Justin Payne, also known as StaJe has been on quite the journey, a journey that for some would be deemed as too much, when the trials, obstacles and hard times are all but never ending, some perish, some turn back and others crumble under the pressure of life’s darkest corners.

However, Justin Payne did the opposite. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, the artist has always had a knack for music. It was his early years that he credits to his initial exposure into music, his mother being a highly talented vocalist, StaJe reminisces on early moments spent in front of the TV with his mother singing to old classics together. A talented athlete also, the artist realized his true calling resided in his inner passion and drive for music, as such the artist had some tough and significantly life changing decisions to make. The main decision being to move away from everything he knew in search of his dreams and goals.

Opening up his own recording studio and Launching his record label Fam Entertainment, StaJe has many exciting plans when it comes to music. After releasing his Debut Single “Keisha” and landing #15 on the Top 150 Indi Global Billboard Charts and #54 on the Top 100 Global Billboard Charts a lot has changed for the former homeless man. Expanding his area of expertise to also support, nurture and grow upcoming talent, artists can most definitely learn a thing or two from StaJe. What’s most impressive though is not just StaJe’s musical talent but his undeniable and breathtaking story, that will inspire for generations.

Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?

It all started out in the studio just playing with different sounds of music. My manager Andy told my producer Taylor to play some house music. At the time I wasn’t really sure what that was but as soon as the beat came on I started free styling while my manager Andy recorded me live on IG. After I was done freestyling one of the viewers on the live said they loved the song and I should finish it so they can play it everyday. So I went home and wrote the song then came back the next day and recorded what is now called “UP”.

What is the favorite song you wrote and why? 

My favorite song I’ve written is called “Wvvs”. I love all my music but this one really put me in a place where I had to be honest with myself and everyone around me. I discuss the heartbreak, the anxiety, the depression which symbolizes the title “Wvvs” (pronounced Waves). It’s a bit more Pop R&B style but it’s definitely one that speaks my truth and I love to do that with my music. Stay tuned as that will be releasing before the year ends.

Who are your all time musical icons?

I really evaluated a few artists over the years! From Usher to Drake to The Weeknd to Neyo and so on! But my all time favorite is Michael Jackson. I loved him not only as a genius musician but also a great story teller! It’s his music videos and in his songs. I try to implement that with my visuals and my story telling. He’s the goat at anything related to music.

What are some things to do to keep your inspiration alive?

I tend to meditate on my own personal time. Pray as much as I can even just for the little things. Talk to my family which always makes me want to go just a little harder. I hangout with people that inspire me on a daily basis. At my job at Mercedes Benz I look up to my boss Armen! He’s like a big brother to me. Always allowing me to pour my truest feelings on the table then giving me sound advice. He’s a great husband and father in my eyes and not only that but a great friend who will let me miss days as long as it pertains to music. I’m just motivated and inspired by so many people because so many people want to see me make it. 

Who are you binge listening to these days?

I have been playing a lot of The Weeknd, Michael Jackson and Prince. I feel like I can relate with the sound and feeling within the music they present. It’s just the vibe I want to implement in my music. That’s really something that also helped create “UP”! I knew I wanted that Michael Jackson / The Weeknd feel but with my own style to it.

Favorite movie or TV show?

My favorite movie is weirdly Baps ! I know I know, kind of a chick movie. But it was funny, romantic, and sad all at once. I love Halle Barry in that movie. She’s my crush until I can’t walk this earth anymore. But yes, Baps is a hood classic but everyone can define with some part of it.

Tell us about your latest release and how it came about

As I said previously the fan name Kristine wrote in my IG live that she wanted me to finish the song after listening to me freestyle it on live. So I went home and wrote the whole song then came back the next day to record it. My manager and producer knew we had a hit so I bought the beat held on to it until September 30th. We also have the Music Video releasing Oct 15! This one definitely will give you Michael Jackson vibes. I was inspired by Thriller. 

What’s the future looking like for you?

The future is looking great! I am currently working with Sammy Sam from Public Enemy on a few projects. That has me so excited to work with such a legend and icon to so many including myself. I’m just ready to be a sponge and learn everything that I can while I can. I have a great PR team led by Chantal who is so amazing and works so hard to put me out there. I’m just super grateful! We releasing “UP” music video Oct 15, I am hosting this years Hapawards on Oct 22nd -24th and next month I am releasing a few projects! A collab album with my guy Taylor and a single that will makes noise everywhere! It’s a good time to be alive and well. I’m excited.

Who inspires your style and aesthetics?

I’d say I get my style from a few artists. I’m originally from South Carolina so I have this weird twang in some of my words that I say. Which is we’re you hear that twang sound in my voice when I’m delivering certain words. I hear people tell me I have The Weeknd vibes mixed with a Jason Derulo. Idk! I’m honestly just being me.

What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the most proud of and why?

I am proud of myself! For not giving up! For working so hard! From having a 9-5 and making no excuses on getting into the studio and staying after perfecting my craft and my sound. I’m just proud of me. There were so many obstacles and reasons for me to just give up but I didn’t. From sleeping in a tint on Skid row in downtown Los Angeles just a few years ago to now putting out music people enjoy and making a good living for myself. I’m proud of you Justin Payne.

What do you think is the best way to make it as an artist nowadays?

The best way to make it is to work a real job and suck it up. People tend to think they can just drop a song on TikTok or IG and it blows up because it is so good. Yeah the song maybe good but the chances of that happening is slim to none! You have to have money to have people promote it. To have people see it jump across their phone screen takes money for marketing and ads. It’s not free! Once many more artists take heave to that we will start seeing way more talented artists on the market.  

What would you change in the music and entertainment industry especially after this past year?

I would change how artists get paid. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy that I can make money from music, period. There’s a limit to that though. I believe with all this music people put out there’s so many labels and companies making a lion share of the profits and the artist gets whatever is left over. I just believe artists truly deserve more. It’s a business and I get that but it’s definitely not in favor of the artist most times.