Jay McCormick is a dynamic country artist based in Winston-Salem, NC, with roots planted deep along the Bama-Georgia line. A storyteller at heart, Jay’s music flows with passion and energy, blending the soul of red dirt country with the grit of southern rock. His sound can effortlessly shift from a haunting Western ballad to a powerful, soulful rock anthem, capturing a wide range of emotions and experiences. Whether he’s telling a tale of heartache or celebrating the simple joys of life, Jay brings a raw authenticity that resonates deeply with listeners.

Fueled by a love for music that moves people, Jay is constantly crafting songs that bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, making him a fresh voice in today’s country scene.

This episode of Soul Sessions feels like sitting on a porch with a musician friend who somehow knows everything about country music, punk rock, church culture, obscure Alabama bands, and why Morgan Wallen albums should absolutely be shorter.

Jay starts by revealing that his musical heart belongs to Alabama duo Muscadine Bloodline — a band he describes as the perfect mix of powerhouse vocals, killer instrumentation, and storytelling that punches you directly in the feelings. From there, the conversation spirals beautifully through country legends, Blink-182 obsession, Atlanta rap, and a passionate defense of songs that actually tell a story.

And honestly? Jay contains multitudes.

One minute he’s talking about growing up in tiny Ranburne, Alabama — population: “more churches than people” — where his graduating class had 76 students and paddling was still happening in school in 2009. The next minute he’s reminiscing about blasting T.I. and the Ying Yang Twins from trucks covered in rebel flags while wondering, “How did we get here?”

Musically, his journey is equally chaotic in the best way:

• Raised on classic country like George Jones and Alan Jackson

• Learned guitar because of pop-punk bands like Blink-182 and Good Charlotte

• Fell headfirst into heavy music and hip-hop

• Now lives in what he lovingly calls the “country soul” era alongside artists like Chris Stapleton, Marcus King, and Teddy Swims

The guy clearly loves music. Deeply. Aggressively. Academically, even.

At one point he launches into a TED Talk about why early-2000s country music was a dark era full of “hot moms and baseball songs,” before explaining how hearing Eric Church’s “Lightning” completely reignited his love for country storytelling. Suddenly, we’re discussing death row ballads, emotional songwriting, and why songs should hurt a little.

There’s also an unexpectedly wholesome subplot:
Jay didn’t really think he was a singer until basically everyone around him — church members, friends, and especially his wife — repeatedly told him to stop pretending otherwise.

Now he balances:

• a full-time electrical estimating job,

• church worship leadership,

• songwriting sessions,

• basement music marathons after the kids go to sleep,

• and dreams of releasing more original music.

Meanwhile, his wife is the undisputed MVP quietly holding the whole operation together while he chases song ideas at 10 p.m.

The episode also accidentally becomes a love letter to Winston-Salem’s music scene. Jay passionately shouts out local musicians, venues, churches, and the insane amount of talent hiding around the Triad. According to him, Winston is basically one collaborative jam session away from becoming Nashville Jr.

Also important discoveries from this interview:

• Quiet Pint Tavern apparently has life-changing fries.

• Milner's American Southern Restaurant serves elite shrimp and grits.

• Three-hour gigs should probably be illegal.

• Albums should never exceed 12–15 songs unless you are actively trying to exhaust your listeners.

• “Sometimes Better’s Taken” is a line from a sitcom that accidentally hit harder than most modern songwriting.

The episode ends with a lyric trivia game involving Ricky Martin, Nelly Furtado, LeAnn Rimes, and a shocking amount of confidence about 2000s pop lyrics.

Overall vibe:
A funny, thoughtful, deeply music-obsessed conversation with a guy who can passionately discuss punk rock, SEC football towns, worship music, and emotionally devastating country songs all in the same breath — which honestly feels extremely Southern in the best possible way.