Showcasing LJR‘s remarkable ability to shape and deliver an impactful story through profound, relatable lyrics, “More Time” immerses listeners in a complex relationship between past lovers who begin to question the role they play in each other’s lives. Dreamy guitar riffs and vibrant radio-friendly melodies make this track truly irresistible.
“More Time” is the second of 12 singles that will form LJR’s upcoming debut album “When the Sky Began to Fall,” which will be released monthly on streaming platforms and together will serve as a testimony to the last decade of his life.
How did you get to where you are now?
This project started out a few years ago when I decided to move from bands to my solo career. I took my favorite songs I’ve written from the past decade and put them into the order I would use in a live set. Strangely, after a few years, I came to realize the order of the songs also represented my internal journey during that time.
How would you describe the highs and lows of being an artist?
They are intense. I thought the hardest part would be working on my voice, and while there was a lot I’ve needed to put into it to get it to a place I’m happy with, I think the hardest part has been the internal work, addressing my own fears of inadequacy, lack of internal self value, and unhealed trauma from my upbringing. It’s been extremely challenging, but well worth it.
What’s a musical guilty pleasure of yours?
Katy Perry, for sure.
What are some sources of inspiration for you?
I get inspired to write mostly from emotionally challenging situations in family, romantic relationships, and friendships. A lot of my writing has also come from working through my religious trauma.
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
I really look up to Chance the Rapper. He did an incredible job building his career as an independent artist managing the business and music sides, and I aim to do the same.
Favorite activity to blow off some steam?
I love to trail run. It helps me meditate, process through everything going on, and reduce my stress and anxiety. I also love cooking, seeing friends, doing ninja warrior training gyms, and binge watching sci fi.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
A few years ago, my friend Felix Nieto suggested we write a pop song about being afraid, suggesting he’d write the music and I’d write the lyrics. The first idea that came to my head was about two friends of mine who were going through a difficult spell in their relationship. The song (“More Time”) became about trying to rebuild trust after a relationship breaks. It’s hard when you’ve been hurt to have the courage to be vulnerable with the same person again. We often feel like we need just a little more proof and a little more time to feel safe again before jumping back in.
What are some things you do to deal with anxiety and creative blocks?
The biggest thing I do to deal with my anxiety is trail run. For creative blocks, just choosing to start practicing and free form trying new ideas is the most effective thing.
What’s the future looking like for you?
Right now I’m releasing one song and video per month from my album. It’s a 12 song album with an accompanying 12 video sci fi video series. Once it’s complete next year, I plan to start touring.
What inspires your visuals, videos, looks etc?
The visuals for my videos are largely inspired by sci fi, with the specific CGI effects being some sort of adaptations of VFX tutorials I’ve found on YouTube (mainly from FilmRiot but also a few others) over the past few years. Video wise, I love the look of Hollywood movies, so I’ve enjoyed trying to recreate that cinematic movie feel. Looks and texture (art direction) are largely inspired by my favorite vintage things, which I think again often overlap with a lot of sci fi. My personal style is just what I used to love wearing when I was a kid: black clothes. Black has always been my favorite color.
What is the most embarrassing memory and most proud moment of your career so far?
So far I haven’t had many embarrassing moments in my solo career, though I’m sure I’ll have a ton of embarrassing vocal flubs I’ll make as I start performing with the new vocal technique I’ve been learning. That’s definitely something I’m nervous about. The proudest moment of my career was sitting around the couch with my family and longtime friend Jake Simmons, celebrating the completion of the first chapter (“I Can’t Say”) and video of this project. I’ve never felt more proud of something I really put my all into.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
The best advice I got was from Marky Ramone (from the Ramones) on the flight back from the Grammys back in 2011. When my brother Daniel and I asked him for any words of wisdom he had for aspiring artists, he told us, “If anyone tells you you can’t do something, tell them to go fuck themselves.”
Where do you think the music and entertainment industry is headed after this past year?
I think we will go enthusiastically back to live concerts, but with an understanding that it is no longer the only way. There’s been a huge boom in educating artists on how to use automation to build and monetize their fanbases during this time, which I’ve personally found to be absolutely transformational. I think as these strategies improve, we will see more independent artists rise who don’t need the help of a record label to be successful.
