StaJe – Up

By starrymag | January 7, 2022

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would say my sound is a mixture of southern R&B Pop! I honestly have no idea how more to describe it. It’s just unique! It’s me!

 

Q) Your mom was a talented vocalist. What kind of training or tips did you she offer you while growing up?

 

A) My mom always told me to sing from the soul. I never understood it back then but now I know what she means. Don’t just sing to make a noise you think sounds great, sing because there’s a genuine feeling in your body when you release your vocals. My mom always encouraged me to be me at all times.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Up.”

 

A) I was in the studio with my manager Andy and my producer Tailor. That night we wanted to try something new, so they played House music beats. This one beat popped up and I saw Andy reach for my phone and go live. He then asked me to freestyle. So, I freestyled the song and everyone was rocking with it. There was this one person that asked me to finish the song and keep the lyrics the same. She said she would play the song everyday if I would just finish it. So, I go to the studio the next day and record the track and the rest is history! If it wasn’t for Kristiine this song wouldn’t have been created. I’m forever thankful for her input!

 

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

 

A) The beat is so good! The lyrics really have meaning and emphasis on lifting people up and not bringing them down! I think the music video really takes it to a crazy dope level! It reminds people of thriller.

 

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

 

A) The video actually focuses on this girl who gets in the car with a guy who’s turning into a zombie as the night gets closer. She doesn’t notice it as she is just in the passenger side enjoying the top down and music blasting. They drive past many other zombies but then again the girl dies MR notice. They then pull over and StaJe grabs the girl to take her into a sketchy building, but she goes anyway. She grabs his hand, and they end up at some party. Zombies and closing in on the car they hit out of and starts to walk in the building after noticing the couple missing in the car. As StaJe dances with the female he lifts her down and then as soon as he pops up, he is a full-fledged zombie. The point in no matter what, the female didn’t let anyone of surroundings bring her down. She lived in her own world regardless of the chaos happening around her. This really homes in on the lyrics “I just wanna lift you up, I don’t want to bring you down.”

 

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

 

A) I like to listen to beats and just feel open to whatever the sounds I hear in my head that matches the vibe of the beat. After I find the sound, I then find the melody using that same sound with hums. After that I simply replace the hums with words that fit the sound and feelings I’m experiencing while writing. Yes, the beat gives me the feeling I need to write the lyrics

 

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

 

A) I am in the production of my music from start to finish. I give my engineer free range to do his work to the fullest, but I’m always involved in the production of my music.

 

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

 

A) Yes, I’m actually releasing a collab album with an artist name Tailor. We are putting out the project at the beginning of the year. We are excited because we wrote this album two years ago but couldn’t put out the project because of COVID! I also have a crazy track with this talented artist from London name Jimmy Brixton featuring Frida & Stiv. This one is crazy and is full of many different sounds connected into one. It’s time for the world to have some good feeling music. That’s what this album is all about. Just feeling good!

 

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

 

A) Well, I’m actually looking for to my second tour next year! I did my first tour in Tallin Estonia a few years ago! That was such an amazing experience for me and my team. This time around I’m working with Sammy Sam from Public Enemy, and we have a few surprises coming next year so I’ll just have to leave it at that.

 

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

 

A) The Weeknd! I mean not just me but a lot of my fans and listeners have been asking for it. I know it’s only a matter of time but once that moment happens, I can’t think of a more exciting experience! He’s legit one of my favorite artists and has been since “House Full of Balloons.”

 

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

 

A) I love The 1975! They are just full of good music. It makes you feel good. I remember when I use to write and record rap songs. They are dope and make you dance, but it’s just different the way their type of music makes you move and feel. It’s just so good! I love everything about it. Definitely has an influence on my new sound.

 

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

 

A) Well, everyone uses social media! Like 99% of the world. So, it’s really the easiest way to allow fans to really get to know you at your truest form. It’s important for people to know the real me. Not a different version of me but the real me. I display myself on social media in my rawest form, so it’s almost the only way to get to know me as a person and as an artist.

 

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

 

A) Thank you for your continued support! Without your love and support I couldn’t do this. A special thank you to Sonia (manager), Sammy Sam (Producer), Chantel (manager) Fam Entertainment and every one of my friends and fans that never doubted me!