At first glance, his tattooed chiseled physique imparts a tough and rowdy side, however country newcomer Jay Allen is evidence that still waters run deep. His latest single, the hauntingly introspective and deeply personal “Lines” (lyrics HERE), available Friday, Oct. 9 along with its music video world premiere on CMT, is the newest release from the affable performer, born in a small town in the American Plains, who often writes from the heart about the ties that bind.
“Lines” is such a song, a story of lost love, yet also one about roots—the lessons learned and strength we draw from those who raised us. As Allen explains, “Life is complicated, and while we may occasionally lose our way, the lines in our life will eventually bring us back and build us up–if we let them.
“Even professionally, when I first moved to Nashville, I had a certain expectation of what my career would look like, how it would feel, the pace of it all,” adds Allen. “It’s only now, when I fully embrace the downs as much as the ups and who I am as a writer, as a man, as a friend and a son, that I see how the roots I picked up and ran from, are actually what make me, me.”
Alongside his passion for music, Allen is also deeply committed to raising money for Alzheimer’s, the disease that took his mother from him just over a year ago. On Sept. 21, in honor of World Alzheimer’s Day, Allen appeared on Chicago’s WGN “Midday News” in an interview about his viral social media release, “Blank Stares.” Watch his interview HERE.
Released May 22, Allen’s debut single for Verge, “War for You,” was written as a follow-up to “Blank Stares.” Both songs as tributes—“Blank Stares” for his mother (who suffered from early-onset dementia and passed away in February 2019) and “War for You” for her caregivers (the focus of which has been embraced by front-line responders who have sacrificed so much for others during the current COVID-19 pandemic).
“I remember listening to a song in moments when I couldn’t find the words, thinking ‘this is exactly what I want to say right now; listen to this,’” Allen reflects. “And to have a song – more than one song, two songs – that I’ve written be that for others, let’s just say I’ll be honored to play them for the rest of my life knowing what it means and how it helps in those despairing moments.”
To date, Allen has helped raise over $35 million dollars for the Alzheimer’s Association through his involvement with the Rita Hayworth Gala, Brain Ball and numerous other events worldwide.
For more information, visit JayAllenOfficial.com or follow Allen on Instagram and Twitter @JayAllenMusic andFacebook.com/JayAllenMusic.
