Bio:
THE CJ is a talented singer, artist, and musician from Great Falls, Montana, who quickly made waves in the music scene with their debut single, “Don’t Lose Yourself.” The track charted and earned TV news attention, setting the tone for an exciting career ahead.
Currently, THE CJ is immersed in the studio, working on a catalog of nearly 30 songs, with their latest EP, “THE CJ,” offering a deeply introspective glimpse into their musical evolution. As an artist on the autism spectrum, THE CJ’s unique perspective shapes their music in powerful ways. Their neurodiversity fuels their creativity, allowing them to craft music that is both emotionally raw and authentically innovative.
For THE CJ, music is not just a way to express themselves, but also a means of connection—inviting listeners to experience their journey through sound and emotion.
Interview:
1. What’s a song on the upcoming EP that you think would be the most fun to remix, and what genre would you want it remixed into?
A metal version of “Way Back Home” would be so cool!
2. What’s a “behind-the-scenes” detail about the EP’s creation that might surprise your fans?
When the EP was originally recorded, that was only my second time ever being in the music studio!
3. If you could have your EP playing in the background of any movie scene, which movie would you choose, and which scene?
I really mostly watch kids movies, so I’m going to choose a show instead. I could definitely see some of my songs playing in Gilmore Girls. “Wrong About Me” could totally be about Jess.
4. Are there any specific instruments or sounds you experimented with on this EP that you haven’t used before?
I experimented with synthesizer which is something I’m totally obsessed with having in my songs now. However, I’m still waiting for my opportunity to throw a tambourine in one of my tracks!
5. The music industry can be a challenging environment. Are there specific ways you’ve navigated or found support within the industry that you’d be comfortable sharing?
I’ve found my people who know what they’re doing and teach me their ways. And it’s also really about balancing my personal life and my music life.
6. What’s one thing you learned about yourself during the process of creating this self-titled EP that you didn’t know before?
I’ve definitely learned what works for me in the studio and how I work best in front of the mic!
7. If you could send your EP to any point in the past or future, which era would you choose, and why?
Definitely the 90s! I know it’s only 30 years ago, but I’m definitely a 90s kid on the inside. Plus I’d definitely be curious to hear what Kurt Cobain thinks.
8. In past interviews, you’ve discussed your experience as an artist with autism. How do you feel your perspective influences your songwriting and musical expression?
I think a little differently than most people. So my different thought process is incorporated into how the songs were produced. Taking it step by step.
9. Besides a music video, if you could create a visual for one of your new songs using any art form (painting, sculpture, dance, etc.), which song would you choose, and what would the visual be?
While I can’t dance very well myself, if someone created a dance for any of my songs, that would be so cool!
10. What’s one thing you hope your listeners feel when they finish listening to your self-titled EP?
I really hope there’s a sense of empowerment for people after listening. That’s what a lot of the songs on this EP are about.
