MJ Songstress
Interview conduct March 10, 2021
By Dan Locke
Genre-bending singer-songwriter MJ Songstress recently released the music video for her new single “Carousel”. The first thing you’re likely to notice about the song is the intoxicating beat, an unmistakable sonic signature with a mid-range thump, “Carousel” is a sensual, immersive and propulsive bop, designed to pick you up and whirl you around into carefree, spiritual existentialism. It’s a song that’s guaranteed to fill the dance floor, and one that will surely put you in the mood for new love.
What is your upbringing like?
*My upbringing was rooted in love, support, loyalty, hard work, kindness, and respect. I’m a Jersey Yorker. Born in Queens, NY, raised in Fort Lee, NJ by 2 immigrant parents who did everything in their power to raise me as best as they could. I’m grateful for my humble beginnings and the understanding and example of what it takes to put the work in and to keep going.
How did you discover music?
*I grew up in a musical home. My father is a multi-instrumentalist and my mother always held a beautiful tune. Growing up around music was the starting point for me since birth. It wasn’t something I discovered. I was surrounded by it and absorbed it all.
How did you start to write music?
*I started writing music from a very young age in a diary, with my dad, on a recorder. Whatever came to me in a moment I acted on.
Describe your music.
*This question always has me pause. I am more intrigued by how the listener and consumer interpret my music. Music is just music to me. Whatever I am currently feeling in the moment to create, I create. Whether it’s an R&B/Soul vibe, a house funk vibe, a pop ballad, a Latin up-tempo, I don’t put much thought into it. I create and I leave the experience and interpretation up to the listener. The music I create is whatever my current mood and energy is.
How did you get your first guitar and do you still have it?
*I would always grab my father’s guitar and one day for Christmas my father surprised me with a Cordoba with nylon strings. I absolutely still have it. It’s in my living room for whenever I want to pick it up and work on an idea or whenever I get inspired to just play.
What is the name of the guitar you own now?
*Acoustic- Cordoba
What was your first performance like?
*I started very young. My first memory of when I had the courage to stand in front of an audience and surprise my father was at my 6th-grade graduation. I dedicated “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion to the parents. My father had NO idea was going. When my name was called, he asked my mother “Is she giving a speech?” To which my mother answered, “Open this!” and hands my father a card I wrote him that basically just said “Surprise?”.
What makes a good songwriter?
*Depends on what the listener and musicians look and listen for. For me as long as the songwriter writes from a place of authenticity and from their soul that’s all that matters. It an artist’s own storytelling moment. Who are “we” to judge what it is or should be? Music is our freedom and place to heal and let go.
What is the process of writing your music?
*I have no process what-so-ever. I feel something, I get inspired, I create it. I’m all about creating in the moment and having great energy around. If the vibe is going right the music will get created.
How did you get your name?
*MJ SONGSTRESS has a whole movie behind it. The short and sweet version is MJ are my actual initials. MJ represents the moment where I was ready to fully embrace the woman, the artist, the creator, the fighter, and the leader that I AM! It was a moment of owning who I am, being MJ unapologetically, and creating and moving forward with/from a blank canvas. SONGSTRESS was the icing on the cake. I wanted a name that was unique and that would describe me (a vocalist) in 1 word. One of the magazine articles I was featured in read, “Meet the Next R&B Songstress”, and “Songstress” stuck with me. Wala, MJ SONGSTRESS was it.
How was it to sing the National Anthem?
*It’s always an honor to sing the anthem given what it represents. I’ve been singing the anthem since I was in elementary school. To have had the opportunities to say I’ve sung for my school and others to singing in Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium, US Open, Giants Stadium, etc. will forever be humbling and something I am proud of.
How was it to be one of the Top 20 finalists on the sixth season of NBC’s “The Voice” and a finalist on Televise’s La Voz Mexico?
*I look at it as a chapter in my book. It was an experience and I’m grateful for it. My big takeaway from both experiences is that they are a part of my story and my commitment to KEEP GOING No Matter What.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
*BMI
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
*If my memory serves me right, I believe the first song I hummed was about a fish. LOL! I was probably 3 or 4 on top of a high slide with a Tambourine. The first song I ever recorded was called “Lock-n-Key”.
One of the first songs you did was FA,LA, LA, LA. Why didn’t the record company push it more for Xmas?
*FA LA LA LA LA was a fun idea that fit the holidays perfectly. I look forward to having FA LA LA LA LA play annually which I hope the consumers continue to love and stream.
Tell me about your latest single “Carousel”?
*Carousel is a fun up-tempo beat and record that I am so happy to have created with my producer and partner in crime Tyrice “TyJamz” Jones. We had a blast creating this record and that to me is what music is about. Having fun and doing what you love.
How did you come up with the beat?
*I listen to a plethora of music. I was vibing with my producer, Tyrice Jones, and played him some of my favorite Sergio Mendes songs. One of the songs grabbed his attention, so we looked up a live performance on Youtube, and “Carousel” started to form. The sample we used had such a cool vibe. To me, it sounded like the sample was saying “Carousel”. So, from that word I just built around the song idea.
How do you stay healthy while performing?
*Eat healthy, workout, lots of water. Keeping your mind, body and spirit in alignment.
