StaJe – real name Justin Payne – knows what it’s like to fight and work hard to achieve your dreams. Having begun his musical journey living on Skid Row, a homeless encampment in LA, he can now proudly call himself a Billboard charting artist with a growing following who has to date been championed by and featured in the likes of Vogue and Forbes. His new single “UP” started as a freestyle in the recording studio but grew to become something else entirely – a full-bodied dancefloor track complete with Michael Jackson “Thriller”-esque style video, perfect for Halloween.

“As a musician, I believe it’s good to switch your style and try new things. You never know who might enjoy it or if you’ll love it too,” StaJe says about the creation of the track: “I was in the recording studio with my engineer, Taylor, and manager, Andy one day. Andy had suggested that we try some house music beats, a term I was unfamiliar with at that moment. While Taylor played the beat, Andy asked me to freestyle on IG Live. I received positive feedback from the viewers, and one viewer named Kristine said she would play the song every day if I recorded it.”

He adds about the recording process and the video: “The kind words and positive energy from the viewers inspired me, so I decided to record it and make a music video that honored Michael Jackson, my childhood music hero. So, thanks to Andy, Taylor, and Kristine, I was able to release this project. I am excited to showcase what being open-minded and getting encouragement and support can produce.”

Check out the video for “UP” above and for more information on StaJe, give his page a like on Facebook or follow him on Twitter and Instagram.