New York City singer-songwriter, MJ Songstress, has had much success, from being a contestant on multiple televised singing competitions. She was part of Team Usher, and a Top 20 finalist on the sixth season of The Voice, and was a finalist on Televisa’s La Voz Mexico. She’s worked with Swizz Beatz, Nile Rodgers, CHIC, Wyclef Jean, A.B.Quintanilla y Los Kumbia All-Starz, among numerous others. Additionally, MJ Songstress is a multi-instrumentalist and bonafide composer.
Her latest single “Carousel,” exudes sensuality, and combines her love of pop, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and Latin music into an intoxicating single that will get you grooving, and put you in the mood for new love. The director for the accompanying music video to “Carousel,” Sage Love, focuses on MJ Songstress’ talent as a skilled dancer, and the clip shines bright on her as she’s seen in a swimming pool, a club, and on a balcony overlooking the city skyline. “Carousel” will put you in a good mood, singing along, and smiling throughout the entirety of the song, and you’ll want to play it again and again. As she states in our interview below, she doesn’t “just do Music. I am Music.”
Your latest single “Carousel” is sensual and fun. What’s the story behind it?
MJ Songstress: “Carousel” is a fun up-tempo beat and record. 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. The lyrics just poured out as I was free-styling over the track.
You’re an experienced composer and multi-instrumentalist. What drew you to compose music, and play different instruments?
MJ Songstress: I’m an experienced lover and creator of music. That’s all. My father is a multi-instrumentalist and with his support and teachings, I absorbed everything like a sponge. He was and is my music Mr. Myagi. Listening to music is one thing. Understanding musicianship, instrumentation, songwriting, production, and the music language is another. That’s what I’m most proud to say that I do and understand. I go where the music takes me. I don’t just do Music. I am Music.
Your fusion genres of pop, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and Latin music is mesmerizing. What influenced you to combine all of these genres to create your sound?
MJ Songstress: As mentioned before, I absorb everything like a sponge. No matter where the sounds or musical influences come from they are ingrained in me. I have access to everything I’ve ever heard or felt. I humbly believe for that to be a superpower. When I’m inspired and in the creation process I can grab from all my influences and from my own culture which I’m proud of. I look at all the musical knowledge as a tool in a toolbox or a special ingredient in a secret recipe. There are so many tools and ingredients to choose from and each is unique to serve its purpose.
What was your experience like participating on The Voice?
MJ Songstress: What I’ve learned from experiences such as The VOICE are that first and foremost it is a TV show. People have no control on what goes on. Having said that, that experience taught me to keep going no matter what. Believe in yourself, your power, and your gifts. You are the creator of your life and destiny.
Usher had shared with me, “When one door closes another will open. Luck Favors The Prepared!”
That will always stick with me.
What do you love most about dance and the feeling it gives you?
MJ Songstress: Dance is Freeing. Dance is the gateway to releasing, surrendering, and experiencing Freedom through movement. With freedom comes joy, excitement, passion, and Love! That’s what I love most about dance.
I love the look of the video for “Carousel” – how did you meet director Sage Love?
MJ Songstress: Thank you. That was a team effort that started off as an idea in my apartment. I’m grateful to say that Sage Love is one of my friends. We met each other at a photoshoot and I’ve been using him as my BTS (behind-the-scene) photographer and videographer. When I hit him up about “Carousel” he was an automatic YES! He thanks me for trusting in him because “Carousel” is actually his first music video as a Director. Win/Win Situation!
Fun Questions
Who was your first concert, and do you have a favorite?
MJ Songstress: First of all JANET JACKSON will forever be my #1! I saw her once in concert. I MUST see her again. I don’t remember who my first concert was. I do remember going to see Madonna with my mother, George Benson with my dad, and Usher with my sister.
What was your first album on cassette, CD, and/or vinyl?
MJ Songstress: My 1st EP “SEE ME” is on all social media platforms. (laughs) The digital world.
Which five albums and/or artists would you not want to live without?
MJ Songstress: That’s hard because I listen to music depending on my mood. But if I had to narrow down 5 great artists that put me in a mood I’d choose Janet Jackson, Brandy, Michael Jackson, Sade & Earth Wind & Fire.
Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?
MJ Songstress: No. I enjoy all music and music that serves a particular mood that I may be experiencing.
What are you currently listening to, reading, and/or watching?
MJ Songstress: If you took a peek of my Spotify you would see a mixture from 90’s R&B, to Thundercat to Bruno Mars to Earth Wind & Fire to Janet Jackson to classical music to jazz to indie artists to my own music. I listen to everything.
Follow MJ Songstress on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Stream and download her music here.
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