Hi CJ Sleez, it’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Can you share with us what initially sparked your passion for music and led you to pursue this career?
I think what originally attracted me to hard rock (and in particular the garage/punk/alternative genre) is the fearless attitude and explosive energy it embodies… that raw spirit that makes rock n roll so accessible and empowering. When the rest of the world says “No. you can’t.”, punk rock screams “Just watch me!” It’s a bold, shameless confidence that’s full of vitality and tenacious resilience. Rock n roll celebrates the little flaws and embraces the damaged. In a pop-culture universe that’s always pretending to be perfect, punk rock cuts through the bullshit and bears its scars. The honesty of that appeals to me.
How has your journey in music contributed to your personal growth?
It’s kept me out of the mental ward… well, for the most part anyway lol… Probably kept me out of prison too. I’ve faced a lot of challenges with my mental health disorders and performing music really has been the best way I’ve found to manage it all. In medical terms I’m diagnosed with severe Bipolar type 1 with rapid cycling and psychosis (along with a hearty side of impulse control disorder), so I mean, that kind of crazy is going to surface somewhere. Music helps me channel that feral energy and vent some of the chaos that’s constantly raging inside my mind before it becomes uncontainable. I’ve always said it’s my favorite form of therapy.
What is your process for writing songs? Do you start with lyrics, melodies, or a concept?
I’m often fiddling around with the guitar and writing snippets of rough lyrics. At least 85% of it is complete garbage, 10% is somewhat usable and (if I’m lucky) maybe 5% is gold lol. I guess my early process looks a lot like piles of torn papers, scattered notebooks and random sound clips. For me, the catalyst in actually turning those scrambled scraps of consciousness into a song is usually (but certainly not always) the riff. To me at least, that’s generally “the hook” and often becomes the foundation of the vocal structure and melody. It’s important to remain fluid though, especially when collaborating with other artists.
Your newest single, ‘Waging War,’ has a powerful title. Can you share the story or inspiration behind this song?
The title’s ‘tongue n’ cheek’ really. The full line is “Waging War…On the dance floor”. It’s just a fun song about club interactions- Seeing someone from afar and being attracted or intimidated and so you challenge them, but not to a fight… to a dance-fight! It’s just an upbeat high-energy song; Nothing too deep or heavy with this one and that was the intention.
Is there a personal story or experience that particularly connects you to ‘Waging War’?
I wanted to do something playful after the darkness of the pandemic. The world got so serious for a few years and I just needed some levity. I think a lot of people probably still do, you know?
What is your favorite lyric from ‘Waging War’ and why?
I think “I can feel your eyes across the room” is a good line. Like how someone can ‘stare straight through you’ and not only are you aware of it, but it’s focused enough that you can actually mentally and emotionally feel the weight or strength of that connection. That ‘sense of being watched’ from afar but the sensation is direct, compressed and intensified. That line kinda sums it up nicely.
Were there any significant challenges you faced while creating ‘Waging War’?
To be honest, yes. That tune actually carries with it the heaviest mental and emotional baggage of any of my other recordings. It’s strange because it’s the least personal I’ve ever gotten lyrically, and the light-hearted concept was all about keeping it high-energy and fun. Yet there were days that I didn’t even want to continue to work on it. In essence, the whole experience was kind of tainted by an incompatible co-writing dynamic. It was a difficult process for me but I’m glad we pushed through because the end result is awesome. I’m just looking forward to moving on.
How do you stay inspired and motivated in an industry that is constantly changing?
It sounds cliche, but I’m really grateful for the support of my fans. Especially during the dark times when I’m tempted to quit. It means a lot to know that what I’m releasing is actually connecting with people and has some significance beyond myself.
What do you hope to achieve in the next five years, both personally and professionally?
Wow.. 5 years?!! Does anyone? I know what I hope to accomplish in the next 5 days, lol. I’m just not the type of person who thinks that far ahead. One year is about as far into the future as my mental calendar goes, and even that’s a stretch. Maybe I’m just too jaded or broken to take time for granted like that, but I think even being around in 5 years is a gamble…isn’t it?
Finally, what’s next for CJ Sleez? Any exciting projects or endeavors you can share with us?
As an artist and a performer I feel like I’ve definitely got a lot left to give, so I’ll just keep pluggin’ away and do the best I can with each day. I’ve got an amazing team of musicians working with me now; I’m excited to write more and definitely plan to get back in the recording studio. It’s been too long since I’ve done a video, so that’s on the table in the coming year as well. Basically I’ll keep trying to put out some good music and continue to play each live show like it’s my last. Beyond that, who knows?
