A few weeks ago Sj released an EP on Enhanced Music. I was so impressed with the release I wanted to learn more about him as a producer. He worked with singer/songwriter Chelsea Lankes on “If We Can Stay High” and is doing a lot of great work with One Life International, an organization he founded. Needless to say, we had a lot of things to talk about! I also want to know what Sj stands for! It is my pleasure to introduce you to Sj.
Sj is pretty short… What does it stand for?
Sj are my initials. I’ll leave it up to your readers to figure out my name!
You recently released an EP on Enhanced Music. Tell me more about the release and what you hope to accomplish with this EP.
My EP was a group of songs about a tough time in my life. I think it was a part of my process of moving on. It was a way for me to talk about love and loss and also launch myself as an artist.
How did you get connected with Enhanced Music?
I had my first single “Hung Up” and I brought it to Joe Pepin, Tritonal’s manager (and now mine.) He thought the guys would love the song. They did and they brought their magic to it. After that, I met Will Holland and he and the guys offered me a place at the label. It’s like a big family.
I love Tritonal. How did you meet those guys and do you get to travel with them very often?
We had a mutual friend but had never met before “Hung Up”. They’ve taken me on tour this year and we’ve become like brothers. Couldn’t be more thankful for those guys.
DJ Mag releases the Top 100 every year. Do you take that list serious and do you honestly think that is a true collection of the Top 100 DJs in the world?
There are a lot of factors that make a great DJ. No one will ever agree on what they are, but when you’re talking about today’s modern DJ, I think it’s fair to take that list seriously.
The single “Hung Up” has over 35 million streams on Spotify. That is incredible. Tell me more about that song and did you ever think it would be that successful?
There’s no way to know how well a song is going to connect. “Hung Up” meant a lot to me. It was written from a personal place, but of course, I didn’t know it was going to take off like it did. It’s been one of the coolest things in my musical career. I love watching fans sing along. To think about how that song has made its way into people’s lives and memories… That’s special.
It seems like every DJ has a podcast. I listen to A State Of Trance, Club Life, Corsten’s Countdown and Global DJ Broadcast. Do you have any plans to produce a podcast?
I do! I’ve got a lot on my plate, and I’m not in a hurry at the moment, but it’s in the works!
What podcasts do you listen to?
You know I’m going to say Tritonia!!!
You’ve had the chance to tour with names like Seven Lions and Kill The Noise. What is like on the road? Do you get bored or are you always working on new music?
It was great. Those guys are pros. Jake is super nice and watching Jeff every night was next level inspiring. Even though my music is different stylistically, he gave me so much inspiration and a ton of ideas.
There are a lot of great venues out there. Las Vegas has become an epicenter for electronic dance music. What are some of your favorite places to see a DJ?
There are a lot of great venues all over the country, but I love festivals. There’s nothing like seeing an act on the main stage. Especially when you’re there with all of your friends. I just got back from Lightning In A Bottle and it was incredible. Maybe it’s because it’s still fresh on my mind, but that one is probably my favorite.
You worked with Chelsea Lankes on a few of the tracks on the new EP. What was it like working with her and how did you guys connect? I love her voice, by the way.
Chelsea is the best. We actually have a long history together. I produced the first music she every released years and years ago. We’ve been friends for a long time but hadn’t worked together in quite a while. It was so fun and so easy to get back in the groove.
Have you had a chance to play outside of the United States yet?
Not yet! I’ve done a lot of writing and producing overseas but I haven’t played. I love international travel so I can’t wait for my first one.
You founded One Life International. Tell me more about that organization.
One Life was an organization I help found a number of years ago. OL works in Calcutta, India in the slums and villages. We built a facility called The Dream Home for young girls who are victims of poverty and abuse. They have a safe and secure place to live with access to healthy food, education, and resources to help them heal from trauma. It’s very very dear to my heart. I’ve made many trips over the years when I was working on getting the home completed. As Sj has gotten busier I’ve taken a step back, but being involved with those people changed my life. India is near and dear to my heart.
What’s next for Sj?
Music music music! I’m working on a lot of new tracks at the moment. I have a couple cool collabs coming up as well as some new records this summer. I’ve got some more dates on the 10 Years Of Enhanced Music tour as well. It’s been so much fun being out on the road.
Thank you for doing this. In all of the interview I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
The last word is…. Garrulous. Look it up and enjoy the irony.
Connect with Sj:
Website: https://www.hereisSj.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hereisSj
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hereisSj
