Project Description

Interview with

RJ WORD

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RJ Word

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20 year-old singer/songwriter RJ Word is perfectly poised to take the world by storm. A lifelong performer, RJ discovered his love for music at 5 years old while singing in school productions. Initially in the background, he moved center stage with leads in several musical theatre productions including “Pippin,” “Pajama Game” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Discovered by acclaimed voice coach Roger Love in the 6th grade, RJ has spent nearly a decade refining his talents and fueling his love for performance. Grammy-winning engineer Ted Perlman once commented about RJ, “He’s got a big voice, big sound.”

As a recent graduate of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, RJ is a multi-faceted artist experienced with songwriting and musical production. He delivers each song with palpable power, his recordings testifying to his dynamic sound styling and distinctive voice. His creative style seamlessly melds R&B with a fresh EDM sound.

This winter the versatile artist is set to launch a performance tour of high schools with a set of his original songs. With his unique song styling, big voice and charismatic stage presence, RJ is eager to share his musical vision with the next generation of fans. Sexy. Fresh. Fun. RJ Word is guaranteed to keep rising.

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Your new single ‘What You Need’ is about to be released (April 13th) – how are you feeling about the release?

I’m excited! This song is moving in a little bit of a different direction for me and I’m curious to see the fan response.

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The track has a really dancey pop & rnb vibe. Is this the way you’re heading with your music?

Not necessarily dancey. WYN just happens to be an uptempo record. I’ve always included R&B elements in my records and am not planning on changing that anytime soon. We did have some live horns on this track and that’s definitely influenced the direction I’m heading in.

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How does the writing process go for an RJ song? It seems as though you have a lot of layers going on in a song. Do you start with the basic foundation and go from there? Or just whatever comes to mind at the time?

Depends on the type of song. WYN started with piano and a 120BPM click track. I wrote this one with Fingazz, who also produced it, and another artist, Allen Paris. We came up with the hook first then built everything else around that.

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You’ve been involved in music and theatre for over a decade now. Was there ever a specific time when you decided you wanted to pursue a career in music?

I was around 13 doing a couple musicals at local theaters each year and decided I was done singing these other peoples songs. At least for this point in my life. I wanted the freedom to tell my own stories and go in my own direction.

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RJ Word

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You’ve got a few singles out now, a continuous stream of new releases. Is this pre-empting an EP or Album?

Not at the moment. For now I’m just focusing on keeping that stream strong.

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What’s your ultimate goal for your music? Touring globally? Selling out a specific venue? Platinum single?

I’d love to share my music and art with as many people as possible. Selling millions of records and going on a worldwide tour, would certainly help that goal come to fruition. As far as venues go, I’ve always wanted to play the Hollywood bowl.

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How did it feel when you reached a million IG followers? That’s a massive achievement.

It’s cool. Honestly, I’m just glad people dig the music.

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What’s your favorite track you have ever released?

What You Need is definitely the record I’m happiest with. My music has changed over the years and I think I’ve finally started to find the sound I’m happy with.

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If someone had never listened to your music before, what’s one song you would recommend?

Again, definitely What You Need. Its the best representation of what’s to come next. But if you’re looking for some deeper cuts take a listen to Here Today or I’m Gone. They’re both more on the electronic side of pop.

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Who are your main musical influences?

Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Rod Temperton, Quincy Jones, Bruno Mars, Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, Donald Glover, Justin Timberlake. I’d keep going but I’m afraid people will zone out and not see the end of the list.

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Do you think they are reflective in your music?

I learn from and am influenced by every record I listen too. Good and bad.

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What are your goals for 2018 with your music career?

I really want to break into the American market and give people here the chance to get to know me and my music.

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RJ Word

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Follow RJ WORD

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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AMNPLIFY – DB