We had the good fortune of connecting with SéJ and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi SéJ, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I am almost always willing to take a risk. I do tend to think things over, but sometimes you have to just go for it. Risk-taking is what takes you to the next level. No one ever got anywhere by staying in their comfort zone.
A huge risk I took myself was moving here to the US from the islands to pursue music. I spent my childhood living between Trinidad, Dominica and Barbados so coming to the States I didn’t really know anybody. I had to leave many of my friends and family behind. I came here as an international student, so I was juggling classes, studying and music. I went to school every day and then stayed up late writing music which I always knew was a risk that would pay off.
I also take risks now in the style of music that I make by blending genres and breaking the mold of typical music types. My music combines pop, dancehall, Afrobeats and R&B to create a distinct sound all it’s own. Coming from Trinidad, pursuing any type of music outside of Soca could be seen as risky because that is what is expected of us.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I recently dropped my single “2 Shots” and I’m really excited for this year because I am going to be dropping music more consistently for my fans. I think this will also help new people find my music, which is a big goal of mine. I’m also excited about connecting with more like-minded people in the industry as I travel to Los Angeles and eventually New York. I’m proud to be where I am in my career, but I’m hungry to be further.
It was definitely not easy leaving my homeland and pursuing an artistic career. I power through this everyday by having faith in myself, no one can tell me anything because I know where I am meant to be. I have such a crystal-clear vision of where I want to be and trust in myself and God is how I got here.
What I want the world to know from me and my story, especially the people in the islands, is that you can do anything. No matter where you come from, if you have a dream and you work hard enough you can achieve anything. Don’t ever limit yourself- if you limit yourself, you have already lost. Don’t let anybody who has a small-minded way of thinking, even family, hold you back or deter you from your dreams. There’s a reason God put that dream in you and you have to follow through. Don’t live life with the regret of not at least trying.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would start the day with a walk on the water and a ride on the jet skis, which is mandatory when in Miami. Then, we would have a picnic in Margaret Pace Park, complete with a charcuterie board and some Greek yogurt from Nóstimo. It is crowned the absolute best Greek yogurt in my book!
Later on, I would love to take them to 1-800 Lucky for some food and dope ambiance. They have a bunch of different vendors, but Yip has the best boba tea and B-Side has great sushi rolls. It’s beautifully decorated with lanterns and it turns into a club vibe at night. That would be our warmup, because next we would hit Urban to dance all night. I like it there because they play a lot of Caribbean music, so everyone is actually having fun. The mainstream clubs like LIV and Mr. Jones are cool to experience once or twice, but not to have real fun. Finally, we would track down the Twice Butter taco truck for a little late-night snack.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My dad personally deserves a lot of credit in my story. It was with his help and support that I was able to move to the States and pursue my dream of being a singer-songwriter. His girlfriend, Korollan, is actually the one who pointed me in the direction of working with Tishawn and Tango here at Compound Entertainment who has truly helped me along every step of the way. I look forward to growing with them and we’re going to take over! Also, shoutout to Nigel who invited me to the studio to work with him very early in my career. He works with major hit-makers, so for him to take the time to show me the ropes and teach me about song structure meant the world to me.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sej__official/
Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sejofficialmusic?_t=ZT-8trC1bq1aqh&_r=1
Image Credits
Junior Marques
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