In the late 80s and early 90s Jay Tripwire was heavily influenced by the deep futuristic sounds coming from Detroit, the classic house sound from NYC and the early raw freshness of the Chicago sound that it became a fusion Jay would be known for.

Living isolated in Vancouver Canada gave the Vancouver djs their own sound and style of Djing, alongside his peers such as Tyler "Tbone" Stadius, Dj Ali and Vernon, Jay had honed his craft in the underground scene, playing numerous warehouse parties, clubs, afterhours and making mixtapes.