It’s A Musical Metamorphosis from Rapper, Songwriter and Producer, Jay Light (formerly known as Music Bear Tony Banks). The Toronto based New Yorker has found fresh musical freedom in the electronic music world. His self-accepted, full-grown bear’s sound infuses melodic, electronic and dance grooves with Hip-Hop flows and R&B stylings, resulting in creating a unique style that weaves its way through a multitude of genres. .
In order to showcase his artistry, Jay Light needed to break free from the established cultural embellishments synonymous with the gay Hip Hop scene. He now has an ever-expanding vision of personal style and artistic evolution in the fashion and music worlds. No longer does Jay feel creatively stifled or the necessity to be anything less than his true and authentic self. Jay cites Frankie Knuckles, Missy Elliot, Azealia Banks, and Hercules & Love Affair as some of his influences. This comes as no surprise as he states, “I fell in love with house music at a young age and have always been inspired by the mixture of sounds and creativity in all its forms. House music was created by queer people of colour for the enjoyment of all. I want to make sure the electronic music community remembers that.”
What is your “backstory”?
Loaded question right out of the gate! Short version goes as follows:
I started in church, singing with my mom. That was my first taste of performing. In school, I discovered that I was pretty good with words, so I started writing poetry and creative stories. At age 15 I turned my attention to writing songs and beat production. I took a long break from music to focus on the business side of the industry as well as other creative outlets, but then jokingly I started rapping after getting my first MacBook. The freedom to record whenever and whatever I wanted gave my music new life. After years of doing that, in April of 2019, I decided I needed a change. That brought me back to my love of house music. Something about that four on the floor drum that brings me back to my childhood. Sitting in the dark, listening to WBLS for hours with my sister. Now I rap, sing, produce and write house and dance music as an openly queer black male and enjoying every minute of it.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your music career?
I was performing with my bestie Singer and songwriter Xtian Paige, at a small spot in NYC, and we were doing a song of his that I’m featured on. We had smoked a little something
before the show to lift the vibes. I don’t usually smoke before shows but said F it! NEVER AGAIN. During my verse I went down the small staircase, did a turn and dropped the mic straight to the ground! Luckily because of years of colorguard performing, I was able to recover very quickly. But I was pissed the rest of the show.
Most interesting is probably dancing with a bunch of straight guys at a gay bar, in Provincetown, MA, as I rapped about sucking dick. They tried to be cool and impress their girlfriends and I was with it. My music has that impact on people and I love it!
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
I just released my first house-inspired EP “Full Grown Bear Vol. 1”, and it is getting some great reviews from new and old fans. I’m now working on releasing visuals for each track and collecting fan-made content to support it. I just had a new listener send me a clip of him in his red-lite dungeon, dressed in all leather, next to his sling, looking like a boss, while “Damn Daddy” played in the background. How’s that for interesting?
Who are some of the most famous people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
I hang with a lot of nightlife types in the lgbtq community. So I know a number of drag queens. I once chilled with Jussie Smollett at a gay bar in Harlem, but that was prior to his situation. I’m such an introvert so I don’t go out much. More people know of me through my bestie because he knows everyone and we work on music so closely together. Lizzo has been known to like some of my music. Nicki Minaj gave me props on a remix. Sean Combs bopped to a track I produced. Quincy Jones, Jill Scott, J Cole, Drake. They ask Xtian “Who’s that rapping’ or “Who wrote that”. Most of my interactions are like that and I’m good with that…for now!
Which people in history inspire you the most? Why?
I always say, if I could have lived in any time in history, it would during the Harlem renaissance. A time roughly from the 1910s through the mid-1930s. You had Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Louis Armstrong , Paul Robeson, Josephine Baker, Marcus Garvey, Gladys Bentley and so many other. The level of creativity and black pride in Music, Art, Literature, Dance and Stage was astonishing. Just a few decades after being slaves, Black people were finally on the rise and creating cultural change. I think we are seeing that again now with the Covid and the BLM movement meeting at the same place and time. It didn’t happen a few years back, but now it’s a perfect storm for black self-expression and liberation. With white people finally pushing us forward and not kicking us in the backs. Call it white guilt, but I’m here for it and excited to see what happens next.
What would you advise to an aspiring artist who would like to emulate your career?
Prepare for a very long but satisfying ride, full of self-discovery, creative risks and spiritual revelations. But above all, don’t give up. It will pay off.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
I try to use my voice as an artist, advocate and member of the lgbtq+ community to raise awareness of the major roles black queers have played in the creation of the worlds arts community. Too often people forget that we have had a direct hand in much of the creation of pop culture. From Rock and Roll to Rap, House and far beyond just the music. I will continue to share that message every chance I get because I see the response from people who thank me for speaking up. It’s good to share knowledge.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
I can’t even answer this because I so strongly believe that everything happens for a reason. My road was meant for me. I regret nothing. So I’m gonna flip it and say 5 things I would tell someone else.
- Believe in yourself above all else. It will get hard, but keep pushing
- The road you want may not be the road that’s meant for you, but you will find your way. As long as you do number 1
- Study and Learn the business of entertainment. It’s not enough to grab a youtube beat and rap over it. Learn how to produce, write, host, sing, story tell, dance, act, be a showstopper, produce a show, etc. Then learn about contracts, royalties, distribution, marketing, web design, networking, social media. Then learn about photography, video, graphic design and anything else you can think of. You will NEED ALL OF IT!
- You will NEVER know it all! So don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help when you need it.
- Go back to number 1 and read all over again. Everyday for the rest of your life.
Is there a person in the world you’d love to have Brunch with, and why? He or she just might see this.
President Barack Obama and just ask him what it was REALLY like to be the first! No Bullshit! Smoke a blunt, eat some steak, grits and eggs and just talk real ass talk. I prefer real talk over industry talk. At least I know where you really stand.
