A genre-bending songwriter who hones in on her love of sad songs — NJ is discovering who she is in this world and music. At 24 years old, she has just released her debut album, Different Girl.
NJ first realized she had a passion for music when she was a kid growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio. She got a karaoke machine with a microphone at the age of 5, and she used it every single day. This sparked an excitement in her that she still holds on to now.
“I used to sit there blasting songs and hand-writing all the lyrics, so I could remember them,” she explains.
It wasn’t until the end of her teen years that she realized her own skills. NJ learned how to play piano, guitar, and even trumpet before the age of 15. She says she “wasn’t extraordinary at any of them” and was always much more focused on learning how to sing “as perfect as possible.”
NJ used to harp on creating the catchiest melodies when she first stepped into making music, leaning more into the pop genre at the beginning of her journey. She has slowly shifted towards a more folk & singer/songwriter sound while also carrying elements of pop music along with it.
“I think switching genres is extremely nerve-wracking, but I’m on a journey of discovering my sound, and this feels true to it,” she states. “I love pop melodies so much, but I love the feelings behind folk music, so why not combine them? I have found a middle ground, and it feels so organic.”
As a lyricist first, NJ says that “the best part of the writing process is how healing it is.” Being able to create in this genre has allowed her to find the most authentic version of herself because there is nothing to hide behind. This is on full display throughout her brand new album, Different Girl, with soul-crushing lyrics and simple but daunting melodies.
NJ draws inspiration from artists like Lizzy McAlpine, Lennon Stella, and Annika Bennett to name a few. Her goal is to be able to write and perform music full-time, and with the release of this album, she is confident that she is close to reaching that goal. While she pursues this career, NJ has been working as a bartender for over 7 years on the side.
“It’s a really tough spot to be in when I know exactly what I want to do with my life, and I’m just not able to do it full-time yet,” she explains. “I don’t have the best balance between my work and my dreams. I definitely pour all of my time and energy into music, but I’m just looking forward to when it finally pays off.”
As NJ inches to that payoff, she currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia enjoying the intimate, but lively, music community that the city provides. She is working every day to share her voice with the world.
“No matter what happens with this career, I want to make a difference, and I want to continue to be someone that always speaks up for people,” she says. “I want to change lives and help people all over the world. I will chase this dream forever if I have to. It’s worth it.”
Different Girl is available to stream on all platforms, and keep up with NJ on her socials!
From the Writer’s Table:
NJ’s newest album, Different Girl, is a beautiful accompaniment to living a life of love and want and eagerness. Her voice is like an angel fairy princess, and I want to frolic through Pixie Hollow while I listen to it and cry. I hear the purpose in every song that is on this album. It is stunning and devastating all at the same time.
Produced by Aaron Rizzo, this whole project is the perfect soundtrack to your day spent watching the rain fall or sitting in a coffee shop contemplating all your life’s decisions. Whatever you choose to do with your day, let Different Girl be at the center of it, and thank me later.