“Express Yourself In Multiple Outlets Early On” With Singer Songwriter JJ McGuigan
I wish I knew to express myself in multiple outlets early on. I thought I could only do it through music but there are so many other creative outlets that you should try them all to help expand your creativity. This occurred to me when I took an acting class and was blown away by how much creativity came out of me during and afterwards.
I had the pleasure to interview JJ McGuigan. JJ is a VH1 Save The Music Songwriting Contest Finalist, award-winning singer-songwriter, guitarist, and mental health advocate. Songwriting has now become JJ’s main focus and passion, with an emphasis on lyrical creation. McGuigan has appeared on countless radio shows and his music has been heard on hundreds of stations around the world.
Yitzi: Thank you so much for joining us! What is your “backstory”?
I grew up playing sports and music. A main turning point in my life was when I was diagnosed with OCD, Depression, Anxiety, and Depersonalization. It really took me out of the rhythm of life for a few years. I was able to regain my life back from that by learning how to express myself musically and playing college basketball. I was able to do that by starting out as the equipment manager then earned a spot as walk on and then a scholarship player. Those two things at that point really helped me get my life back at that point. Then in 2011 my world changed again. My father was murdered and the person responsible has yet to be brought to justice to this day. Our family was and still is to an extent very devastated by this. We just take it day to day and I have focused my music career to honor him.
Yitzi: Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your music career? The most interesting time I’ve had in my career was being able to work with a producer on my EP Dissociative Named Micajah Ryan. He has worked with Guns N Roses, Megadeth, and Bob Dylan. It was a huge learning experience and a really fun time. He taught me a lot on how to hear music from a producer’s perspective.
Yitzi: What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Right now I am working on a project with a close friend of mine Brian Elwick. We really feel we have some strong songs we are about ready to take to the studio and get recorded.
Yitzi: Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
Micajah Ryan would be the one I’ve interacted with the most and is the most interesting because he has so many stories about all the acts he’s worked with that each time I’m in the studio there’s another story I’m able to hear.
Yitzi: Which people in history inspire you the most? Why?
People like Tony Robbins who have came from nothing and achieved so much and have done it the right way by not stepping on people but helping them along their journey as well.
Yitzi: Who do you aspire to be like one day?
I would say a Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen. Someone who with their words alone can reach the depths of people and move them in ways ordinary life can not.
Yitzi: How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
I use my platform to bring awareness to mental health issues. I believe that we still have a long way to go in erasing stigma and being more open as a society to being willing to listen to each other and help one another with those types of issues. This is a cause I will be championing the rest of my life.
Yitzi: What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
Listen to those around you who care about you when they have a bad feeling about someone who might be taking advantage of you. I had this happen with someone in Nashville a few years back when I was starting out and they promised a lot but never delivered. It’s easy to get swept away but really cherish the opinions of those you trust.
Another one is that I wish I was taught how to express myself in multiple outlets early on. I thought I could only do it through music but there are so many other creative outlets that you should try them all to help expand your creativity. This occurred to me when I took an acting class and was blown away by how much creativity came out of me during and afterwards.
Also, don’t seek the approval of everyone around you for support. Some just aren’t able to give it or some may even try to discourage you for whatever reason. I had a couple of old friends that did this and it was hurtful and it stunted me for a bit because I really cared what they thought and took it too personal.
Even if you’re not the greatest singer, as a songwriter, don’t stop singing. You can only get better and it will help with vocal melodies the more comfortable you are when singing. I was told by a few people my voice was not good enough so I stopped singing for a while and wish that I had not.
The last lesson would be to play music because you love it first, and then try to break into the industry. The industry is mostly a bottom line business and can be devastating at times. Keep the music alive in your heart always. Learn as much as you can about the business and treat that as important too, but don’t let it keep you from loving music.
Yitzi: I have been blessed with the opportunity to interview and be in touch with some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she just might see this.
Yes, It would be Bob Dylan for sure !!