Catch Up with Denver’s Own, Jae Wes

In the music industry, each musician’s journey is nuanced and unique. Jae Wes, who grew up in Denver as Josh McClendon, is a classically trained cellist and pianist who’s now helping shape the modern R&B scene. Catchy hooks and smooth beats move Wes’ songs along with the rhythm, asking the listener to dance and sing along. 

“Music has always been in my life,” Wes explained. With an early introduction to classical music from his dad, Wes spent years training his ear and learning to play piano and cello. Despite this deep involvement in the genre, Wes didn’t find classical music that deeply moved him. 

Photography by Sebastian Medina.

“It wasn’t until the age of thirteen I started listening to other genres of music, mainly Hip-Hop,” revealed Wes. 

As a lifelong and classically trained musician, Wes experienced the striking phenomenon of building a craft over a good span of time through diligence and tradition. This process, both beautiful and trying, has clearly stuck with Wes. 

“When I was younger, I viewed [music] more as a chore because of the discipline that came with practicing and performing. It was difficult being critiqued by people who question your talent as a musician.” Wes explained. This points to an important distinction within teaching music, or even teaching generally. How can you help a musician develop through encouragement without just feeding ego and delusion? How do you foster growth and skills without potentially shutting someone down entirely?

Wes is often pondering these questions. “I am now understanding that music is subjective and the importance of accepting feedback,” he remarked. 

Perhaps the acceptance of this subjectivity is essential to both receiving feedback and giving it. A true understanding that sound is subjective leads to a very different experience of music. Opening your mind to all genres and to all levels of mastery can be freeing, but also a bit intimidating. The rules that some musicians cling to so tightly no longer ground you, all the choices are suddenly yours. 

As an adult, Wes sees music as his full-time job and something that has helped him grow up. “I’m glad I learned to be patient with progression and self-discipline,” emphasized Wes. 

With this energy and patience, Wes has built a clean-cut yet streetwear aesthetic that fits right in with the modern hip-hop or R&B scene. Wes has built a nuanced discography, working with other R&B artists and experimenting with art mediums from project to project. 

The reasoning behind Wes’ care and discipline for his music career is deeper than any personal career desires. “My main goal is to be able to provide for my family and be financially free solely through the means of making music,” Wes explained. This focus on family rather than outright fame is heartwarming and surely will help Wes continue with his dream. 

In addition to Wes’ authenticity and morals, perhaps what has brought Wes this far is his desire to “start something new within music.” Wes mentioned the inspiration that artists like Jamie Foxx, Lucky Daye and Frank Ocean bring him particularly when trying to make music of his own. 

With his musical journey continuing to evolve, Wes also spends time within the industry which gives him an interesting perspective on popular music. Content within music might make money for the label, but that doesn’t always mean the messaging is healthy for our minds. 

“Just because something is popular, doesn’t mean it’s good. Some things that have been made mainstream should not always be followed morally.” Wes mused. 

At the sweet intersection between clubbing music and R&B Wes’ sound combines melodic verses with clean production and tight drums. This brings a very modern feel to his music, songs to listen to while getting ready before a night out or to play on a late-night drive through the city. 

Wes’ voice glides through each track with remarkable smoothness and tone. He brings an openness to his lyrics, calling to past love or future love about his emotions and the complications that arise when another person is entangled in them. 

These days Wes travels a lot for work, both performing and collaborating with people all over the country, but is still happy to call Colorado home. “I love the community and environment in Denver, it’s very peaceful and beautiful,” said Wes. This keeps the Denver music scene very relevant to Wes’ life and career. Wes urges local artists to take advantage of the resources this city has to offer and to hype each other up as much as possible.  

Follow Jae Wes on his musical journey through Spotify or Instagram and support the talent that has come out of Colorado!