Anitra Jay Promoted on Good Day NWA

It was such a treat to see one of my videos featured on Good Day NWA! As part of our short tour in the Ozarks, we performed at Aloft Rogers and Good Day NWA got wind of it and decided to feature me in their What’s Happening in Town segment. I’m super grateful and honored to be a part of the segment.

Next time we come to town, I wonder if they’ll interview me??? Hmmm…

Click here to see the segment.

Appearance on Eureka Springs, AR Tourism Commercial

As we tour throughout the year, one of our yearly routes includes Eureka Springs in Ar. We’ve met a lot of wonderful people in Eureka Springs and we’re so happy to have supportive venues there that host us each year. This past year we were approached by a film company about possibly being a part of the 2018-2019 Official Eureka Springs commercial.

I was more than excited to participate of course. Edward, the videographer attended my show at Brews in downtown Eureka Springs and filmed some footage from our set. Take a look at the commercial below. But don’t blink, or you might miss me.

I remember that night well.

We were on stage having a good time, dancing and singing. The audience was really getting into the music too! Edward did a lot of filming inside and outside. You’ll see in the commercial that the footage he shot from outside through the window was included.

I’m super thankful to be included in this beautiful promotion for Eureka Springs. Special thanks to Edward of White Phoenix Films for thinking of me.

Take a look at our upcoming shows here to see when we’ll be in the area next.

Anitra's Appearance on Tiny House Hunters

The Tiny House Hunters episode featuring Anitra & Rob aired on Monday, May 1, 2017. The episode  showcases Anitra Jay's music as her and Rob start their Tiny House journey. Rob wants something modern and industrial, while Anitra is looking for something with a cabin, rustic feel.  With two very different tastes, it's going to be tough deciding which model to choose. Take a look at the episode and tell us, which one would you choose?

Original Air Date: Monday: May 1, 2017.
Songs Featured on the Episode:  
1. Natural Girl (from the Crown & Glory Album)
2. Shortcuts & Wolves (from the new album, 'Work in Progress' Coming out late 2017)

For more information about Anitra's episode on Tiny House Hunters, click here.

iHeart Radio Debut with Ishkara Sounds

While networking on Twitter, I met this lovely lady who happens to host an online radio show debuting independent artists from all over the world.  She asked me if I was interested in being debuted on her show, and I was honored to participate.  

The show is a 20-minute introduction to my music to new listeners. I'm excited to share this show with you.  Click here to listen to the show.

Tressume: Anitra Jay on Aphrodite Kinks

 

Anitra Jay is an R&B/Soul Singer-Songwriter currently based in Charlotte, NC. Her music is a mix of Soul, Pop, Gospel, & Poetry. Her work is nspired by life’s joys and struggles and she hopes to share encouragement and empowerment with the world through music. She is natural and feels so passionate about it, that she wrote an album about being natural called “Crown & Glory!” She wrote the songs to help encourage and strengthen our natural hair community about beauty and self-image.

How long have you been natural? 
I’ve been natural for about 4 years!

Did you transition or do the Big Chop?

I BIG CHOPPED! I didn’t want to wait while transitioning. I was so anxious to see what my hair looked like under all that straightness.

Read on...

Music & Mane a Hairspiration

Hello Beauts! It’s another Hairspiration Friday and today we have an explosive combination of mane and music. Enjoy!

 

Hi Anitra. Tell us about you!

I was born in New Orleans.  I’m a wife, a sister, a follower of Christ and a pescatarian.  I love to read mystery novels and watch movies in my spare time.  My favorite kind of movies are the super hero movies.  I also like to cook and recently started jogging again.  My all-time passion in life is making music!

Have you been natural all your life? If no, when did you go back to your kinks?

I transitioned to being natural in 2010 after being fed up with spending too much money and time with relaxers.

Tell us about your mane. Describe your hair in your own words. Does he/she/it have a name?  Read on...

Interview on I'm a Natural Chick

Tell me who is Anitra Jay?

I’m first and foremost a follower of Christ. I share the love of Jesus through music. I’m a pescetarian who loves her some green smoothies.  I’m natural and loving the freedom of being natural.

