Interview: N.J. Talks Inspiration and Collaborations

At 17, N.J. Chesnut has a lengthy resume full of musical achievements. He's already released a full length album in addition to a plethora of songs and is attending the California Institute of the Arts, or CalArts, soon. I had the chance to interview him about his musical inspirations and goals before he left for college.

Mina Johnson: So, can you tell me a little bit about yourself and introduce yourself to the readers?

N.J.: My name is N.J., or Noel Jr. I'm a songwriter and artist affiliated with a record label called Shur Records. I'm currently doing vocal and some instrumental production for them and I write for other singers and rappers as well. I've been doing music seriously since I was 15.

Who are some of your musical inspirations and favorite musicians?

I love Prince, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Lorde, Carly Rae Jepsen, and The 1975. It's a long list.

When you list those people, what do you look for in their music? Lyrics? Production?

When it comes to production, I really listen to Donny Hathaway and Michael Jackson. Also, Stevie Wonder but that's really the composing side. When I talk about lyrics, I listen to Lorde, Carly, and the 1975.

Who or what motivates you to continue making music?

My thought process is a little selfish but, I know there's a lot of people who want the same thing I want, so I have to work harder than them. In a way, I can't let them get it.

So, you're going to CalArts, majoring in Musical Arts and Experimental Pop, what do you think made you stand out to them?

I think they really liked my lyrics and my messages, I have this rule for myself where I don't like writing conventional songs, like love songs and stuff like that. I like to talk about things that people don't really talk about, like I wrote a song about the War of 1812. I write songs about mental health issues and stuff like that.

Do you have any advice for other people who want to do what you're doing?

You're going to suck at first, but if you work hard enough, one day you won't suck. You just have to put in hard work and dedication and you have to put in all your time. Like, I remember for a two year period, I didn't go to my friends birthday parties, I didn't see them, I didn't go out with anybody because I was that focused. It's a balance. It's about what you're willing to lose for what you're going to gain.

What got you to where you are (musically and in life)?

My uncle was a big musician and worked with a lot of big names and they listened to music all the time in their house and that rubbed off on me.

What's your biggest musical goal for right now?

I have two. I would like to make enough money off of music to sustain myself and I'd like to eventually win a Grammy, that would be amazing.

And finally, what's next for you?

I want to work and collaborate with more people. As much as I am an artist for myself, I feel like I'm also an artist for other people. I want to help other people say things that they can't say on their own.

Anything else you want to add or say to the readers?

Watch out for my music, you can find it on Spotify and Soundcloud. Follow me on Instagram @njchastin. And, I hope everyone reading this has a wonderful life.

Photos via @njchastin on instagram