Jay Franze, Music Journalist & Concert Photographer
Jay Franze is a music journalist and concert photographer, covering the people, stories, and music shaping today’s industry. Beyond journalism, Franze is a strategic advisor and manager who helps artists, musicians, and industry professionals navigate the complexities of growth, visibility, and long-term success. He is an industry veteran whose career spans more than three decades across music, media, and business leadership.
As the host of The Jay Franze Show, he has built a reputation for engaging conversations with some of the most respected names in music, delivering insightful interviews, honest commentary, and a behind-the-scenes perspective that resonates with both artists and fans alike. His work as both a journalist and photographer has earned him recognition as a trusted voice within the industry, known for combining deep industry knowledge with an authentic, relatable style.
But Jay’s credibility didn’t start behind a microphone; it started behind a console.
A veteran producer and engineer, Jay has worked on projects involving iconic artists including Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Jr., and Dolly Parton. He has engineered live shows for artists such as Keith Urban, Phil Vassar, and The Wilkinsons. He has also produced and engineered projects for independent artists, including Matty McRee, Tristin Burke, and Allison Piccioni. Along the way, he has collaborated with respected producers including Bob Bullock, Matt McClure, and Chas Sandford and worked extensively in legendary studios such as Ocean Way, The Tracking Room, and Masterfonics.
Jay’s production and engineering work has reached beyond the music world into television and entertainment media, with projects airing on networks including NBC, HBO, and Comedy Central, as well as the legendary show Saturday Night Live.
Equally respected in education and mentorship, Jay has taught at leading audio and media institutions, including SAE Institute, Full Sail University, and the International Academy of Design and Technology. He has also served as a guest lecturer at institutions such as Belmont University, University of Hartford, and Boston University, speaking on music production, branding, and the realities of the entertainment business.
A lifelong student of both music and business, Jay holds certifications and degrees in music production, music business, and leadership, including studies through Berklee College of Music, Harvard Business School, and the University of Queensland.
Beyond broadcasting and production, Jay is also an accomplished author whose books bridge the gap between music, branding, and leadership. His titles include Pro Tools a…z, Mixing a…z, and Stand Out or Fade Out.
Known for blending experience, humor, and straight-shooting insight, Jay has carved out a unique voice in the music and media industries, one equally comfortable breaking down the business of music, interviewing legendary artists, or reviewing live shows. He does this while helping the next generation of creators find their footing.
Originally from Boston, Jay now lives in Northern Kentucky, just outside Cincinnati, with his wife, Jennifer, their three daughters, Bella, Lucy, and Valen, and their dogs, Charlie, Zoe, and Bowie.