Philly-based singer/songwriter Jay Carlis just released his second solo album, Alive in the Radio Age, produced by Ross Bellenoit and recorded at Turtle Studios in South Philly. Jay’s first solo album, Here We Are, was released in 2020. John Vetese at the Key on XPN called Here We Are “a contemplative but ultimately poppy and uplifting collection of songs about finding one’s place in the world.”

Jay started writing songs in his teens, growing up in Allentown, PA, but took an extended break to work on a career in solar power and start a family. After a 10-year hiatus, new songs started bursting out. The stories and emotions flowing from the joy and heartache of marriage and raising kids found their way onto the page. Jay’s musical foundation is steeped in Americana and Folk from his many years covering Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan tunes. And his songwriting style developed inspired by the great modern songwriters like Jason Isbell, Josh Ritter, Drive-by-Truckers and Hiss Golden Messenger. While these influences emerge throughout Jay’s music, he has found his own authentic voice, writing the songs he needs to sing in universal language that invites the listener to find his/her own meaning in the music.

Jay is lead singer and principal songwriter for The Barrel Fires, a Philly-based rock band since 2015. The Barrel Fires have released two EPs, their self-titled debut recorded live at Range Recording Studios in Ardmore and Run Around Years, recorded at Turtle Studios produced by Ross Bellenoit and Doug Raus. 

Jay was a finalist in the 2017 Philadelphia Songwriters Project competition. Jay and the Barrel Fires have performed at various venues throughout the region including the Haverford Music Festival, Milkboy Philly and 118 North Wayne. In Jan 2020, Jay joined an all-star lineup of Philly musicians in a tribute to Robert Hunter at the Ardmore Music Hall.