Although most storytellers dabble in fiction, there are some that can’t help but ooze honesty. We believe the words they weave. Discover a local artist here, who does exactly that. Purposely, or not, the Massachusetts artist you are about to become acquainted with here creates music that seems to come from his gut. Meet my Local Catch of the Week Jay Rabbitt from Seekonk.

A nurse by day, singer/songwriter by night, Rabbitt comes from a musical home. It’s played a big part of his life since he was very young. Maybe it’s that early connection that keeps him honest in his music. Like life, Jay’s sound is not pretentious or weighed down in dazzle. There’s grit and grind, there’s pain and pleasure. It’s the sincerity that draws us in and makes us believe.

What’s In A Song

This storyteller has released a new single that gives us insight into how he met the love of his life. Like all good songs there is truth and embellishment. Below, you can listen to Jay Rabbitt’s original song, “Southern Comfort Girl.” He will explain exactly how the song came to be. Was there actually a ’98 Jetta blasting “Third Eye Blind?” It doesn’t even matter. It’s a picture being painted. But, at the heart of the song is the authenticity of his feelings. And nothing is more real than that.

Listen to Jay’s song and get to know him a little, here. From where he started, to who inspires him, Rabbitt shares some of his story. You can find out where to see him performing live, and how to follow him on social media. Taking these steps shows support of our New England music makers. They work so hard to get their art to you. The least we can do is show up, in person, in spirit and online. I believe you will be impressed, as I am, but the work and story of my Local Catch of the Week, Jay Rabbitt from Seekonk.

And by the way, if you are wondering if this is his real name, you’ll find out below. Any relation to Eddie Rabbitt? To be determined…

The Music
Jay shares some of the background for his latest release, “Southern Comfort Girl.” He said, “This song to me has a couple of meanings. The Idea for the song came from reflecting on the first night that I met my wife. Her and her friends were passing around a bottle of Southern Comfort at a house party and sipping from the bottle. I remember thinking to myself man this girl’s gonna be trouble. Fast forward 16 years and we are happily married with a two year old boy. The other meaning stems from her always feeling like she belonged down South. I remember her telling me once about feeling that she might have lived there in a past life. I took the song over to Cory Paza at Allstep Studios and he knocked it out of the park helping me bring the song to life.”

“Southern Comfort Girl”
The Story
Grew up in: Rehoboth, Ma

Now lives in: Seekonk, Ma

Current single, and or EP or Album: “Southern Comfort Girl”

What lead you to music: My father is a guitar player and I remember watching him as a little kid and saying man I want to do that. I remember going through all of his CD collections as a kid and trying to copy what I was hearing. For me I think that fire was lit at a very young age and music has been a huge part of my life since.

How long have you been performing: I have been preforming out locally for about 14 years now.

First country song you learned: Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash

How would you describe your sound: Americana/Country

Who inspires you: I’ve been influenced by a whole melting pot of musicians over the years. I have always admired song-writers like Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen for the way that they can create a picture through the story telling in their songs. To me that is inspiring because it’s so difficult to pull off. My most recent musical influences are artists like Zach Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Tyler Childers, Noah Kahan, and Jason Isbell for similar reasons.

If you are a band, how did you get your name: People ask me a lot if Rabbitt is a stage name but it’s actually my real name. I’m not too sure where the second T at the end came from though. It always throws people off when they try to look up my music.

Dream duet partner: Colbie Caillat

All- time favorite song: Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd

First country concert: Chris Stapleton

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: A flight Nurse/Paramedic

Day Job: Registered Nurse

Most proud moment: Becoming a father

Crazy thing that happened in your music career: Being local catch of the week for Country 102.5!

Other things you like to do: Hiking, kayaking, camping, and snowboarding.

Fun facts about you: I have a pet snake that I’ve had since I was 16 years old.

Mantra: “Our only limitations are those set up in our own minds” Napoleon Hill
The Shows
Be sure to catch Jay performing live! He has quite a few gigs coming up. Check out some of these:

12/1: Bog Iron Brewing 6p-9p Norton, Ma

12/10: Berkley Beer Company 1p-4p Taunton, Ma

12/15: Dublin Rose 8:30p–11:30p Seekonk, MA

12/21: Moonshine Alley 9p-Midnight Providence, RI

12/29: Black Duck Tavern 8p-11p East Providence, RI
The Social Network
Keep up with music, gigs and more by following Jay Rabbitt on his social media pages, here:
Pics and Posts

@jayrabbittmusic
Here’s a clip of my new single Southern Comfort Girl coming out on all streaming platforms August 18th. Check out JayRabbittMusic.com to presave. #newmusic #newsong #trending #originalsong #singersongwriter #smalltown #country #fyp
♬ original sound - Jay Rabbitt

@jayrabbittmusic
Ho Hey acoustic cover @thelumineersofficial #thelumineers #fyp #music #cover #hohey #acoustic #foryoupage
♬ original sound - Jay Rabbitt
Are YOU a Catch?
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.

*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing: carolyn.kruse@bbgi.com