THE CJ burst onto the scene last year with their hit single ‘Don't Lose Yourself’, and they haven't slowed down since. This Montana-based artist has been busy crafting a unique blend of alternative rock and pop, with lyrics that resonate with a generation navigating the complexities of life. Their latest single, ‘Way Back Home’, dives deep into feelings of loneliness and displacement, with an emo edge that showcases THE CJ's evolving sound. We caught up with THE CJ to talk about their creative process, future aspirations, and the surprising hobbies that keep them grounded.
From their insightful approach to songwriting to their dream, THE CJ offers a glimpse into the mind of an artist who is passionate about connecting with their audience on a meaningful level. They also reveal their unexpected love for a relaxing pastime and the surprising anthem that gets them pumped up.
How do you keep your creative ideas fresh and avoid repetition in your songwriting?
“I don’t like overused concepts, and I like to actively try and make each of my songs unique, even if they come from a generic idea. I like to use metaphoric lyrics.”
What’s the most surprising thing you've learned about your own creative style since you began making music?
“I’ve been very familiar with my style for a long time, so there’s not really been anything surprising I’ve discovered about myself.”
Are there any specific skills or aspects of music production you’re currently interested in learning or improving?
“I definitely wanna try again to learn an instrument. I’m hopeful to pick up bass guitar. Singing and writing comes easily to me. Instruments, not so much.”
Looking ahead, what’s one milestone you hope to achieve in the next few years that would be a dream come true for you?
“A big goal for me is definitely working with someone a little more prominent in the emo scene. Even a small artist I enjoy would be a dream come true for me.”
If you could choose any fictional character to be your musical collaborator, who would it be and what kind of song would you create together?
“This is an interesting question that requires a lot of thought. I would have to say it’s between Mal from Descendants and Rainbow Dash oddly enough. I think I’ll go with Mal, as I relate to her and we could create some fun, edgy collaborative music.”
What’s a lesser-known hobby or interest you have that might surprise your fans?
“I love to colour! I have an impressive collection of markers and I use colouring to decompress.”
If you could create a soundtrack for a day in your life, what songs or themes would you include?
“If there was a playlist to describe my life... It would definitely have to include My Chemical Romance. And surprisingly, ‘Bet On It’ from High School Musical Two, because I use that song as my anthem to get in a good mood.”
How do you hope your music will impact future generations of artists or listeners? What legacy do you want to leave behind?
“I hope my music helps at least one person with their struggles like my favourite band did for me. As long as I can do that, I’ll be happy.”
How does ‘Way Back Home’ capture your artistic evolution since your earlier work, and what new elements did you incorporate in this track?
“‘Way Back Home’ has the more emo edge I was looking for. It incorporates some harder guitar and is less pop sounding.”
What specific message or feeling do you want ‘Way Back Home’ to evoke in your listeners? Is there a theme or central idea there?
“I want listeners to connect with that feeling of loneliness and feeling out of place. I know a lot of people feel this way and it’s a battle behind closed doors. Advocating for mental health through my music means a lot to me.”
It's clear that THE CJ is an artist on the rise, with a passion for creating music that speaks to the soul. Their dedication to their craft and their desire to connect with fans on a personal level shines through in both their music and our conversation. With "Way Back Home" marking a new chapter in their artistic journey, we can't wait to see what THE CJ has in store for us next.
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