About Jay Collins
Welcome to the official website of Jay Collins.
I'm a Brisbane-based singer-songwriter located in Ipswich with a passion for creating music that tells honest, heartfelt stories. My songs are inspired by real experiences, genuine emotion, and the belief that great music has the power to connect people across generations.
My debut single, Don't Ever Wanna Be Alone, began as a song I wrote in 1986 after meeting my wife. Decades later, I brought it to life using modern production tools while preserving the emotion and message that inspired it all those years ago.
As an independent artist, my goal is not only to continue writing and releasing original music, but also to help aspiring songwriters and singers turn their own ideas into professionally produced songs. Every release is another step in that journey, and I'm grateful you've chosen to be part of it.
My Story
Music has been part of my life since I was nine years old. Growing up in a musical family, I began as the drummer in a band with my brothers before moving into singing and performing in cabaret throughout the 1980s. Over the years, I played in a variety of bands and was honoured to become the drummer for New Zealand entertainment legend Billy T. James. That experience introduced me to many outstanding artists such as, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers which gave me the opportunity to see first hand Music performance at the highest level.
Like many musicians, life eventually took a different path. After getting married and raising a family, providing stability became my priority, and music took a place alongside a full-time career rather than being my full-time profession.
However, my musical spark was renewed when I recently discovered modern AI production tools. While exploring new technology through my involvement in the global "Your Shot" DJ competition where I was fortunate enough to secure a Finalist position in the 2024 rounds held in Fortitude Valley Brisbane, I realised that the barriers which had once made recording and releasing original music so difficult had changed dramatically. What once required significant financial backing, specialist studios and industry connections could now be achieved by independent artists with determination, creativity and the right workflow.
That discovery inspired me to bring my own original songs to life, beginning with "Don't Ever Wanna Be Alone", a song I first started to write in 1986. More importantly, it gave me a new purpose.
My Vision
My mission is to continue writing and releasing original music while helping aspiring songwriters, singers and musicians discover that their ideas don't have to remain unfinished. By sharing the knowledge, tools and workflow I've learned, I hope to make professional music production more accessible to people whose creativity has always been greater than their resources.
My Creative Process
Every song begins with an emotion, a memory, or a simple idea. My creative process starts with traditional songwriting, developing lyrics, melody and the message I want to share. From there, I use modern production tools, including AI where it adds value, to help shape the arrangement, refine the sound and bring each song to life.
For me, technology is never the destination. It's simply another instrument in the studio. The heart of every song will always be its story, its melody and the emotion it creates in the listener.
About RAD Music Studios
RAD Music Studios, meaning Rising Artist Development Music Studios, is the creative home of the Jay Collins Vision and the JC Artist Development Journey.
Established by Jay Collins, RAD Music Studios exists to help aspiring songwriters, singers, and musicians transform their original musical ideas into professionally released recordings. through mentoring, modern production techniques, responsible use of technology, and practical industry guidance, the studio provides a structured pathway for artists who already possess musical ability and are ready to take the next step in their creative journey.
Our mission is simple: to help talented artists rise by turning their vision into reality.
"Technology opens doors. Music is what walks through them."
Jay Collins