MJ Ultra
LA-based artist MJ Ultra has just released his latest single “Goddess” and it is a song I instantly enjoyed. It’s a feel good song. It’s soulful and colorful. MJ’s voice and the harmonies make the song big. The Motown influence on this record is just perfect.
MJ Ultra is taking all his influences to create his musical signature with great songs you’d surely want to hear live.
”Goddess” is now available worldwide.
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
I’m a singer/songwriter originally from the south side of Pittsburgh, PA. I moved to LA to pursue a career in acting and somewhere along the way I got bit by the music bug. It was always my dream to create and entertain. After I landed my first song placement in Justin Timberlake’s “Friends With Benefits” I realized that maybe I was on to something! Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to have some major film and TV placements and released a LP last year. Although I’ve been at it for a decade it often feels like it’s just the beginning of my career, especially as I gear up to release new music.
What did you grow up listening to?
When I was really young I was into rock from the 90s like Bush, Nirvana, and Sublim. As I got a little older I got into hip-hop and R&B. While I was in high school, neo-soul was at it’s peak. D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Musiq were reshaping the R&B genre and I got to witness that, so it really inspired me to sing. Those influences certainly helped shape the music I make today.
When did you start writing songs?
I started writing songs seriously when I picked up my first guitar at 22. I would always write raps and hooks to instrumentals but it got serious after I learned to play an instrument. I was obsessed with learning how to play my favorite tunes. I would take the chords from those songs and rework them into something original. I still use that method today.
When did you know you could sing?
I always had a knack for it. I started in my church choir. I really found my voice in high school however. I went to a performing arts high school and although I could sing, I didn’t have that true tenor, belty voice that is ever-present in musical theater. But I’d always had this strong falsetto. So when I started listening to and singing R&B music, I found it suited my voice perfectly.
At what point did you realize you had to be an artist and release your original music?
It was never really my path, or so I thought. My friend and I would freestyle and mess around at parties and clubs. I would beatbox and he would rap. When he finally heard me rap and sing he literally stuck a mic in my face and began recording me. We put a hip-hop group together and performed in and around Hollywood, opening for groups like LMFAO. Once I got my hands on the guitar it really became an obsession. Before I knew it, I had a bunch of songs written. My friend had a music engineering degree and a little home studio where I made my first acoustic album called the “Livin’ Room Ruff Cuts”. I sold them for $5 while I was busking on the street in Santa Monica and Venice Beach. People loved it, and it was at that moment my recording artist career started.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
My parents were always supportive but aside from them, my 7th and 8th grade theater teacher Mr. Solomon was the first person to really recognize my talent on stage. He was the one who encouraged me to audition for the Creative and Performing Arts High School in Pittsburgh. He even wrote a recommendation letter on my behalf.
"Goddess" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?
I was listening to Sam Cooke and Smokey and I noticed that the songs they were singing were very straightforward love songs. I wanted to write a simple, “I love you, now love me back” song, so I did. The production is a nod to them too. That soulful, classic, feel good vibe.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this song? Who helped you create it?
Originally, I wrote the song to a track Travis James (who produced my first album) created. That track ended up going to another artist but I couldn’t get it out of my head. So I enlisted my friend Aaron Haggarty to produce a live-feel version of the song. He’s a tour de force and played nearly every instrument on this recording. That version ended up being the single.
What did you feel when writing this song?
I tried to call up that Sam Cooke and Otis Redding spirit on this one. Just a man spilling his heart out. I love that about the songs of that time. I envisioned the 60’s soul-crooner type guy who’s lip-syncing and two stepping on American Bandstand or something (laughs).
What's your favorite thing about this song?
I love the production and the arrangement. In the last several years I’ve been recording all my vocals at home, as is the case with Goddess. Being able to do that, and get the sounds I want, represents growth for me, not only as an artist but as a producer as well. Not to mention the horn arrangements too. You can’t really have that throwback sound without some brass on there.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
I reached out to my dear friend Kacie Margis to do the art for this one. She’s not only a fantastic visual artist but an amazing model as well. I pretty much played her the song and this is the visual she came up with. I asked her to create her idea of a goddess. Simple as that… and she nailed it.
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
The hardest part is navigating the business. It’s constantly changing and evolving and it’s easy to be taken advantage of in music. There’s so much work you have to put in before anyone will take a chance on you, and that can really be disheartening. So it’s hard to stay motivated and preserve. The best part is the reward. Creating music that resonates with people is one of the greatest gifts an artist can receive. I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy that throughout my career.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
It’s a tough industry. There are so many ways to skin the cat, so many avenues and outlets, and finding your niche can be very difficult. The days of shopping a demo and getting a deal are nearly over. If I could change one thing I would like to see some regulation with regards to streaming royalties. The big streaming sites are raking in billions of the backs of independent artists like myself and paying out next to nothing for our music.
What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
It would probably be the school’s tour I did in the UK a few years ago. I performed at over two dozen schools for thousands of kids and the response was life changing. I still get messages today from those young people who say my songs and performance changed their lives for the better. Even though it wasn’t really a big, public moment with loads of press or media, it was supremely special to me and motivates me to continue to write, record, and perform.
What biggest lesson have you learned since the beginning of your career?
You have to understand the business and how you can make it work for you. For years, I ignored that part of the industry and just focused on the music and the performances. Honestly, I missed out on a lot of business because I didn’t have my paperwork and legal stuff in order. You also have to learn that it’s ok to say “no” sometimes. Stand your ground and have a clear idea of why you’re doing what you do.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
More love! The world feels like it’s in shambles these days. I wish I knew how to fix things, and I don’t, but I do know this: If I focus on nourishing and maintaining my relationships, not only with my friends and loved ones, but my fans and supporters, MY world is a better place. If we all did that, I think we’d find we’re all a bit better off.
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