Beats by Jay:
Spotlight on Jalen Harris
A PW student has started his music career early and is eager to see it progress.
November 2015
Nicole Herley '18
Jalen Harris, a current sophomore at PW, makes beats everywhere he goes. Using his computer, his studio, and his music ability, he knows what his future looks like: “I want to be a music producer when I get older and go to college.”
His father Andre has had a huge influence on him, and Jalen plans to follow in his footsteps. “My dad has produced for Justin Bieber, Michael Jackson, Usher, Chris Brown, and many more famous artists. That’s what I want to do with my generation,” says Jalen. Andre Harris produces music with Vidal Davis in a songwriting and production duo called “Dre and Vidal.”
Jalen is currently making beats with his partner Vidal Davis, the elder Davis’ son and a current freshman at PW. He is also looking for singers and rappers that would be interested in collaborating with him and making songs. He posts all of the music he presently makes on music streaming website Soundcloud (@Jay Beatz).
Jalen produces R&B/rap music and works on it on a daily basis. “Rap and R&B interests me. I could’ve made gospel, pop, or other music genres like my dad does, but right now I am just focusing on my interests,” says Jalen. His favorite track that he has created with his friend Vidal Davis is not out yet, and he is still deciding on a name for it. Clearly the apples don’t fall far from the tree, as the two have collaborated and have made many tracks together.
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When Jalen goes to the studio or works on his computer, he starts with sampling sounds; then he layers drums or creates drums and melodies of his own. He says, “If something doesn’t sound right, I don’t use the sample. I just make my own.” He names his tracks based on other people’s opinions on what to name them. It takes a full day to make a track, not including school, and he then publishes on Soundcloud.
Whether he is in the studio, on his computer, or on Soundcloud, don’t be surprised if you see Jalen Harris on iTunes!