MJ Songstress – Carousel

By starrymag | April 14, 2021

By: Paige Zinaman

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound? 

A) A beautiful fusion mess of music that inspires me. Not identified by one genre, but a mixture of colors and sounds intertwined into one.

 

Q) You have a new single out called “Carousel,” please tell us a little about the song and how it came to be.

A) “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.

I listen to a plethora of music. I was vibing with Tyrice 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.

 

Q) You just released the video for “Carousel,” which was directed by Sage Love. What was the experience like creating this really amazing music video with Sage?

A) I’ve been working with Sage for a hot minute. He has always shot my behind the scenes content along with some photography. I had asked him for a huge favor and if he was down to jump in. He was a super yes from the beginning and I’m so glad that he jumped in the way that he did to Director his music video. It was a very last minute put together process, yet we trusted in each other. I had a concept and an idea, and he just jumped in and called out “ACTION!” Teamwork Makes The Dream Work!

 

Q) You showcased some of your impressive dance skills in this music video. What was that like for you to not only sing the lyrics, but express it through the dance moves as well? 

A) Free. My body moved how it wanted to. I wasn’t choreographed. It was freedom through movement.

 

Q) When you sit down to create your music, what is the most rewarding and the most challenging parts of the process for you? 

A) I would tell any artist and creator to just BE and Allow the inspiration to take over. That’s the most rewarding feeling. Surrendering to the craft and art. It only becomes challenging when you fight it or overthink.

 

Q) Who were some of your musical influences that inspired you growing up? 

A) Where do I start? Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Brandy, Mary J. Blige, Guy, Earth Wind & Fire, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston etc… I listen to a plethora of music from all over the world.

 

Q) Being a part of social media, do you look forward to the instant feedback to your music from fans? 

A) I am just grateful that a platform exists for artists to be seen. And I am grateful to have people listen and support my music. That’s what matters to me.

 

Q) What message do you hope listeners and fans take away from your music?

A) I would love people to get up, have fun, let it all out and dance. I want people to feel my music and feel good about themselves as well. It’s been a tough time in history. Through music is how we get to heal and Power Through life. I would be so honored and humbled to have people continue to follow me and support my music. That for me is the ultimate as an artist.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) In the works. Ya’ll gotta stay tune and locked in. [wink]

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your work? 

A) I LOVE YOU! THANK YOU! APPRECIATE YOU!!

LOS QUIERO MUCHO. MUCHISIMAS GRACIAS! LO APRECIO A TODOS!

 

 

 

Watch The Video For “Carousel”