Key Points

• Ithaca College juniors Jake Generali and Owen Barclay mix and produce electronic music in their free time
• Both Generali and Barclay are self-taught mixers and have been collaborating on music for a year and a half
• Generali is also a second-baseman/shortstop on the college’s varsity baseball team

Ithaca College junior Jake Generali stands out from most collegiate baseball players.

For most, when the dust settles on the diamond, it signifies the end of the day. All that work put into an intense passion deserves some reward: rest, Netflix, Xbox 360.

But for Generali, the end of baseball means the beginning of his version of relaxation: mixing and producing music.

Making of the Music Man

Generali’s interest in music piqued in 8th grade when his brother downloaded Apple’s Logic X program, commonly referred to as Logic.

“I became really interested in trying to make music,” Generali said. “I wasn’t really good, I didn’t know the basis of sound design, I was just experimenting.”

Generali decided his best path was to be self-taught, and discovered his second passion through just trying to find his rhythm.

“Through Youtube tutorials and messing around, I came to love what I was doing.”

Fellow junior and friend Edward Goff said Generali’s music appeals to him.

“I like his music because of the genre,” Goff said. “It’s what I listen to a lot now, and his style is really good.”

Generali said he isn’t seeking to push the music on anyone, saying people will listen if it sounds good.

“I’m a personable and social guy, but for something like this I’m not trying to be in your face about it,” Generali said. “If you like it, you’ll listen. It’s not something I have to force upon people. Just create, create, create and go from there.”

Collaborating with Clay

Trying to find his place in the world of music, Generali stumbled upon a music partner in IC junior Owen Barclay.

The two met freshman year on the South Hill and have worked closely together since the tail end of their sophomore years.

The two identify themselves as “bedroom producers”, meaning they are not signed to any company and record label.

Barclay said the similar styles in their work made the chemistry instantaneous.

“We both have very similar tastes in music, we both have an ear for music,” Barclay said. “I was pretty against electronic music for a while but it was Jake who started showing me better, more complex instrumentals which is what we do now.”

Barclay emphasized the duo has been able to succeed and get along so well because they both bring different elements to the table when it comes time to producing music.

“Jake really knows good beats and how to make stuff sound crisp, where I like organic and orchestral sounds. If we both made the same type of music, this wouldn’t work.”

The duo currently goes by the stage names of Gen and Clay.

The Songs

The songs the duo create generally take around 2-3 weeks to make, with long nights included. Their songs generally consist of remixes of other popular songs at the time.

Most of the work, however, gets done in their initial 3 sessions together.

“The toughest part is getting an idea and then going with it. But once you’ve got it down, you can just go off that,” Generali said.

Along with Logic Pro X, the duo also uses a platform called Splice.

While Logic Pro X is used for altering, mixing and layering sounds in a sequence, Splice allows for the artists to choose certain sounds that they believe will enhance their music.

Along with artists such as San Holo and Pluto, Generali also mentioned 2017 Ithaca College Graduate Joel Almand, who is currently living out in Los Angeles, Cal., as a musical inspiration.

“[Joel] was a film guy, was big into dj-ing and making music and that turned into a career. As long as I keep doing what I’m doing, hopefully something will catch on.”

The Balancing Act

Generali has had to learn how to balance time spent mixing with being active on Ithaca College’s Baseball team.

The second baseman’s days consist of a good breakfast, full day of classes, homework and then baseball practice. Free time is music time.

“Any free time is usually spent making or searching for music. If you really like something then you’ll find the time to do it.”

The commitment to something outside of his sport has been met with support from his teammates.

“It’s a low-key thing, but they respect what I do and they respect what I create. I’m not so in your face about, they’re all just really receptive and supportive.”

Never Fading

Even when the bat isn’t swinging or the music isn’t flowing the way he wants, Generali always has a positive outlook.

“There are some times where you’re really motivated, and you hit that block, and you’re like ‘Man, this really isn’t going anywhere.’ It’s tough, but my passion has never really left. I want to make this into a career. I love making music and that’s never going to go away.”