Meet Country Music’s New Girl Group & the “JAYNE” EP | Just Jayne
Country music trio Just Jayne joined Heart of the Gulch host Tony Mendoza during CMA Fest 2026 to introduce themselves, break down their debut JAYNE EP, and share how three individual singer-songwriters became one of Nashville’s newest country girl groups.
Made up of Taylor Edwards, Jillian Steele and Rachel Wiggins, Just Jayne brings together three distinct personalities, three-part harmonies, and a shared love of country music.
Just Jayne visits Heart of the Gulch CMA Fest 2026
From Belmont University to Just Jayne
The story starts at Belmont University in Nashville, an experience the trio jokingly describes as basically “Camp Rock.”
All three originally arrived in Nashville pursuing their own paths as singer-songwriters. Eventually, their friendship and creative chemistry developed into something bigger.
That chemistry now extends beyond singing. Taylor, Jillian and Rachel each bring different strengths to the group, influencing everything from songwriting and melodies to branding, social media and life together on the road.
Inside the Debut JAYNE EP
Their debut JAYNE EP introduces listeners to the sound and personality the trio has been developing together.
During their Heart of the Gulch interview, Just Jayne dives into songs including “Love A Loser,” “Death & Taxes,” “All The Backroads,” “The Way We Were” and “One Plus One.”
“Death & Taxes” became particularly important in helping the trio discover a newer direction for their sound.
They also reveal an interesting piece of their recording process: some of the vocals heard on their released music actually came from the original days the songs were written.
Tony Mendoza, host of the Heart of the Gulch interviewing Just Jayne
Three Songwriters, One Sound
Having three established songwriters in one group creates an unusual creative dynamic.
Just Jayne explains how they navigate ideas, melodies and lyrics while allowing each member’s strengths to come through. Rather than eliminating their individual identities, those differences have become part of what makes the group work.
And then there are the harmonies.
The trio's three-part harmonies have quickly become one of the defining pieces of the Just Jayne sound and naturally connect them to the long tradition of vocal groups in country music.
Just Jayne laughs about “Loving a Loser” at CMA Fest
Learning From Maddie & Tae and Touring With Ashley Cooke
Just Jayne also reflects on learning from Maddie & Tae as they navigate the realities of building a career as a country duo or group.
Now they're preparing for another major opportunity: hitting the road with Ashley Cooke.
Add a return to the CMA Fest Reverb Stage, more touring and new music, and the next chapter is already taking shape.
Friendship Behind the Music
Just Jayne talking about how they built their relationship.
Beyond the songs, Just Jayne is ultimately built around friendship.
The trio opens up about their different personalities, dealing with self-doubt, supporting each other through the uncertainty of pursuing music, and even the realities of sharing closets while they're on the road.
It's part of what makes the group more than three singers who happen to perform together.
They're building Just Jayne together.
With the JAYNE EP introducing the group to country fans and plenty more music ahead, Taylor Edwards, Jillian Steele and Rachel Wiggins are just getting started.
Watch Just Jayne on Heart of the Gulch
Watch the full Just Jayne interview from CMA Fest 2026 as they join Tony Mendoza to discuss the JAYNE EP, “Love A Loser,” “Death & Taxes,” songwriting, three-part harmonies, Ashley Cooke, Maddie & Tae and what's next for the country trio.
Interview Chapters
0:00 — Just Jayne Interview | CMA Fest 2026
1:04 — How Just Jayne Met at Belmont University
2:25 — Songwriting, Three-Part Harmonies & Life as a Country Trio
4:23 — The Story Behind “Love A Loser”
5:37 — “Death & Taxes” & Finding Just Jayne's Signature Sound
7:06 — Writing “What's His Name?” & Their Songwriting Process
8:38 — Where Just Jayne Gets Their Best Song Ideas
9:13 — Touring with Ashley Cooke & Learning from Maddie & Tae
10:49 — Just Jayne's Favorite Songs from Their Early Years
11:31 — Friendship, Personalities & Performing at CMA Fest
13:08 — Just Jayne's Most Underrated Song
13:52 — Debut JAYNE EP, New Music & What's Next
14:34 — Self-Doubt, Friendship & Chasing the Country Music Dream
15:48 — Final Thoughts
Tony Mendoza is the Nashville-based host and creator of Heart of the Gulch, featuring conversations with country artists, songwriters and personalities from Nashville and beyond.
