Having achieved Top 10 status with her first single, “Delusions Of Grandeur,” we caught up with J Project singer/songwriter/actress J to find out the story behind this talented triple-threat performer. 

When did you realize you wanted to be a performer?

I came out of the womb performing!  I was a weird little kid. I was very talkative at an early age, I guess, and I loved being in front of people, especially if they wanted some entertainment!  I made up my first song when I was about three or four.  It was called “Da Ga So.”  I have no idea what that meant…But I made the commitment to be a professional entertainer when I was in high school.  My abilities to sing, act and write come very naturally so being a performer just happened, like breathing. 

Lyrically, it seems you paint a visual image with your storytelling.  Are your songs based on your life experiences?

Some of my songs are about my real life experiences, others are about my observations of the communities I’ve lived in.  You’ll have to wonder which is which…I’m a bit of an activist through my art.  I’m into having fun, sure, but I’m not into fluff.  I want to take advantage of the honor I’ve been given to share my ideas and feelings, and quite frankly my strong opinions, with the public.  My songs are about honesty -- being real about this life we live and about our relationships with people.  That’s what it’s about for me.

Who were your early influences?

I have so many musical influences because of my parents, one of whom is an accomplished musician, so I was always listening to a variety of music.  Everything from Funk to Soul to Country and Classic Rock.  I soaked it all in like a sponge, and now you can hear those influences in the music I create.  It just comes organically.  I do have some special “love affairs” with artists like Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Pat Benetar.  I admire artists that exude a sexy strength and originality.  There’s been no one like them since.

Are things coming together as you had hoped for in your career?

Things are going better than I could have imagined with my career.  I do what I do because I love it, and I’d die without it.  So it’s just a kick that I get to do it every day.  Singing my own songs for an audience, recording a CD, this can’t be my job!  It’s amazing, I’m so blessed.  I have to give credit to the people who believe in me though -- my producer LaSalle Gabriel, SLR Records and my own family.  Without their support, I’d be singing into a hairbrush in my bathroom mirror.  Okay, I still do that…but seriously, things haven’t stopped going up for me.  It’s awesome.  I’m grateful.  We’re getting a tour together, working on a second album and I’ve got some film projects in the works.

Talk about your very talented band.

My band totally rocks.  They are all talented beyond their years.  I’m so lucky to have my guys.  I hear all these horror stories about band members who really hate each other behind the scenes.  We actually all like each other!  Our rehearsals are very productive  and we have fun on stage.  The audience can tell we have a special chemistry.  I love that there’s no weak link in my band -- everyone is important, a strong player.  Everybody kicks ass on their instrument and has a creative importance.  Besides, they’re all really cute!  A little something for the ladies…

On your album, you cover the Jimi Hendrix classic “Little Wing.”  What made you pick that?

When I first heard “Little Wing,” I melted.  I had never heard that vulnerable side of Jimi before.  The imagery, the poetry of the lyrics dancing with those classic Hendrix licks, I was inspired!  On a personal note, the song reminds me of my grandmother who passed away two years ago.  She used to say she wanted a butterfly tattoo.  So when I sing “Little   Wing,” it’s a special moment for me.  Like Jimi, I, too, have a lesser known soft side.

What are some of your other favorites on your record?

Ah, man, this is a hard question.  I love all my songs.  But, okay, “X-Girl” is a favorite because it shows the duality of love.  It’s about the never ending debate -- “The Rights of the Ex-Girlfriend vs. The Current Girlfriend”.  It’s about a girl staking her claim and protecting her relationship.  My other favorite is the title cut, “Beautiful Criminal.”  That is my love song for the struggling man, the man trying to hustle to make ends meet.  I didn’t want to only write about anger and heartbreak.  I love too, and I wanted men to know I understand both sides of a relationship I know how to be supportive.

I also have some tunes about society. “Candy Cigarettes” I wrote because I’m amazed at how quickly little girls physically grow up these days!  They have adult bodies but are children at heart, which forces them to deal with adult situations because of their appearance.  My first single, “Delusions of Grandeur,” is also a bit of social commentary.  I’m stressing the importance of keeping egos in check or else running the risk of paying for it later.  I believe in staying humble and thankful for every little thing.

How did you get hooked up with NASCAR?

First of all, I’ve always been a huge fan of NASCAR, so when my producer/manager LaSalle Gabriel brought this great opportunity to the table, I was ecstatic.  We were able to leverage some sponsorships and merchant tie-ins as well.

So you sing, write and act…Is there anything you still want to take on?

Well, I am secretly an armchair editor, a poet, a lawyer, and a sign language interpreter.  I almost became a veterinarian!  My philosophy is this: I have no kids, husband and no mortgage.  BRING IT ON!  The world and its possibilities are endless for me.  I just love to create.