What are your feelings about streaming music?
*It’s the world we live in today. Is what it is.
The symbol # is known as the number sign, hash, [ or (in North American usage) pound sign. The symbol has historically been used for a wide range of purposes Since 2007, widespread usage of the symbol to introduce metadata tags on social media platforms has led to such tags being known as “hashtags”, and from that, the symbol itself is sometimes called a hashtag. Are people forgetting that the # is a part of music?
*I don’t know. I’m not everyone. Lol! Musicians and students studying music know that the # sign means “sharp” in music aka ‘higher in pitch’.
Digital vs. vinyl?
*New age vs. authentic classic old school
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
*My mind is FILLED with songs. If anyone could take a tour in my mind, they would either get lost or fascinated. When I listen to music, I see colors. And when colors are forms, I’m in my own experience. So, I can be listening or thinking of a number of songs in my head. I’m wired differently.
Both (Pfizer and BioNTech) and Moderna have conclude Phase 3 Study of the Coronavirus vaccine. With the both vaccines, it takes two shots. How many people do you think will take it and how many will forget to take the second shot?
*My hope for people and this world is that the Coronavirus will soon be OVER and everyone can live their lives feeling safe and healthy.
How long before the whole world will be vaccinated against the virus. You have to remember there only has to be a 70% for Herd immunity (Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community (the herd) becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. As a result, the whole community becomes protected — not just those who are immune.)
*My hope for people and this world is that the Coronavirus will soon be OVER and everyone can live their lives feeling safe and healthy.
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music?
*It’s a we’ll see. I don’t want to believe that. I feel like music will always find a way through. It up to us as creators to get creative and stay consistent with keeping the music alive.
Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
*Again. We’ll see. My hope and prayer is that this will all be over and we call all go back to our regular scheduled program.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
*Incubating, self-reflection, self-healing, self-love, self-care.
You were part of the video “Lean on Me”. How were you asked to be part of it?
*I thought of the idea. I asked my producer Tyrice “TyJamz” Jones to be a part of it. We both recorded our parts at our home studio, but it together, shot our visuals and put it out to support and acknowledge the “Black Lives Matter” movement.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
*Music and creating are 24/7.
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
*I watch TV randomly. When I do turn it on, I’m just scrolling through the channels. HBO, showtime, lifetime, etc. Everyone once in blue will check out Netflix..
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on live-streamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses. The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will include [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
*WOW! First, I’m hearing about this. My attitude is “let’s see what happens.” I’m not a dweller so I do not have a current emotion or reaction to this news at the moment. I just want to create and do music and I believe all platforms should allow us artists and creators to utilize the platform as we see fit.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
*For me I stay active on my socials by not only sharing my music and creations but by also sharing my daily/weekly natural life. I have fun sharing myself in a goofy authentic way. I want people to get to know and see the real me and not only see and know the “artist” me. I believe the more relatable you are the likable you could be.
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means things like playlist on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.
*I haven’t heard of this. I’ll have to look into it.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
*I’m open and down for whatever is available for artists to share their artistry.
Governments around the world are hearing the call of thousands of music creators and included protections for the music community in the omnibus bill. In addition to extended and improved unemployment benefits and small business loans for freelance creators, the package includes several bills which the Recording Academy, its members, and the larger music community advocated for. From the Save Our Stages Act, provided a lifeline to performance venues and promoters, to the CASE Act, which creates an avenue for smaller creators to defend their copyrighted works, Congress has ensured that both music creators and those who act behind the scenes to bring music to life are given the support they need during this difficult time.” Do you think this will save music venues?
*I pray that all musicians, vocalists and creators are acknowledged, respected and supported. That’s where I stand when it comes to this unfortunate situation that we are all in. Support the Arts. Support the Creators who create it.
Did you know that the Grammys MusicCares can help artist? The MusiCares COVID-19 Relief has helped thousands of music industry artists and professionals during these difficult days. This is the most recipients helped, for any single event, in MusiCares’ history. The need remains great, and these unique times remain critical for music people. It has taken a community uplifting one another to get through this pandemic, and MusiCares has pulled together a list of additional organizations and resources to further support you. https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/relief-resources. Have you applied for it yet?
*When the pandemic first started all my musician friends were sending each other links to support one another. I remember filling out an opportunity for a grant and received a small contribution. I was grateful to at least receive something at the time.
In the past if a musician stop doing music, they find a new career. For example, David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants. If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing? What is your happy place?
*I pray to never have an answer for this question. MUSIC is it. Only Plan A. I don’t believe in Plan B’s. Music IS my Happy Place.
Spotify just deleted 750,00 songs, mostly from independent artists. Was yours saved?
*Woah. That’s brutal. My question would be WHY would they do that and I pray that that does not happen to me. Much love and support to all the independent artists.
Sony Music in November and Warner Music Group in December, The ByteDance-owned video app revealed on (February 8) that it has struck an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
*I go and utilize what comes naturally and authentically to me. I refuse to force any product or app for the just because. I am a true creative. I respond to what inspires me and calls me forth. So, we’ll see how I feel and what I create for any app.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
*Much Love. Thank You. Stay Tuned! XOXO!
