10 Random Things about Jay Carlin

1. I have been to 30 states and 8 different countries. The furthest south I’ve ever been is to Montego Bay, Jamaica; the furthest north is Angling Lake (Wapekeka First Nation), ON, Canada; West is Seoul, Korea; East, Izmir, Turkey. Things like this interest me.

2. My childhood dream: I wanted to be a professional bowler when I “grew up.” I used to practice like 20 games a day after school. I stopped bowling seriously in high school when I started to pursue music.

3. I’m a Tetris addict. I can play games up over 1,500 lines, and play too much competitive Head-to-Head Tetris. It’s relaxing to me - gets out the tension. If I’m winning. Which I am.

4. Everyone in my immediate family was adopted (I am half-adopted), and both my parents are only children. I have an adopted sister who was born in South Korea. However, my mom is really interested in genealogy and has discovered “long lost” blood relatives.

5. I collect and learn to play a variety of instruments from around the world. I own an Indian sitar and a set of tabla, a Turkish oud and a saz (Baglama), a hand-made Turkish copper darbuka, bagpipes, a banjo, a mandolin, an accordion... and a bunch of other stuff.

6. I’ve been in the audience for a taping of the Jerry Springer Show. Accidentally. It’s a funny story. I’ve also been to a taping of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. I met Drew Carey at a Big Boy’s, and parked Fred Durst’s minivan when I was a valet. I met Justin Timberlake at B.B. King’s in Memphis. I had breakfast with Steven Curtis Chapman when I was the only one who showed up to the CD signing.

7. I love roller coasters and theme park rides. Love them. Cedar Point and Islands of Adventure: Universal Studios are my favorites.

8. I love being in airports. They’re one of my favorite places to put on headphones, walk around, and people watch. I can’t sit in one place in airports, ever.

9. I love playing chess and studying chess theory. I try to memorize a good chunk of opening book moves. I am a true nerd.

10. I’ve driven 1,334 miles in a 24 hour time period by myself - from Albuquerque to Montgomery - in one sitting, only stopping 3 times for gas.