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. “Baddest”, is their next single that just dropped. With a vibrant and daring blend of alternative rock and pop, along with motivational lyrical content, “Baddest” emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal authenticity and acts as a musical beacon for self-love. This is one of many original singles THE CJ has in store for this year.
- How much of your own personal experiences and emotions are reflected in the lyrics of “Baddest”? Are there any specific events or challenges that inspired the song?
So I have a lot of mental health issues, but sometimes I get into these moods where I just feel awesome, feel better than everyone else. I know that’s not true, I’m not better than everyone else, but sometimes it’s just fun to feel that way. So I wrote Baddest about that feeling.
2. Can you describe your typical songwriting process? Do you start with lyrics, music, or a combination of both? Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset?
When it comes to the writing process, I typically start with the music, come up with a
feeling to go with the music, and lyrics and melody come from there. I also like collaborating with others. I don’t really have any rituals for my writing. I just get in a mood and everything comes to me.
3. Can you describe the most memorable moment during the songwriting process for “Baddest”? Was there a particular lyric or melody that came to you unexpectedly?
The most memorable moment of the process didn’t come during the songwriting, it actually came during post production when the team and I started teasing some of the lyrics in the chorus. “You wanna touch but, you can’t have this” is such a fun, funny line.
4. If you collaborated with any other artists or producers on “Baddest,” can you share a behind-the-scenes story about the creative process? How did their contributions shape the final product?
Baddest was worked on by a team of writers, including myself, all with different backgrounds. And overall, we just had a good time writing, there’s not really a specific story.
5. What do you hope listeners will take away from the empowering message of “Baddest”? Is there a specific goal or change you aim to inspire in your audience?
I hope that Baddest, lives up to its title, reminding people that they are the baddest too. We all are in our own right.
6. Are there any hidden meanings or symbolism in the lyrics for “Baddest” that fans might not have noticed yet?
Nothing about Baddest is really hidden. It’s all there in the words. It sends the message it’s meant to send.
7. How does “Baddest” fit into the overall narrative or theme of your upcoming debut EP? Can you give us any clues about what fans can expect from the other tracks?
The EP has several themes, mostly self empowerment. A lot of the songs are about finding oneself and overcoming struggles.
8. What is the most challenging part of the songwriting process for you? Is there anything that you find particularly difficult or frustrating?
I really struggle sometimes to come up with a good melody. So it’s great to have people to collaborate with, in that aspect. Melodies are difficult sometimes I feel like I can’t come up with any at all.
9. How do you envision your music evolving in the future? Are there any new genres or sounds you’re exploring or experimenting with?
I envision my music moving in a more emo/rock direction. I am and always will be an emo kid at heart, and I want my music to reflect that.
10. What is your favorite part of the songwriting process? Is there a particular moment or stage where you feel most inspired or fulfilled?
I’ve always loved writing and I don’t really have a favorite part of the process. But it’s always very fulfilling to get to that end product and be proud of the work you’ve done.
Social Media:
