This week for Black Music Month, the Recorder is exploring the new school stars of live entertainment.
Jaecyn Bayne
Born in Charleston, S.C., Terrell Porter, better known as Jaecyn Bayne, spent his childhood infatuated with hip-hop. From the sounds of Rakim, Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill and more, as a teenager Bayne had no idea how his favorite artists would provide the passion he holds so dear today.
Moving to Indianapolis at the age of 15, Bayne continued to build his repertoire of musical favorites while embracing everything hip-hop had to offer. Years later, Porter decided to embrace his love for music and culture and become the artist known as Jaecyn Bayne.
Bayne’s music and presence quickly caught the attention of artist and A&R (artists and repertoire) representative, M-Eighty, who had recently moved back to Indianapolis from California. Jaecyn and M-Eighty instantly clicked, and M-Eighty was very anxious to add Jaecyn’s talents to his client roster consisting of Wu-Tang, Canibus, Redman, Keith Murray and more. Bayne got his first big national break in 2009 appearing on Canibus’ “Melatonin Magik” album followed by a spot on Canibus’ 25-city U.S. tour.
In 2010, Bayne connected with famed jazz group The Headhunters and was personally selected to appear on the group’s single titled “Funk Wit Us (D-Funk)” featuring Snoop Dogg, George Clinton and Killah Priest. Impressed by Bayne’s content, delivery and charisma, The Headhunters featured Jaecyn prominently on their album “Platinum.”
In 2011 he signed to Owl Studios/Allegro Distribution and his national debut “Audio Therapy” was released on April 24, 2012. The album garnered an all-star line-up of features and producers including Styles P, Fred the Godson, Street Runner, J. French and more.
By 2012 Bayne had gone from “local new guy” to a famed and nationally known emcee. His prowess is strong enough to command stages alongside established artists such as Too-Short, Mobb Deep and Lil Jon. Bayne’s buzz for his live stage show and vivid wordplay has also become a hot topic of discussion, especially in Indianapolis.
Audiences throughout the U.S. accept Bayne as one of hip-hop’s burgeoning new talents and praise him for his lyricism, storytelling abilities, and humble personality.
For more information, visit jaecynbayne.com.
Myah Evans
Myah Evans, an only child raised in Indianapolis, has always had a distinct love for music. Her musical education began with the piano, which she began tinkering with at a very early age.
By 14, Evans was composing full songs with an acoustic guitar loaned to her by a friend—one she still plays to this day.
Her first project, a 4-track demo entitled “Familiar Things,” was released in 2012. The album was entirely written, recorded, and produced by Evans and it quickly drew attention from popular artists in the Indie music scene. After this release, Evans was invited to open for one of her early musical inspirations—Josiah Leming.
As a self-taught musician and guitarist, Evans has devoted her life to creating emotionally charged lyrics and melodies. Her dream is to develop a lifelong career in music that will help her inspire other young artists. Although this young and talented indie/folk/singer-songwriter has come a long way from where she started, Evans feels she has much more to prove.
For more information, visit myahevans.com.
Ray E.
Dealing with the adversity of high crime and living in a single parent home, Chicago native Ray E. faced many life-changing situations that could have easily steered him in the wrong direction.
Ray’s mother wanted a better life for her family and at the age of 8, Ray moved to Indianapolis. It was there where he found his love for R&B, pop, hip-hop, techno, neo-soul, and reggae ton, and singing; and came into his own as a young man. This is when Ray E. was born!
While in high school Ray knew he wanted to do music but also knew how to prioritize his education, working a part time job and playing sports. In sports Ray was a fierce competitor in track and field and excelled as a premiere athlete earning a scholarship to Indiana University.
Unfortunately, his time at IU was cut short. Ray came back to Indianapolis to help his mother with his four siblings. He took the time to perfect his craft and in 2006 decided to go to California and pursue music. It was a change of pace moving to L.A., but within two weeks Ray E. had acquired a multitude of contacts in the industry.
He made lots of money, had music on iTunes and several other digital sites, but his family needed him in Indianapolis. He moved back, focused on family and completed his post secondary education.
Ray E. knows that once you have a vision, a pure objective and goal in life, with happiness leading the charge, only then will you know how to live your life without drama. To date Ray E.’s love for music has driven him to work on a mix tape project and released the song “All For You,” which has made it’s way to MTV executives.
“All For You” has also been added to the national recording database, also known as Media Base, and can be found on iTunes, Amazon, MSN, Yahoo, AOL, Virgin, Amie Street, Napster, Rhapsody among other places.
Ray E. encourages Indianapolis to continue their support and stay tuned for his next pop/contemporary R&B single “On Me” featuring Larael.
For more information, visit rayeonline.com.
