Rising Stars: Meet CJ “True Say” Janu

Today we’d like to introduce you to CJ “True Say” Janu.

Hi CJ, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My story starts with a love for music that has been with me for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been drawn to the energy that music brings, and DJing became my way of expressing that passion.

For many years, though, I struggled with self-doubt and fear of rejection. I had this deep desire to share my music with the world, but I hesitated to put myself out there. I kept my talent confined to playing in front of close friends, not realizing that I was limiting my potential and denying myself the opportunity to truly grow as an artist.

Then, something shifted within me. I had a moment of realization that life is too short to let fear hold me back from pursuing my dreams. I decided to take a leap of faith and market myself, to go all in and give it everything I had. It seemed very daunting at first, but I knew it was time.

Since making that decision, my journey has been nothing short of incredible. I embraced various marketing strategies, leveraging social media, creating a professional online presence, and reaching out to event organizers and music enthusiasts. I let my music speak for itself, and the response I received was overwhelming.

Just recently, I was asked to headline a show on July 29th after playing my first and only club show in Denver. I was honestly pretty nervous for that first show but it couldn’t have been more validating that this is what I need to be doing. I received an overwhelming number of compliments from those who came. People I knew and didn’t know at all.

Additionally, I’m thrilled to share that I have my first single set to release in just two weeks. This marks a significant milestone in my career as a DJ, as well as a Producer. I couldn’t be more excited about it. The support I’ve received from friends, fans, and the music community as a whole has been beyond anything I could have imagined. It’s humbling to know that my music resonates with people and brings them joy.

Overall, this journey has taught me the importance of embracing our passions, conquering our fears, and taking bold steps toward our dreams. It’s a reminder that life is too precious to be spent wondering “what if.” I’m grateful for every moment, every opportunity, and every person who has believed in me along the way. The journey is still unfolding, and I’m eager to see where it takes me next.

To aspiring artists who may be going through similar struggles, the message is simple: believe in yourself and take that first step. We often underestimate our potential and allow fear to paralyze us. The greatest regret in life is not trying at all.

Understand that rejection is just a part of the journey and not a reflection of your worth as an artist. Most importantly, be authentic to yourself and your art. The world needs your unique voice and perspective.

Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment or the approval of others to start pursuing your dreams. Life is too short

We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Like any journey, there were challenges and struggles that I had to overcome. One of, if not the biggest hurdle I’ve faced is comparing myself to others. In the very early stages, I would often look at other DJs who seemed to have more success or recognition and question my abilities. It was a constant battle to remind myself that everyone has their unique journey and that my path would unfold in its own time.

Another significant challenge was breaking into the club scene. At first, it was difficult to get traction and secure gigs at established venues. The competition in Denver is fierce, and it took persistence and perseverance to get noticed. Rejection was a common occurrence, but I refused to let it discourage me. I kept refining my skills, networking with industry professionals, and seizing every opportunity to showcase my talent. Eventually, my dedication and hard work started paying off, and doors started opening for me.

Additionally, learning music production was a daunting task. As a DJ, I wanted to take my artistry to the next level by creating my original tracks. However, diving into the world of music production was a whole new territory for me. It required a steep learning curve, technical knowledge, and countless hours of tutorials and practice. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed and doubted my abilities. But I reminded myself that growth comes from stepping outside of our comfort zones, and I pushed through the challenges. I still have a long way to go, but I finally feel like I have a grasp on it after countless hours of feeling lost.

These struggles taught me the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and embracing the learning process. It’s easy to get discouraged and give up when faced with obstacles, but the key is to stay focused on your passion, learn from failures, and keep pushing forward.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a DJ and artist, I’m not just a brand but a culmination of over 10 years of experience, dedication, and passion for music. What sets me apart from others is a focus on high production value, strategic marketing, and a serious competitive approach that emphasizes professionalism.

What makes me proud brand-wise is the commitment to maintaining a high standard of quality in every aspect of the musical journey. From the selection of tracks to the technical expertise in mixing, transitioning, lights, visuals, etc. no detail is overlooked. The ultimate goal is to deliver an exceptional experience that leaves a lasting impact on the audience.

In a social media-driven era where many artists strive to be entertainers and comedians, I take a different approach. Rather than relying on gimmicks or trying to be a social media sensation, the focus is on the music itself and building a brand based on authenticity, skill, and professionalism. This sets me apart as a serious artist who prioritizes the craft and the art form above all else.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
One shift I believe we’ll witness is a departure from solely creating “club bangers” and a greater emphasis on releasing EPs and albums that allow artists to express their artistry more fully.

While singles have been the dominant format for a while, I feel that many artists crave the opportunity to showcase their versatility and creativity more expansively. EPs and albums provide a platform for them to craft and explore different sonic landscapes. This shift will not only offer listeners a more immersive experience but also give artists the freedom to delve deeper into their musical visions.

In terms of genres, Tech House has undeniably been a staple in recent years. However, as it becomes more commonplace, I anticipate a resurgence and exploration of other genres like techno, drum, and bass, and more. These genres will offer contrast and dynamics within DJ sets, allowing for a diverse range of sounds and energy. House music to me (and many others) gets repetitive. Throwing in a hip-hop beat to completely reset the vibe is one of my favorite things to do in a set. We’re already witnessing glimpses of this trend, and I believe it will become more prevalent as artists strive to create unique and memorable experiences for their audiences.

Ultimately, it’s a very exciting time to be a part of the dance industry. It’s a dynamic landscape, and I’m thrilled to be part of shaping its future.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truesayofficial/
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/truesayoffical
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@truesayofficial 

Image Credits
Kellen Fredrickson, @kelle.vision