Photo Credit: Steven Williams
THE CJ is a singer, artist, and musician from Great Falls, Montana. They are hitting the music scene strongly with a cover of Christina Perri’s famous song “Human”. In this release, THE CJ is channeling the power behind Christina’s voice while also making it their own. This is the first of many songs to be rolled-out by THE CJ, future music being all-original!
Thank you for joining us for this interview! What inspired you to become a music artist? Who are some of your musical influences? Did you grow up with a musical background or find it on your own?
I’ve always loved to sing and from a young age, I dreamed of being a singer. Some of my biggest influences over the years have been Miley Cyrus, Paramore, and My Chemical Romance. No one in my family was a musician and I found my passion for music on my own. I just fell in love with it.
We heard your cover of Christina Perri’s song ‘Human’ and thought it was great! What was the process like in the studio? What were your thoughts while recording? Were you channeling Christina Perri or putting your own spin on the performance?
For the Human cover, I recorded in a small studio in my hometown. The experience was almost surreal because I never imagined recording in a studio for real. It was kind of scary being in the studio and I was very nervous, but the guy in the studio was cool and really helped me out. I was very much channeling Christina Perri, but I was also being myself, because I think it’s so important to be myself and never try to be someone else.
Who would you like most to collaborate with?
I dream of collaborating with Gerard Way or Andy Black one day. I look up to them a lot and their music has totally shaped me into who I am today.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given? What advice would you give others who are looking to start making music?
In terms of music, the best advice I’ve ever been given is to just give it my all and do my best. Throughout the years in choir, I’ve had some amazing teachers. When getting into music, I’d tell others the same. Just be yourself, and give it your all.
Photo Credit: Steven Williams
What’s the best concert you’ve seen and why?
The best concert I’ve seen is Black Veil Brides. The energy on the stage, the fact that the vocals sounded the same as in the studio, it was awesome. Not to mention, the violin solo was beautiful!
What role do you think diversity plays in the music industry? If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Diversity plays a huge part in the music industry! As someone in the audience, I want to see real people being their authentic selves and being honest with their fans. If I could change something about the industry, I would make it a more honest place. Where artists are themselves, and honest with their fans. Because that’s what I appreciate in an artist.
What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I see myself meeting cool people and making good music. I hope to meet the people I look up to and hit the top 10 on the charts, whether it be the hot 100 or the rock charts.
Describe your favorite and least favorite part of being a singer and artist.
My favorite part of being an artist is doing what I love and the awesome people I get to know! My least favorite part is the stress, but stress is part of life and it’s never fun.
What qualities do you think make someone great?
There are a few things I think make people great. Honesty and being true to themselves is a big thing. I want people to be real with me. Another big thing for me is just being able to have a good time. If they can have a good time with me, not much can go wrong and we can be great friends!
Any exciting upcoming projects or releases you can tell us about?
I’ve got some cool stuff in the works! I’m not sure what I can tell you about, but it’s gonna be awesome! Just keep your eyes on my social media for updates!
Photo Credit: Steven Williams
