RJ Word – What You Need

By starrymag | June 3, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) It is a moderately accurate representation of self. But seriously, it’s kind of funky pop. [laughs]

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “What You Need.”

 

A) Sonically, I wanted to do something in the disco realm but with some contemporary rhythmic elements. From a lyrical standpoint, it discusses not needing material things to have a good time.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) Hopefully they connect the message and don’t feel pressured to flex on people; despite society pushing the contrary. Also, I hope they feel that funky bass line and those live horns!

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) In the video I’m playing a guy who’s only car is about 3” long but it doesn’t stop him from trying to get the girl. He can’t help himself. I feel the video reflects the message well. But I’d rather let the video speak for itself. People should decide what it means to them.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I usually start by throwing some chords together and doing a top line melody. For choruses I’ll come up with the melody first and then the lyrics, but verses come up with both simultaneously.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) Both hands are right in there. I work closely with a couple producers. We build all the tracks together.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live RJ Word performance?

 

A) All the energy I have for that evening and nothing less. If I don’t want to take a nap after I’m done I must not have done a good job.

 

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

 

A) For the moment it’s just more singles. While I have more than enough songs to put an album together it’s just not a logical move for an independent artist today. We have to put something new out every couple of months to stay relevant. I think a lot of the songs would sadly go unnoticed if I released that many albums.

 

Q) Where some of your favorite places to perform and what are makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) One of my favorites was Arena Monterrey in Mexico just because it was the first arena I ever played. LA is also great because it is home and it doesn’t take long to get to the venue. But, I’ll perform anywhere.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Max Martin. For those who don’t know who that is, he probably wrote your favorite song.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) I’ve been listening to Todo as session players on various records produced by Quincy Jones and David Foster back in the 80’s. The guitar is just so tight and synth parts so inventive.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Well, in my case, a lot of my fans are international and it’s the only way for us to communicate most of the time. It’s like having a virtual meet up every week.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I love you guys and thanks so much for sharing my music and supporting me. I couldn’t do any of this without your support.