Creator Spotlight with Singer/Songwriter Tommy Jones
This week, we’re pleased to introduce you to singer/songwriter Tommy Jones, aka Tee Jay. His music is a mix of the blues, hip-hop, and soulful folk. After reading his spotlight blog, be sure to check out his music on Spotify and follow him on Facebook.
What inspired you to become a creator?
Honestly, I just wanted to make things that felt real to me. Stuff that people could connect with, or that I could put my energy into and see it take shape. The best part? Watching an idea go from my head to something people can actually feel or interact with. That’s magic.
What’s your creative process like? How long does it take? Does everything make money?
I usually start with a vibe or a feeling, then I just experiment, sounds, visuals, words, until it clicks. Sometimes it’s a few hours, sometimes days. Not everything makes money, and that’s fine. Some stuff is just for learning, for pushing myself, or for fun.
What’s the biggest misconception about your work?
That it’s easy. People see the final product and think it just happens. But it takes focus, mistakes, late nights, and a lot of trial and error. It’s not just talent, it’s persistence and heart.
When did you first notice copyright was a thing?
Pretty early on. I realized people could take your work and run with it, and that hit me. Knowing about copyright isn’t just for protecting yourself, it’s for respecting other creators too.
Have you had your work stolen? How did that feel?
Yeah, and it’s frustrating. Personally, it feels like someone’s stolen a piece of your brain. Financially, it stings too, especially when someone else profits from your work. It’s a reality of putting your stuff out there.
What do you do when someone steals your work?
First, I take a deep breath and assess. Then I take action, legal, platform reporting, whatever it takes. But I keep it professional. Losing your cool publicly usually does more harm than good.
What’s your best advice for other creators about copyright?
Document everything. Keep drafts, timestamps, files, messages. Know your rights. Protect your work, but don’t let the fear of theft stop you from creating.
What’s your biggest copyright challenge?
Enforcement. You can register your stuff, know your rights, but policing content online is exhausting. People copy, remix, and repost, and getting it back isn’t always easy.
How has AI affected your work?
AI is both a tool and a headache. It can speed up ideas and help create, but it also makes it easier for people to copy styles or replicate your work without permission. You have to adapt and be smart about how you use it, while staying true to your own creative voice.
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