PJ has been in the game as a songwriter for years now and she wants to branch out on her shell to be a singer. As you may know, she has written for many of your favorite artists today such as Ty Dolla $ign, Wiz Khalifa, Meek Mill and more. While her pen game has been on point, she has a story to tell by sharing her personal experiences along the way by branching out and creating her own artistry. With her hit single “One Missed Call,” she is sharing some of her emotions on the track by calling her “boo” over and over again. We caught up with the North Carolina singer and we discussed the transition of her being a songwriter to a singer, her hiatus for two years on what happened after her 2016 project, Rare, and more. Peep more below and listen to her latest singles “One Missed Call” and “My Best Life.”
RESPECT.: What made you transition from a songwriter to a singer?
I want to be heard. A story should be told when you are writing from personal experience. It’s better to tell it from the author’s point of view. I always wanted and needed to be approved and was scared. That is why it caused a delay.
RESPECT.: Tell us the steps to create a song or to find the right beat? What is the creative process like?
It depends on how you feel. I write my favorite songs when I’m in a bad mood. It gives me some ideas, but by having a passive view, when I’m recording, of how I’m feeling by the energy. It samples by either being in the club, mellow out or remind you of your ex. By being creative is equivalent of me freestyling.
RESPECT.: What is an average workday or time when beginning to write a song?
I get my ideas while I am in the grocery store in the produce or frozen aisle. I like to pace by floating through life every day. Things just pop up in my head. I didn’t have any ideas for two years and that is why I was in a hiatus. I didn’t have any material to write about. I can be walking and get an idea for a hook, melody or rhyme.
RESPECT.: With your pen game so strong by writing or crediting hits for talented artists, what can you say to the upcoming songwriters who want to become that?
Part of sticking true to your story and knowing what you want to say. As an artist, you have to find your voice, to keep pushing and its a personal experience at the end of the day. You should write, as less than an artist in the industry.
RESPECT.: I see you released your new single “One Missed Call.” What did you want your fans to know about the new music? New sound?
Even more honest with myself by getting out of an emotional rollercoaster. I was figuring out about love and what it truly is. I am opening up and letting people see the awkward black girl moments but with a dork experience once upon a time. I am showing my true personality.
RESPECT.: What would you say about your next project, will it be different than the others?
A lot more grooves. It will unveil more about myself and how to navigate my life and anxiety. It will have an alternative r&b perceptive in life, giving relationship advice about what’s going on and more.
RESPECT.: When you shot the visual at a local bakery in LA, what was the vision behind it?
It gave an acoustic vibe, and I love the spot. By hanging out with musicians, the place and song have a neo-soul vibe. I wanted to do something different.
RESPECT.: Will we be getting a project in 2020?
I am getting to know more people and narrowing down the songs to my project. It will match my overall emotions. It will set the tone on when the project will release.
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