JSJ kicks off the summer with a vibrant celebration of self-acceptance and pride in his surging and soaring single Free — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
Drawing on his own experiences and stories, JSJ uses music as the ultimate catalyst for messages of self-worth and love, particularly as an ambassador for LGBTQ2IA+ rights. JSJ’s overarching philosophy is clear: “You are worthy, you are loved, and you are imperfectly you.”
His uplifting new single was inspired by a challenging time in his life. “This song was written during a period when I was doubting my own self-worth and dignity as a queer man,” he explains. “I realized I was alive but not fully living. I was denying the part of myself that made me unique, that made me special, that made me, me.”
Free was created around the lyrics, “You don’t need to know where you are going to know who you are.” This important life lesson, like many lessons, was relayed by an educator. “The most inspirational and supportive professor I ever had, Mary-Lu Zahalen,” says JSJ. “She was my popular music performance teacher in college and always strived for us to own our individuality and sense of self.”
There is perhaps no better demonstration of JSJ’s commitment to love and acceptance than the positivity that radiates from the lyrics in Free, which begins the moment the music starts:
“And I believe
That you don’t need to know where you are
Going to know who you are
And I can see
The universe’s energy is wrapping all around me
We are free.”
JSJ, real name Joshua Säde James, is an emerging Canadian artist from Kitchener-Waterloo. He has dreamed of becoming a recording artist ever since he first watched his father, highly decorated independent country artist Jamie Warren, sing on stage. He would soon find himself locked in the basement, belting his little heart out to artists like Whitney Houston, Maroon 5, Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera.
He got his start in talent competitions, journeying from the Calgary Stampede Talent Search to Ontario’s Western Fair’s Rise2Fame to P.E.I.’s Charlottetown Festival. He has worked across Canada in various shows, played Pepper in Mamma Mia! in Newfoundland, and travels the world with Norwegian Cruise Lines, performing in his self-made cabaret.
Check out Free above, hear more from JSJ below, and find him on his website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