When did you first realize that you had a knack for singing and playing instruments?

My Mom put me in our church choir when I was very young. That’s where I learned the basics of singing and songwriting. I bought my first guitar in 2005, and it was then that I realized I might have fun entertaining others. I remember bringing my guitar into the office where I worked and playing a song for my boss. The next day he came to work with an amp, a microphone, and a mic stand. It was his way of telling me to go for it. That was the first time someone other than a family member demonstrated belief in me. I think that moment was the catalyst for bringing on who I am today and who I will be in the future.

How was it growing up in New Orleans with such a blend of musical history and how did it contribute to who you are?

Growing up in New Orleans, music was a part of everything. They paraded in the streets with a second line band even for funerals. It was and still is the culture there to include music in every aspect of life. As a child I was saturated in it. Jazz, Blues, and Gospel were the big three growing up and they are the roots of my music to this day.

What do you consider as your own individual sound?

I call it Organically, head-bopping acoustic soul. It’s the kind of music that gets into your soul and doesn’t leave. It makes your head bop to the beat without you even realizing it. It’s a blend of blues-y pop with a hint of poetry.

With the release of your next album which focuses more on the Natural beauty of African American Women and their Hair. What made you want to release an album centered around this topic?

The idea for Crown & Glory came out of my own journey with natural hair. I’ve been natural for going on 4 years now and it has changed my overall approach to life in areas of self-esteem, confidence, self-image, making healthy choices physically and emotionally, and even style/fashion. After speaking with other women who are on similar journeys they have all experienced these same things. Naturally as a singer-songwriter I found myself writing songs about it. And that’s how the album Crown & Glory came about. I’m really excited, because this has never been done before and I hope it will be a source of encouragement and inspiration for others on the natural hair journey and those considering it. The album comes out in May of 2014.

If you could say one thing to someone who is struggling with making the decision to go natural and has not taken the plunge. What would you say?

Natural hair is not permanent! Just give it a shot. Commit to a year and see what happens. There are so many benefits to being natural, the most beneficial part of it all is not subjecting yourself to harmful products. Secondly, it might help you get to know yourself even more and teach you how to unleash your best beauty.

Where else could we find you online?

You can find me on my website: http://www.anitrajay.com or on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/anitrajay. Write something on my wall, I promise I will write back!  I’m also on Twitter, http://www.twitter.com/anitra_jay.

- See more at: http://imanaturalchick.com/culture/meet-ms-anitra-jay/#sthash.QFWxWk8e.dpuf

Energetic Singer Launches Concert Series

On Jan. 11, Anitra Jay, an R&B/soul singer-songwriter, warmed the audience at Charles Mack Citizen Center. The energetic performer kicked off the winter season of the 2013-14 Mooresville Concert Series.

While the Joe V. Knox Auditorium filled with adults and teens, 13 young girls from the Winnie L. Hooper Center claimed front row seats.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/01/24/4630911/energetic-singer-launches-mooresvilles.html#.UufJ0nco4y6#storylink=cpy

 

Middle Tennessee Music with Anitra Jay

We’re pleased to offer this interview with +Anitra Jay on the AITP online festival, music, New Orleans and … well let’s let her tell it in her own words. I do want to say that it was very interesting that literally seconds after I watched a video of Gene Simmons standing up for Tim Tebow, I read about Anitra and her passion for the same sort of thing and I get to share it with you.
Read more at http://www.midtnmusic.com/anitra-jay-on-aitp-and-hippie-talk/#KXhAwSdX57HomdSF.99

Charlotte's Own Rising Star...PRIDE Magazine

Known by her fans as Anitra Jay (AnitraJay.com), this 30-year-old, neo-soul singer currently shares her music at coffee shops in Dilworth, art galleries in the South End, and at house concerts/private parties, weddings and nursing homes. Some of her musical influences include India Arie, Jill Scott, Bill Withers, Lauryn Hill and Stevie Wonder, but it’s clear she has her own organic sound.  Read more...