You may not know Bayje yet, but the 19-year-old singer/songwriter from Syracuse is one cool chica you should be on the lookout for! She just finished a photo shoot for her upcoming album, and she stopped by J-14 to give us the first scoop on the record and her love of Hannah Montana!
J-14: How would you describe your sound for new listeners?
Bayje: I would honestly describe it as very positive and motivating. I always write about things that I've gone through and things that my friends have gone through. There are a lot of different variations -- there are happy/upbeat [songs], and then there are also songs that are deep and serious. But still, it's always a positive message. I'm always encouraging people to just be themselves.
J-14: What is the first single, "Find a Way," about?
Bayje: It could have two different meanings because sometimes I listen to the song, and I'm feeling sad -- I feel like I'm trapped or frustrated. But other times when I'm happy, I feel like I'm being relieved, or I'm breaking out of something. It's cool because no matter what mood you're in, you can listen to it and get something out of it.
J-14: Who are your biggest musical influences?
Bayje: I listen to everybody, so I can't really pick right now. When I was younger, I kind of went with everybody in school -- I was into Eminem. When I was much younger, it was Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. But now I just listen to everybody. I love all types of music. I listen to Hannah Montana. I haven't really gotten into the Jonas Brothers yet. I'm trying to ease into them, but I listen to everybody from Kayne West, 50 Cent, Eminem, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.
J-14: Who would you love to work with in the future?
Bayje: I would have to say Hannah Montana, because I feel like she's always eating a bunch of candy and just running around hyper! I'm down for that. I could do that. I could chill with Miley... I would love to work with anyone, but I think Hannah Montana because she's really fun.
J-14: What was it like to co-write with Ne-yo?
Bayje: He had actually just come off a show. It was either a show or a tour, and he was so tired. He was in a chair spinning around in circles because he was so over-tired. He put 100% into, and I felt so bad because he looked so drained, but he was so much fun. He was sweet. He wasn't like, "I'm Ne-yo. I'm a big superstar." He was just like, "I'm Ne-yo. Hey, what's up? What are your feelings? What do you want to write about?" I told him, and we collaborated, and I got in my own little headspace and a wonderful song ["No Happy Endings"] came out of it.
J-14: If you could go back and give advice to your teen self, what would it be?
Bayje: Listen to every single adult you come in contact with. Seriously! I think one of the best forms of advice I'd give myself -- which is kind of stupid -- is don't dye your hair. I had a whole thing where I was like, "I'm a blonde! Yeah, that's me!" It didn't work out. That's a lot of the reason why I was awkward in high school, because my hair didn't look right. It looked really bad. It was like orange and red and brassy -- really bad. [But] I really had good younger years -- they weren't that bad. I would say stay out of the drama, but you can't really do that in high school -- there's no choice. If you're in high school, you're in high school for the long haul, and you have to deal with everything. I would not change the group of friends I had. I had a very generous group of friends. I had friends who were really super smart, who were going to off to Cornell, and then I had other friends who really weren't into school, and they didn't go everyday. It taught me a little bit, and each person I came in contact with helped me become who I am today. I wouldn't really change the peers that I had, although I would definitely listen to the adults more. I could have definitely avoided a lot of drama.
J-14: What coming up next for you?
Bayje: I'm just gearing up for my single to come out. It's nerve-wracking because I'm like, "Oh my gosh, I'm 19 -- this is crazy!" But it's fun! I'm actually enjoying it instead of being stressed-out and worried. I'm sitting back and enjoying it and looking forward to traveling and meeting new people.
You can check out Bayje's single and all of her updates on her official MySpace page.
