First Look Friday: Understand The Real That Is Los Angeles’ Own PJ

Photo by Ural Garrett for Okayplayer.

With a beautiful voice and a story all her own, singer-songwriter PJ is a survivor of good, bad and ugly times. Her recent release, “Gangster,” showcased her enjoyable personality, but one look at the Los Angeles native can reveal that her lifestyle is full of real life, no gimmicks. For the countless audiophiles who became a fan of PJ after listening to her Walking Around Pools EP, it’s no secret that her feel good, R&B soul vibe stems from actual events. As she said in a previous interview, “‘Gangster’ is basically my life’s story, [as] I have a habit of always being the nice guy, biting my tongue and dealing with a lot of B.S.”

Being an underdog might be the artist also known as JustPeeJ‘s “season,” but she is definitely a personality and voice that stays true to her own. As a rising star in the industry, PJ has already scored big coups such as working with Hits Since ’87 star and CEO, Hit-Boy, and talented South Central, L.A. songwriter, Gizzle. Addressing her life’s situation on Walking Around Pools is one thing to not miss, but to see her progress in becoming the recent signee to Atlantic Records is another. In fact, her advances have been so stellar, that we’re excited to premiere “World Go Round” from PJ for your listening pleasure!

A motivational force for anyone who truly knows her, PJ comes highly recommended after working on records with the likes B.o.B., Meek Mill and Wiz Khalifa. Proving to be a multifaceted artist, one look at her Soundcloud page proves that she’s ready to drop a few big tunes on the masses this year. Don’t let the cute face fool you into thinking that PJ is someone to overlook, as we had the pleasure of learning, this week’s First Look First subject is on the verge of cracking through and making herself known to the masses in a very creative way.  As this young gunner is ready to ascend to greater heights, PJ talks with us about her passion for music, how she feels outside the music industry scene and why she plans on changing the game as we all know it.

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Okayplayer: To music snobs the world over, you are making an impact on both sides of the U.S. What is it that Californians are seeing and hearing that the world has yet to discover?

PJ: I think the only thing people get from in me in California is just that I have had a chance to perform, and get better at it.

OKP: For those who have a passion for music, they honed their skills and practiced their craft. Who are your most cherished influences in music and why?

PJ: I think Disney soundtracks are a major part of me sonically and especially melodically [laughs]. But, on the real, I think that John Mayer, Kanye West and Kid Cudi are definitely my most cherished influences. John Mayer was someone I started listening to heavily in college, and then Kanye and Kid Cudi just embodies that energy and creativity that inspires me till this day.

OKP: Your song, “Gangster,” is a very dope sounding song and has placed you on the radar of music snobs who have a heavy presence in the industry. Can you talk about how life was for you while developing as an artist in Los Angeles? How have you reacted to your first bits of press?

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