Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with MJ
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
One of my earliest memories as a baby was the television screen playing the music video to “Thriller” and then instantly crying up a storm when my mother changed the channel. Then I took piano lessons at 8-9 years old while singing in the church choir. Very pivotal moments of my growing up is connected to music.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
Middle school was one of the worst years of my life. Bullied, outcasted, feeling awkward in my body. One of the few positive memories of that time that I had was freestyling in the cafeteria to Snoop Dogg’s “Drop It Like It’s Hot.” In college, I decided to pursue my deep desire to be a rapper. At that the time is the 2010s and you had the new generation of rappers like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Tyler the Creator, Mac Miller, etc. who were all coming out saying real shit in a different form. I loved that. I wanted to be a part of that. I was in love with before that the backpack era which gave us Kanye and Mos Def, then seeing my generation taking it to the next level. It made me want to be passionate and see what I had inside. I wanted to do it all. Write, produce, be a deep lyricist.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
Currently I’ve been doing soul searching when it comes to my music and when to go from here. My last single was “Y.S.A.K. (You Should Already Know)” and that was me wanting to have more fun while switching it up. I love to take risks with my music, and it was a song and sound that I had sitting in my head for a good five years. Before that, I already had just released “MJMTHERAPPER X LOVE SET”, which contained two songs that had a more R&B vibe. I love R&B, despite not being much of a singer haha. I wanted to play with that some. Show a softer side
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
My sound is old school mixed with elements of new. I love lyricism. Word play and just being a flat out emcee. There are times where my sound is experimental. You will get introspective, you will get love, you will get hate, you will get fire, you will get activism. I’ve been mostly on an instrospective vibe starting with my EP “The Way Things Where” and then leaning into it even more with “DREAMS” and “FREE YOUR MIND”. I love the slower sound. The rap that you can smoke some weed to.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
People need to know what you are saying and that you know yourself what you are saying. They need to feel your music. They need to know that YOU feel your music.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I’ve worked with an array of producers but lately in terms of current music that I’ve been working on quietly, I’ve been working with a personal producer who utilizes DAWs like Pro-Tools and newer technology to make beats. I myself utilize Pre-Sonus. But I’ve thought about dabbling in producing here and there and having more say in my beats and overall sound.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Tobe Nwigwe’s last album “HOOD HYMNS” is a good pick me up for when I’m feeling down. Especially “CAN YOU IMAGINE”. He is special to me in particular because he is basiclaly from the same area that I’m in now. Currently in Houston, and he is someone who worked and hustled and sacrificed not too far from here in Alief. That’s the area that I’ve swung by hundreds of times back when I use to Uber. That sort of inspiration fuels me.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Struggling with depression and mental health has lead me to go more emotional at times with my music. My lyrics can be jarring but I am a believer in rapping what you live. What is real to you. What is personal to you. I started out wanted to do this and be commercial and do that but if my emotions and mood feel a certain way I almost have an obligation to incorporate it into my music. Anything I write is what I’ve either experienced or can relate to.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I pray that someone out there can feel seen and heard when they listen to my music. That they can relax while gaining healing and energy from my songs. That they are influences to go easy on themselves while knowing that they are not alone in this world.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Patience is a virtue.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
House of Blues in Houston. Rolling Loud is the ultimate dream too.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Kendrick Lamar. Just to learn from him and see if I can go bar for bar with him haha. Soak up that knowledge, the love of the game, the perfection in his craft. Kung Fu Kenny is probably my biggest inspiration in pursuing music. The ultimate dream is to collaborate with him.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
My main music hub to access all of my social media, streaming services, music videos etc is https://linktr.ee/mjmtherapper. Follow me every Threads, Facebook, Instragram, etc @mjmtherapper
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
My dream is to be able to perform and travel aroound the world with my music. For me to find my tribe in terms of other artists and fandom. I know that I sound different and that I may not be for everybody, but just give me a chance and I will show you a new type of vibe and sound. It’s been hard for me to keep the faith and these past few years have been the most challenging for my artist journey. But I still want to accomplish so many things. Perform at major festivals and events. Gain more eyes and ears.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I pray that they discover that I have something important to say and that I have the balls and courage to say it.
