JUJ
JUJ releases empowering new single "Pieces”.
The anthemic pop single comes from her struggle with insomnia and anxiety caused by Lyme disease.
“Pieces” is about the loneliness and truth of how I feel because I’m a totally different person from what people see in the daytime,” explains JUJ.
By opening up on her experience with Lyme disease, the LA-based artist is becoming a voice of empowerment and hope to anyone going through chronic illnesses.
“Pieces” is now available worldwide.
How would you define JUJ, the artist?
I’d define JUJ the artist as a young philly raised fighter looking to be the voice to her generation. Her unique perspective as a young first generation American growing up in a strong city like Philly, allows her to write music that’s more than another breakup song.
You released your debut EP this year. How would you describe this project?
I’d describe my EP as the perfect introduction to my story. I stand behind that being my debut first impression to the public because I really do feel it embodies everything I am as an artist and a person. If you listen to my EP from start to finish you can really get an idea of who I am without even looking up a bio of me.
"Pieces" is your new single - what's the story behind this song?
Pieces was written, recorded and visual shot in my apartment where the story of pieces also takes place. I’ve been dealing with chronic insomnia for awhile as a symptom of my Lyme disease. Pieces is about the loneliness and truth of how I feel because I’m a totally different person from what people see in the daytime.
Who helped you create this particular song? When did you start working on it?
I was up in the middle of the night , naturally, and I wrote the hook to pieces. The next morning I had a session and I was already on my like third day of not seeing so I thought to myself that I’d ask to move the session because at the time I was intending on writing a summer fun uplifting song and I was in no position or mindset to do so. But instead I thought I’d use the session to go let out all the anguish I had been feeling the past couple days. So I went and I wrote “Pieces”. I was so tired after I pulled over from driving and just cried but was so happy I went to that session. In that session was a duo called The Gifted who I wrote “Pieces” with. I LOVED working with them and how comfortable they made me feel to let it all out.
What did you feel when writing this song?
“Pieces” is a personal, raw story that I feel doesn’t only have to do with insomnia. Being at the end and so tired of being strong or pretending to be strong with whatever your fighting is exhausting, even anxiety, depression whatever it may be.
How do you go through anxiety?
As I said in the song, I cope with anxiety and my insomnia by surrounding myself with people 24/7. Is it healthy? No. But I am working on finding inner peace and not relying on someone else for that. It’s hard though. When you are alone with your own mind every night for 8 hours while everyone asleep, you want to escape and run away from it during the day.
What message would you give to anyone going through any mental illnesses?
Be kind to yourself. I noticed how much weight the inner dialogue I have with myself really matters. You are more than what you are going through. Also have faith... it doesn’t have to be religion but just believe that it gets better. And know you are not alone.
You recovered from Lyme disease. What steps did you take for your recovery?
Ooofff that’s a long one. Since there is no cure for when lyme becomes chronic, living with Lyme differs day to day. I am actually beginning a treatment soon that I’m really really hopeful for. But my quality of life is soo much better from when I was first diagnosed!
What advices would you give to anyone suffering from Lyme disease?
It’s okay not to be okay, but don’t let yourself feel so different. The day you start feeling so different from everyone else is the day you subconsciously tell yourself you’ll never be the same as everyone and that’s the day you stop believing you will get better.I know how much pain I was in and sometimes my symptoms still hurt and frustrate me so much, but take in the good days! Don’t only focus on the bad because chronically, Lyme is a rollercoaster. Also I’d say find some sort of support. It’s hard to do it all alone and even with people around supporting you it’s hard for them to understand, but allow them to try.
Do you remember a specific moment in your life where music made a huge difference?
The weekend one of my close friends passed away when I was 15, Charlie Puth's "See You Again" came out. Being 15 years old and having never lost a peer that close to me before I was a mess with no idea how to cope. The term “when words fail, music speaks” was exactly how I felt. God gave me this beautiful gift and message with this song in a weekend I lost myself.
How's it like to live in Los Angeles? What do you like the most about this city?
Man LA’s weather is great. I can’t complain about living in LA. I do miss home a lot. The people there are more my speed and I like having changes in season.
What do you want to accomplish as a human being?
Thanks for asking that!! I like when people are interested in questions about me as a human as well as an artist. I want to feel fulfilled for the rest of my life and always be giving someone else at the same time some sort of fulfillment. The most rewarding thing in life for me is human connection. I value my relationships so much and to leave a positive, life altering impact on at least one person is my fulfillment to say the least.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Kinda as Jimmy Hendrix said, the world would be a much better place if the love of power was outweighed by the power of love. People get so caught up in their idea of the bigger picture they’re missing out on what really matters right in front of them.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
A ton. One of The biggest life lessons is probably about life lessons. The day that I decide I know it all and turn away wisdom and don’t anymore seek knowledge, is the day I stop growing once and for all. Knowledge is power. I never want to stop learning or have my urgency to learn stop.
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