THE CJ Sets A New Tone With Way Back Home

Interview of CJ

By Nadeem MiraniPublished about a year ago • 3 min read

BIO:

THE CJ is a singer, artist, and musician from Great Falls, Montana. They hit the music scene strong last year, immediately charting and getting TV news attention with their single Don’t Lose Yourself. As of recent, THE CJ has been hard at work in the studio building a catalog of over 20 songs. "Way Back Home", is their latest single that just dropped. With a vibrant and daring blend of alternative rock and pop, along with motivational lyrical content, "Way Back Home" is one of many original singles THE CJ has in store for this year.

Interview:

1.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 that slightly more emo edge that I was really looking for. It had more soft rock elements and reminds me of the emo bands I love so much.

2.What specific message or feeling do you want to evoke in listeners with "Way Back Home," and how does that connect to your overall musical identity?

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.

3. How do you envision the relationship between your music and visual art? Do you see them as separate entities or interconnected?

I see it both ways. They can be intertwined and separate entities. But typically when I hear a song, there’s a movie in my head to go with it.

4.What personal experiences have shaped your perspective on authenticity and self-love?

I’ve been through a lot in my life. But going through emotional abuse from ex-partners definitely helped shape my perspective on self love and being my authentic self. There have been people in my life who didn’t let me do that, and I need to move on from that.

5.How has your upbringing in Great Falls, Montana, influenced your music and artistic identity?

Truthfully, being raised in Great Falls wasn’t an influence on my style. I found my people and my style online, seeing as the alternative style is not popular around there.

6.In what ways do you believe your music can foster community among your fans?

My fans can find a hub for being themselves. Their problems, their identities, they are all safe in my community. To be who they are, love who they want, and be open about their struggles together.

7.Are there any specific social issues or themes that you feel particularly passionate about addressing through your music?

I definitely want to address being LGBTQ+, and certain mental health issues that are looked down on. It’s huge to me to get rid of some of that stigma, and advocate for equal rights.

8. Can you share an experience where your music helped someone else or where you received unexpected feedback from a listener?

I was told by someone once that they wished my music existed while they were going through their divorce. I was glad my music could be of advice/help to them, even years later.

9.How do you balance expressing vulnerability in your lyrics while maintaining a sense of strength and empowerment?

Honestly, I don’t know how I do it. I don’t have any tricks or secrets. The art just happens.

10.Do you have a favorite instrument or tool that you find yourself gravitating towards during the songwriting process?

I take a lot of inspiration from my favorite bands. My Chemical Romance and Paramore are huge for me. And I find myself listening to their music trying to find my own similar groove.

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