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Jay Atkins Keeps His Ears Open for Musical Talent - page 2

By Brewer Baker on January 31, 2006

Jay Atkins with HypNotik"When they write their own songs, it's their story. You're definitely getting the artist from this camp," BiggJay pronounces with pride.

Concrete Recordings produces mostly West Coast Urban Rap, R&B, Spoken Word, Jazz, Gospel, mix CDs and documentaries. Some of their artists on the most recent roster include St. James, Torrey Crowe, HypNotik and Young Spook. All of these up-and-coming superstars are making headlines and attracting fans across the country.

St. James, one of BiggJay's most popular artists, has broken through the floodgates and is on her way to superstardom. Her sound is funky and original, and her energy is explosive. Atkins discovered St. James through a friend. When asked about his first encounter with her, BiggJay responded, "I liked where she was coming from, and I was looking forward to putting my own twist on it."

Atkins goes through the involved process of discovering new talent every day. He peruses hundreds of press kits, and after he comes across one that he likes, he contacts the hopeful musician and attends one of his or her shows. BiggJay not only wants to find the next big thing, but he also looks for artists with personality, a unique style and a lot of confidence.

During a show, Atkins explains, "I look at the crowd presence to determine whether or not the audience is feelin' the artist." He takes note of the artist's stage presence, how he or she interacts with the crowd and "whether or not the music is HOT." All of these factors contribute in determining whether or not a particular artist will make it in this cutthroat industry.

And this industry is not only difficult for the artists. "There is not enough time in the day," Atkins says. "It's all about balancing your time."

When he isn't working, BiggJay likes to spend time with the people that he loves. He is very close to his family. "They support me 150 percent in everything that I do, even if it is an upward battle sometimes," he says appreciatively.

As for the future, Atkins is intent on "taking over the music…pushing the music…showing the world the very best," he says eagerly. "Look out for St. James — she's gonna be HOT!"

Although "first and foremost" he will continue to focus on music, Atkins says that he would like to expand his business empire and work with movie producers. He also has a dream of creating his own clothing line some day as well.

"If and when these doors open, I will cross that bridge when it comes," he reveals.

It seems as though nothing can stop Atkins and Concrete Recording from pushing limits, breaking through boundaries and moving forward, full-speed ahead.

Even though Atkins works tirelessly day in and day out, he still finds time to appreciate what this business means to him and the remarkable opportunities that he has been given.

"It's amazing," he says sincerely, "starting with hearing someone who really has potential, taking that potential and creating something with it, and then reaching that goal in the end. It's all about the feeling. It's all about creatively packaging (music) for the entire world to see and hear."