Know Acisse Jay

Acisse Jay (äkēsā jā) is a captivating rock/blues/Americana singer-songwriter from Norfolk, VA, known for her electrifying performances and soulful, genre-blending songwriting. Her sound—a fusion of rock, blues, country, gospel, and Americana—has earned her the moniker “the soul of rock,” bringing a fresh voice to classic styles.

Acisse Jay began to make waves with her debut EP, Experimental Phase EP, Vol. 1, in 2019, showcasing her vocal prowess and creative versatility. Praised by Guitar Girl Magazine for her “musical intelligence and nonconformist melodies,” she quickly attracted the attention of fans and critics alike.

Her 2022 single, Fool’s Gold, a collaboration with Fuchsia City, established her presence even further. Right Chord Music called it a “pop rock jam” with memorable hooks, and her performance of the track at the 2023 MAGFest with Fuchsia City demonstrated her compelling stage presence.

In March 2021, Acisse Jay co-founded The Phoebes Band, which gained traction with their cover of Kingfish’s “Hey Joe,” a rendition that Kingfish himself reposted. In May 2021, Acisse Jay lead the band at the 35th Annual Carolina Blues Festival: Carolina Soul, joining the line-up with legends Roy Roberts, Johnny Rawls, Darryl Johnson, Penny Smith, and 2021 Jr. Bluesman Award winner Brendan Hinch. She led the band as its vocalist and rhythm guitarist until January 2023, when she shifted her focus to her solo career.

A major career milestone came with her debut at the legendary Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago for the Mahindra Blues Festival, where she opened for blues powerhouse Kat Riggins. Sharing the stage with blues legends has underscored her ability to hold her own among the best.

In 2024, Acisse Jay founded Acisse Jay & the Gents, a band that went on to win the Triangle Blues Society’s Competition. This victory secured their spot to represent the Triangle at the 2025 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, marking an exciting new chapter in her career.

In addition to her solo work and band leadership, she joined the Black Opry Revue in May 2024, a collective dedicated to supporting Black artists in Country, Americana, Blues, and Folk. This collaboration aligns with her mission to bring diverse voices to the forefront of the music scene.

Her performances—a blend of raw emotion, technical precision, and authenticity—are shaped by her studies under guitar virtuoso Kevin Wilson, Sr. Fans and critics alike praise her “soulful delivery,” “captivating guitar skills,” and ability to connect deeply with her audience, often comparing her emotional intensity to that of Tina Turner and her innovative edge to Gary Clark Jr.

In 2024, she recorded her second EP, Experimental Phase Vol. 2 - The Evolution of A Thang, live at Live At Ted’s in Wilmington, NC. This EP captures her artistic growth and live energy, promising fans yet another thrilling chapter in her musical journey.

Acisse Jay is pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a formidable force in today’s music world. From stages big and small, she continues to redefine her craft and is undoubtedly an artist to watch in the coming years.