The Midwest of America isn't exactly known for its crashing waves or salty air, but for Mista J, the distance has only made the heart grow fonder. At 45, the Indiana-based artist, originally hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, has traded the "sea of cornfields" for a literal maritime odyssey. His latest offering, ‘Blue’, released this February 2026, is a lush, atmospheric voyage that feels less like a studio recording and more like a stowaway's diary.
It’s a bold departure from the celestial themes of his previous work, swapping the vacuum of space for the depths of the Caribbean. We sat down with the man himself to chat about childhood guitars, the influence of island legends, and why his songwriting process is a bit like finding ancient, edible honey.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us about your new album. Looking right back, when did you first start making music? Where did it all begin?
“I began creating music when I fashioned a guitar at age five out of a cardboard box and string. I wrote "GITAR" on it so I wouldn’t forget what it was, only finding out later that I misspelt it...”
Can you tell us a bit about your latest release and what it means to you?
“’Blue’ is about my very first love, the sea. Being raised in Indiana, we have a sea of cornfields, but nay an ocean to be found. The ocean, therefore, always seemed exotic to me and filled me with that sense of wonder. This album takes me to a warmer place, yes, but also a place filled with pirates, sailboats, and bare feet. The progression of lyrics in the album's final track ‘Caribbean Eyes’, where it goes from "Jump up to watch the sun set twice" to "That constellation sets up station, midnight blues cycle through their hues," I feel is a good culmination of the album's energy, wonder, and ultimately the inevitable change in our lives from dusk to nightfall.”
Are there any artists, moments, or experiences that influenced you when writing the release?
“311 is ingrained in my adolescent brain, definitely an influence there. Also the song "Southern Cross," as well as a cornucopia of Jimmy Buffett.”
What was your songwriting process for the release? How did it all come together?
“Describe the creative process? Well... that's like asking why certain colours complement each other. I don't think there's a science behind genuine creativity. With ‘Blue’, the lyrics just began flowing out, like cracking open an ancient clay jar filled with honey that's somehow still edible. I feel like inspiration is latent and ancient; you just gotta unlock it and hope the results are sweet enough to digest.”
What's next after this release? Do you have any new releases or shows on the horizon?
“Well, the previous release, ‘Dynamite, Darling’ was astronomy-themed, this one was about the sea... I suppose next stop is... the Wild West? Rainforests? Atomic-level chemistry? We'll see!”
Whether he’s exploring the stars or the surf, Mista J continues to prove that geography is no barrier to imagination. ‘Blue’ is out now, offering a much-needed escape to warmer horizons for those of us still stuck on dry land.
Follow Mista J today on YouTube to stay updated on his next releases, or head on over to Apple Music.
