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JT McCaffrey band on the brink of making it big
ARTS & CULTURE
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JT McCaffrey pursues his passion for music
BY ANGELA CUTRER PHOTOS BY ANGELA CUTRER
JT McCaffrey is on the cusp of fame, but he’s not letting it go to his head. “Things are going very well,” the band leader said. “It’s almost scary how fast things are moving for us.” His “us” is a band with no name yet. Right now, it’s called “JT McCaffrey.” It includes JT on rhythm guitar, lead vocals harmonica; Clint Gooch of Brookhaven on bass and backup vocals; Baleigh Gooch of McCall Creek contributing backup vocals; Hagen Conn of Monticello on drums; Joseph Crouse of Summit on keyboard and fiddle; and Tyler Fredrick of Wesson on lead guitar. McCaffrey said he played solo gigs for a little over a year before the band developed and really took off. “It just appeared out of nowhere and landed right in my lap,” he said. “I took a chance one night to invite fiddle player Joseph Crouse to sit in on one of my shows and play with me, which led to him knowing a guitar player. The guitar player knew a drummer, the drummer knew a bass player and [then] we all came together one night, not knowing any of the songs I played and just jammed it out. It’s funny how things work.”
McCaffrey said the band has been “blessed” with the opportunity to record a song in the studio to later produce and release onto streaming platforms. “I chose a song titled ‘Stone” by my most favorite artist, Whiskey
Myers,” he said. “I chose this song because it always felt the best when we played it live, and always brought the most energy.”
He said the time in the studio was a 10-hour day. “The fun became work after just a couple hours, [but] we enjoyed it thoroughly and were blessed to all work together in that new-found environment,” McCaffrey said.
The band released the song in January on all streaming platforms. “We’re super excited and proud of it,” McCaffrey added. “I am so very thankful and blessed to have a group of talented individuals that has the same work ethic, drive and dreams that I do. I can’t see the big picture of where this may lead, but I know something is there.”
McCaffrey said the band has a great supporting fan base of local friends and family who help to spread the news and get the band’s name into other areas. “There’s no doubt in my mind that with the talent this group has and with the loyal support of our fans, we will do awesome things, so stay tuned,” he said.
McCaffrey grew up in Bogue Chitto, graduating in 2021 from Bogue Chitto Attendance Center. “I haven’t always been sure what has drawn me to music, but it’s something that has always been there,” he said. “I’m the only one in my family to ever play and perform the way I do. It kind of grabbed me out of nowhere and now it’s sticking.”
McCaffrey and his band might only have a dream right now of being heard, but he McCaffrey hopes others learn from their experiences so far.
“If there’s any advice I could give to someone starting to play music it’s this - do not ever stop,” he said. “The best gift you can give to this world and to yourself is making music. It frees your soul, puts smiles on others faces and fulfills. It’s all about having fun and doing what you want to do.”
ARTS & CULTURE
FAST CARS AND MORE
Filmmaker’s ‘Mach 2’ showcases local machines
BY ANGELA CUTRER PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Daniel Williams, 23, has worked a lifetime already, but he’s nowhere near stopping. In fact, he’s moved into advertising cinematography right here in Brookhaven. If you like interesting cars and motorcycles, you might just find Williams’ latest project right up your alley. Or rather, right on your phone or tablet on YouTube. Williams has a new YouTube show called “Mach2” that focuses on interesting vehicles. He’s put together his love of storytelling, drones, cinematography and Brookhaven to create a new vehicle - pun intended - to showcase edgy, fun vehicles that others will enjoy learning about. Access began in early January, and Williams is taking names of those who want to see their vehicles on film.
“Everything is being shot in Brookhaven in ‘nontraffic-y’ places that the police are OK with,” Williams said with a laugh. “It’s a community thing featuring Brookhaven people, and we’ll go from there.”
A filmmaker from Coden, Alabama, Williams received his first camera when he was 12 years old, worked as a shipfitter and welder from ages 15 to 18, and started his own business at 17. His interest in flying drones had him building a small business of aerial videography. His projects include filming boat launches and speedboats designed for Navy SEAL training and high-end advertising for big-name retailers.
He had a lot of friends from the Brookhaven area, so he decided to check it out and loved what he found. “I bought a house here nine months ago,” he said. “We love living here. There are a lot of quality
Daniel Williams
businesses around.” Williams said he was thankful for the fun opportunities he’s had so far to travel from coast to coast, filming with the BBC, the Discovery Channel and in the coffee industry because “I’m getting to do what I love every single day,” he said. And now he’s working right here at home, excited for what’s to come. “I’ve shot something like 30 different ads here [in Brookhaven] so far,” he said.
“It’s been really fun. I like that we are giving Brookhaven people a high-quality show right here from home.”
To see the first episode of Mach2, visit https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=B5Nf85jNcPQ. To view Williams’ work or for more information, visit integrityproductionsco.com or email him at integrityproductionsco@gmail.com.
