Jay Terrence Swetlishoff, a smooth, creative, and dynamic drummer and percussionist, an artist committed to self improvement and continuous growth in todays fast paced and ever-changing music industry. Currently performing with Dirt Road Opera, driving their Canadiana / Roots style music at its audience relentlessly.

Jay has had many accomplishments touring with major label artists across Canada, more than competently performing styles from Hard Rock to Country and Bluegrass. With studio recordings and videos that have hit the charts, Jay has collaborated with Julian Austin, The Cruzeros, Rachel Matkin, Roger Gabriel, Joanne Stacey and Twin Peaks just to name a few.

Jay is joined by Barry Mathers, former singer and songwriter for the Cruzeros, and songbird Rachel Matkin, lead vocals. Dirt Road Opera pushes the envelope of creativity and professionalism in every performance,  and in the studio, driving towards the larger reward of personal growth, and recognition.The future of Dirt Road Opera is to create an unequalled experience for their audiences, whether it be a live performance, or in their relentless pursuit of composing transcendent sounds and music. 

Jay has also been working with singer songwriter Roger Gabriel in support of his upcoming EP. In a pursuit to improve musically, Jay began the journey into Engineering and Music Production, song like Truck for Sale, and Outrun a Bullet, have shown ample competence and understanding of the studio workings that can only improve in the future.

Now back in the studio with DRO, Barry, Rachel and Jay have come together to bring years of experience into a singular, yet diverse vision.