Pursuit of a Passion: Jay Whiting
June 28, 2007 | by brett | Permalink
Similar to the Friday 5 posts, where I list the top five things I’m excited about on a Friday, I’d like to begin a new series of posts on Thursdays that feature people in the process of pursuing the passion. The individuals featured in these posts have not yet reached their destination, are not considered “successful” by society’s standards, but are taking a risk by following something that is meaningful to them.
There is nothing more admirable than those who take calculated risks. I would like for these posts to be a small way we can assist individuals in need of a little help to realize their dreams.
To kick off the “Pursuit of a Passion” posts, I can think of no one better to feature than Jay Whiting. Jay will be going on the Pursue the Passion tour as our director of multimedia, but his true passion lies within the music industry.
Jay has been crashing on my couch for the last two months and getting by on a budget unbeknownst to many of us. He has eaten more Hot Pockets than any human has ever consumed before (thank you Nestle sponsorship). He diligently works away at Pursue the Passion videos and admin issues by day, and focuses on his passion at night.
Why is he doing this?
Because Jay wants to become a respected artist in the music industry, and to live each day knowing that he is doing exactly what he wants to be doing in life.
With Jay working and living with me in very tight quarters, I’ve had the pleasure of being granted with a backstage pass to witness the daily struggles artists face. Everything from booking shows to mastering the sound of an album, artists pour a ton of time and effort into an industry that often provides little recognition in return.
Jay’s latest obstacle to overcome is how he is going to get rid of thirty tickets for his group’s show on July 7th in Ventura, California. It is extremely difficult for Jay to sell these tickets because he is in Phoenix working on the PTP tour, otherwise he would be in Los Angeles knocking on doors to sell his tickets.
If he doesn’t sell the tickets, he will have to pay $10 a ticket to fulfill his promise to the promoter who is planning the concert. Obviously, this is an expense he cannot afford.
I’m writing this post to spread the word about Jay’s pursuit of a passion. I’m hoping that you will email anyone that might be interested in purchasing a ticket or two to the show so Jay will not have to eat off the dollar menu at McDonald’s anymore.
If you are interested in purchasing two tickets to the show, Jay has offered to send you a signed copy of Class Project’s (Jay’s group) freshman album, entitled “The Rough Draft LP.” Please email Jay at j.whiting42@gmail.com if you are interested, or if you can help him in any other way.
Be sure to visit his myspace page at www.myspace.com/classproject for a sample of his music, and www.iamclassproject.blogspot.com to read his blog. Pursue the Passion also interviewed him on the first PTP Tour…to read his interview, click here.
I’d love for you to comment below to tell me what you think about the idea to post about an individual’s pursuit of a passion on Thursdays, and your thoughts on Jay.
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THERE ARE 12 RESPONSES TO THIS INTERVIEW
Steve Says:
June 28th, 2007
I love the idea of reading about people who are on the journey on Thursdays. It’s actually very encouraging. The people who have “made it” are fun to read about, but the real encouragement is about those still on their journey.
Taneika Says:
June 28th, 2007
Great idea!
Keep working hard J. and it will all pay off! We all make sacrifices and go through “rough” times to get where we want to be. Remember that nobody starts at the top.
Eric Says:
June 28th, 2007
Perfect! I will look forward to reading them every Thursday. Thanks for providing a subscription to your blog as well. If something doesn’t get into my inbox it has a 50/50 chance of being read. I open Google mail up and there is the latest from the PTP crew.
I envy you guys. So I will experience the tour vicariously through you all. I don’t envy the tight quarters, but these are the years you can do it.
Jay needs to chase his dream. His story and those of many others not only inspire recent grads, but those of us who have been in the trenches of Corporate America for several decades.
Danielle Says:
June 28th, 2007
The best part about raeding about other people pursuing their passion goes beyond the inspiration it provides. It creates a common ground — we can all sit around and eat hot pockets together! Reading about other people on their journey makes you realize how truly dynamic life is and there isn’t just a point you go from being blah to being successful and happy. It’s a rough road, but it’s fun!
brett Says:
June 28th, 2007
No more hot pockets for me, but plenty of inspirational stories to come!
Kelly G Says:
June 28th, 2007
Like your idea . . . .and I enjoyed hearing more about Jay and his pursuit! I hope to see him in concert. That would be gravity!
Jay W. Says:
June 29th, 2007
You guys are amazing. Thanks for the support.
Nikole Gipps Says:
June 29th, 2007
Go Jay!
Big M Says:
June 29th, 2007
I will feed the whole Pursue the Passion team when they arrive in California! Big M
brett Says:
June 29th, 2007
We look forward to getting fed and BBQ’n Bear Man style.
Bryan Says:
July 5th, 2007
james j. whiting is an inspiration to us all. He and his brother scott have worked diligently towards their shared goal for years on end. i believe wholeheartedly in their music as well as their ambition. it is one of my most sincere wishes that the two will see their talent and hardwork pay large dividends in the near future. i am confident that jay’s rise to stardom will unfold in such a glorious manner that it will shake america to its knees. godbless, and godspeed
brett Says:
July 6th, 2007
I love you Bryan
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