Hi! I'm Jay El Dee! I'm an indie alt pop artist and songwriter crafting musical narratives from my Wisconsin studio.
My creative roots run deep, shaped by my musical upbringing. My mother is opera singer and voice teacher, Amy Cofield, and my dad is a luminary in band instrument marketing. Immersed in the sounds from my mom's voice studio and practicing harmonies with my younger sister, I refined my skills from a young age. The essence of my melodic journey draws inspiration from the serene Midwest backdrop of bonfires and front porch sing-a-longs. Influenced by the infectious melodies of the 90s pouring from my boombox while working on my suntan, then the dark and honest rock ballads of the 2000s while I was brooding over whatever relationship drama was most fresh, I learned to express my emotions and experiences through song, evolving into the indie alt pop artist you hear today.
I can't go without mentioning the indispensable role my family plays in fueling my artistic flame. My husband, Austin, is an integral part of my sound, as he often co-produces my music, acts as my built-in studio musician, and spearheads my post-production mixing and mastering. We've been on a journey of creative synergy since the beginning of our friendship and it has only grown alongside our relationship.
I have been and continue to be a devoted student of music, delving into songwriting, production, and music marketing with dedication.
Critics and listeners have described my music as “well written, vibrantly produced and emotionally relevant” with lyrics that are “sharp and deeply emotional, both personal while speaking to universal experiences." With a voice that "is not just beautiful but at the service of the lyrics and musical line.” (Greg Howard) My vocal performance has been described as “outstanding” (Morino) and vocal production “would be right at home in the Top 40.”(Stolen From the Sky)
In the delicate balance between novel sounds and nostalgic undertones, I promise to continue making music that delves into the essence of self. Whether you are finding yourself or getting over yourself, let my music stand as your trusted companion for the journey, just as my family has done for me.