jay, and I need your help to finish recording my debut album.

Over the past year, i have had to most fun writing and recording my debut album, but now i need your help to get it from my bedroom to yours.

So what can you expect from an album like this? 

'Mother Dearest' is a collaboration of folk, jazz, Rnb, Latin and anything in between. It features funky bass lines, groovy drum beats, thick layered harmonies, choirs, trumpets, saxaphones, string trios and thats only the tip of the iceburg. 

A big goal of this project was to inactualise localistation and really tap into the music community of the rural town where i grew up, where most of this album was inspired. I've been so so spoilt with the range, skill and passion of the people i've worked with on this album. I've had the pleasure of working with local choirs, string groups and some amazing musicians that i had the privledge to grow up with, and i can't wait for you all to hear what we've come up with.

The album itself engages with many beautiful and controversial topics. It addresses issues of climate change, femeninity and self determination. It is a celebration of inspiration and passion that focuses on stroytelling, dancing, and the muse of the natural world. It paints pictures of my youth, my home and the complexities of growing up in the face of our chaotic and crisis-stricken world. Its pretty much a warm hug and a cup of tea on a sunday morning.

I've been recording the album for over a year now, at a local studio in Alstonville NSW called Top Cat Studios. The whole process has tested and stretched every aspect of my musicianship, from arranging for choirs to organising rehearsals and has required a cup full of passion, love, resourcefullness and skill to put together. A lot of the final product has come together in no small part due to the kindness, generocity and patience of my community, so now i'm extending a hand for you to join! 

The final product is going to be laced with big harmonies, heart-tugging story telling, slick melodies, choirs, sax lines, trumpet bops, bass grooves and complex rhythms and i really can not wait to share this product in all its love, sweat and tears with you.

If you want to have a listen to what is already out here in the world, a sneaky little taste of whats to come --> https://mykaelajay.bandcamp.com/ 

My Gifts To You

I can not wait to have you all as part of this project and my community. 

Every dollar earned is going directly to paying musicians and helping the final product to be spic and span for you all to dive in to. I can't expess how greatful i am to each of you for your ongoing love and support for my art, so i think you deserve something in return. 

All of the rewards are hand made with lots of love and thought. So if you've ever wanted a 'Mykaela Jay' T-shirt, some unreleased songs, or a song of your very own then now is your chance! Have a scroll through the rewards to the right of the page!

Get To Know Me 

For those who know me, you'd know that music is a big part of my life, and has been since i was pretty much earth bound. 

Some lucky people perhaps, remember me as the girl who wouldn't stop singing Kasey Chambers into a hairbrush. 

I've been writing music for a very long time and am so lucky to have grown up in a community that fostered and supported my songwriting. 

So as you've probably cottoned on by now, i was raised in the hills of the fabulous Lismore, NSW. I spent my youth in all the awkward ways youth spend their time, playing open mic nights and fumbling through adolescence, but it wasn't until i moved down to Melbourne that i started playing gigs. I was studying music at Monash university down in Melbourne whilst also gigging through bars and cafes in Melbourne's northside. My brief experience with this scene taught me so much, and connected me with so many amazing people that i still cherish. But of course, like any young independent i had to leave sooner or later. 

So at 19 i quit school and embarked on a journey through South America, where i began learning new instruments, new languages and new ways of making music. Traveling through Boliva, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador taught me a great deal about how music is used to tell stories to connect us, and the important role it plays in culture and identity.

Whether you've been part of my journey from the start, or you're just joining in, i'm so so excited to have you on board and part of this creative rollercoaster!

• Producer/Mixer: $2450
• Musicians: $2400
• Mastering: $968
• Album Art + Photography: $200
• Digital CD production: $572

That makes a total of $6590

Producer (Brad Wann) and I have spent over 61 hours in the studio so far recording, mixing and re-recording. On this journey i've been joined by some fantastic musicians, here is a list of those who were involved; Angus Fletcher, Luke Fawcet, Hugo Jones, Rachael Goddard, Liam Baillie, Tilly Jones, Coby Barnard, Alex Periera, Tiahn Gambley, Jode Arnold and Grace Cockburn (Isabella Acapella). I've spent over 50 hours in the studio with these musicians at different times, and thats not even to take into account the amount of rehearsals and practice the musicians put in. 

A big goal for this project was to create tangable job opportunities for musicians and artist working in regional areas, so i've put a lot of effort to make sure they get paid their worth, and even still they have given me so much of their skill and time out of pure generosity and passion. If i reach this goal i will be able to afford to make sure artists are properly paid for all their talents and give you a shiny, love filled finished product.