Florida-based acoustic singer-songwriter, SJ, blends melodic folk, a chill vibe, and diverse arrangements creating an acoustically soulful groove and sound.
Since he began releasing original music in 2010, his releases have earned nearly 25 indie awards/nominations, and he has earned multi-format radio airplay and charting in the US (commercial and non-commercial), including heavy airplay on Sirius XM The Coffeehouse. In 2012, he began touring nationally in the US, including headliner shows as well as opening slots for artists such as Pentatonix and Ed Sheeran.
Latest News
SJ's album "Coffee: Strong Brew Edition" is now available at www.sjacoustic.com and iTunes http://bit.ly/QJHmnR.
SJ Artist Overview
South Florida-based acoustic singer-songwriter SJ blends melodic folk, acoustic rock with hints of Americana, a chill vibe, and diverse arrangements creating an acoustically soulful groove and sound. SJ's music has been compared to music from artists such as Jack Johnson and Donovan Frankenreiter, and acoustic material from John Mayer and Dave Matthews. SJ's raspy vocal hooks and acoustic groove have firmly planted him on the national music scene, with industry acceptance at multi-format commercial and non-commercial radio in the US and abroad.
SJ's first commercial releases won or earned nominations for nearly 25 independent music awards in the U.S. and U.K., and his first single, "I Like You", earned a Top 10 spot on U.S. national non-commercial radio charts. In December 2011, SJ was nominated by Sirius XM The Coffeehouse as a Discovery of the Year, the same month he won the Best Folk/Acoustic Emerging Artist Award at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards. In 2012, SJ released his first full length LP, "Coffee: Strong Brew Edition" and a live DVD album entitled "Coffee: Unfiltered", supported by his first national tour." SJ's radio single "Let Me Be" peaked at #32 on the national commercial radio charts, with songs from the album spinning in over 100 U.S. markets and earning status as the most active independent artist on national radio.
SJ began nationally touring in 2012, which included both headliner shows and several opening shows for bands such as Pentatonix, New Riders of the Purple Sage and Seth Glier. In 2013, SJ opened for Grammy-nominee Ed Sheeran at SunFest Music Festival and continues to tour with bookings for ticket shows, arts events, house concerts and festivals. In July 2013, Sirius XM The Coffeehouse began spinning SJ's acoustic cover of "Friday I'm In Love" by The Cure, where his acoustic ballad "I Like You" remains in rotation for over 2 years.
SJ and his acoustic chops are officially sponsored by Taylor Guitars, Sennheiser, Hercules Stands, Gator Cases, Future Sonics, and Elixir Strings.
SJ's Wikipedia article is here, where you can read more about his music and life: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SJ_(Singer).
SJ Bio 2015
Florida-based acoustic singer-songwriter SJ blends melodic folk, a chill vibe, and diverse arrangements creating an acoustically soulful groove and sound. Fans and critics describe SJ's lyrics and vocal delivery as uniquely authentic, emoting sincerity with a mix of resonating understatement, soulfulness and comforting rasp. Blending a spectrum of sounds from acoustic/folk to americana, and lighter acoustic pop to modern acoustic rock, SJ's music has been compared to music from artists such as Jack Johnson and Donovan Frankenreiter, and acoustic material from John Mayer and Dave Matthews. For SJ, though, he has a simple motto: "It's about the song."
SJ's commercial releases since 2010 have won or earned nominations for over 25 independent music awards in the U.S. and U.K., and his first single, "I Like You", earned a Top 10 spot on U.S. adult contemporary radio charts. His songs have been licensed multiple times for use in TV, film and commercials around the world. In December 2011, SJ was nominated by Sirius XM The Coffeehouse as a Discovery of the Year and played a special radio performance at Sirius XM studios in New York City. In the same month, he won the Best Folk/Acoustic Emerging Artist Award at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards in Los Angeles and performed at the awards on the main stage.
In 2012, SJ released his first full length LP, "Coffee: Strong Brew Edition" and a live DVD album entitled "Coffee: Unfiltered". SJ's 2012 radio single "Let Me Be" peaked at #32 on the U.S. adult contemporary radio charts, and was regularly spun in over 50 U.S. markets (AAA, Americana, A/C), earning his song status as the most active independent artist on national radio. Since then, SJ has headlined nationally and opened for acts such as Pentatonix, New Riders of the Purple Sage, and Ed Sheeran at SunFest Music Festival. SJ is officially endorsed by Taylor Guitars, Sennheiser, Hercules Stands, Gator Cases, Future Sonics, and Elixir Strings.
Regardless of awards, radio and big stage performances, though, at heart, SJ just enjoys writing and sharing original music and playing smaller intimate settings, which all starts from his home studio he calls the AcoustiShak. It's equally important to him to spend time with his family and friends, and to help other acoustic-centric musicians through the company he founded, Acoustic Soul Entertainment Group.