Having finished in the top 20 on season 6 of NBC’s The Voice and having worked with several truly iconic names in the music business including Nile Rogers and CHIC, MJ Songstress has long since proven she knows what it takes – and that she has the talent – to make it in this ever-competitive industry. She’s just dropped her new track “Carousel”, along with its video, and to coincide with the release, PopWrapped caught up with MJ to find out more about her name, the artists she’s most influenced by and what she wants those who hear it to take from her new single.

You are originally from Fort Lee, New Jersey. What experiences did you have growing up in the NYC area that influenced or inspired you to become an artist/musician?

I was born in Bayside, Queens, New York. Though I went to school in Fort Lee, New Jersey my heart & soul lie with New York. It always felt like my backyard. I would go to studio sessions, dance lessons till midnight, underground jam sessions and gigs. New York is my foundation and my blueprint. New York set the tone and pace. You gotta work hard and create connections to be known. New York is a melting pot of music, musicians, dancers, creators and culture. Without New York, I would not be the artist, musician, performer and hard worker that I am today.

You were featured on the 6th season of NBC’s The Voice as part of Team Usher and made it to the Top 20. What was the experience like having Usher as a coach, is there any advice or lessons learned with Usher that you still cherish today?

I have always been a huge fan of Usher. He is such a brilliant artist, musician and performer. To have him as a coach was an absolute dream and the only reason I auditioned for The Voice was to have the opportunity to be on his team. I will never forget that he shared with me, “When one door closes another one will open. Luck favors the prepared.“ He made me feel sane. He reminded me that I have the power and the ability to be myself unapologetically and authentically.

Your performing name MJ Songstress is unique; is there a story behind it?

MJ Songstress has a whole movie behind it. The short and sweet version is MJ are my actual initials. MJ represents the moment where I was ready to fully embrace the woman, the artist, the creator, the fighter and the leader that I AM! It was a moment of owning who I am, being MJ unapologetically and creating and moving forward with/from a blank canvas. Songstress was the icing on the cake. I wanted a name that was unique and that would describe me (a vocalist) in 1 word. One of the magazine articles I was featured in read “Meet the Next R&B Songstress”, and “Songstress” stuck with me. Voila: MJ Songstress was it.

Your music is a fusion of several genres and styles including pop, jazz, hip-hop, R&B and Latin. Who were and are your biggest influences as an artist in terms of the impact they have on the music you make?

Where do I start? Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Brandy, Mary J. Blige, Guy, Earth Wind & Fire, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston etc… I listen to a plethora of music from all over the world. Though I have my inspirations from legendary artists I go with where the music takes me. I trust in my heart and spirit.

The first thing you hear when listening to your new single “Carousel” is the intoxicating beat. What was the song-writing process like for you after first hearing the instrumentals?

After creating a vibe with my producer Tyrice “TyJamz” Jones the song-writing came out so effortlessly. I was just singing out loud and what came to mind and heart. I wanted “Carousel” to feel fun. It really wasn’t an over thought-out process. It just flowed.

You’ve also just dropped the video for the song, which was directed by Sage Love. What was the experience like working with Sage for this video?

I’ve been working with Sage for a hot minute. He has always shot my behind-the-scenes content along with some photography. I had asked him for a huge favor and if he was down to jump in. He was a super yes from the beginning and I’m so glad that he jumped in the way that he did to direct this music video. It was a very last minute put together process yet we trusted in each other. I had a concept and an idea and he just jumped in and called out “ACTION!”. Teamwork Makes The Dream Work!

Finally, what do you want people to take away from “Carousel” and what do you have in store for the rest of 2021?

I would love people to get up, have fun, let it all out and dance. I want people to feel my music and feel good about themselves as well. It’s been a tough time in history. Through music is how we get to heal and Power Through life. I would be so honored and humbled to have people continue to follow me and support my music. That for me is the ultimate as an artist. As for the rest of 2021, stay tuned.

Check out the video for “Carousel” below and for more information on MJ Songstress, visit her website, give her page a like on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.