American indie artist and visionary CJ Stowklyn is nothing short of a creative force. Since moving to Los Angeles in 2022, he has been steadily building a reputation for his genre-blending sound, which seamlessly weaves together elements of hip-hop, hyper-pop, and atmospheric indie textures. But music is just one facet of the City Lights star; his multifaceted artistic profile also encompasses acting, modelling, content creation, and an undeniable flair for fashion, all contributing to an unmistakable and bold creative vision. Having found his footing in the dynamic music scene, Stowklyn’s new music shows an artist hitting his stride, delivering a sound that is both emotionally grounded and fiercely energetic.
We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with CJ to discuss his evolution as an artist, the power of honesty in songwriting, and how a pivotal UK tour shaped his latest, most confident project yet.
Before you even understood what "being an artist" meant, when did you first start creating music, and what was the main inspiration that drove you?
’I started making music as a kid. It began in Arizona, where creating songs became my outlet for everything I didn’t know how to say. What inspired me was that music felt like the one place I could build a world that made sense to me, long before life did.’
Your new single is out now. Can you tell us a bit about what it means to you creatively and personally?
“My latest project is basically a snapshot of where I am right now, mentally, creatively, and personally. This one represents me stepping into a new chapter with more intention. It’s the first time I’ve felt like my vision and execution finally lined up the way I always wanted.”
Are there any experiences, like travelling or touring, that influenced the direction of the new project?
“Definitely. Travelling, touring in the UK, and being in LA surrounded by constant motion all shaped the sound. Seeing people in London who didn’t know me react to my music as they did was a turning point. It made me want to push deeper into my own lane.”
How would you describe your unique songwriting process?
“I let emotion lead. I usually start by locking into a feeling or atmosphere, then building melodies around it. The words come after I figure out the emotional direction. Most songs happen quickly once the vibe is there, almost like I’m chasing the moment before it fades.”
What do you consider to be the most important element to include when you are writing a song?
“Honesty. If I’m not saying something true, something real, it doesn’t feel worth keeping. People can sense when the emotion isn’t authentic, and I never want to create from a place that feels forced.”
Since you first began making music, how would you describe the evolution of your sound on this latest release?
“The new sound is sharper, more confident, and more fluid. When I started, I was experimenting with a lot of different styles, figuring out who I was. Now it feels like everything finally blends naturally, melodic, atmospheric, and emotionally grounded, but still energetic.”
Is there a core message or theme you were trying to convey, and is there a moment in the project that captures it?
“The core message is evolution, stepping into who you’re becoming without apologizing for where you’ve been. There’s one track in particular where I talk about letting go of old versions of myself, and that moment really anchors the whole project for me.”
Based on your experience, what advice would you offer to artists who are just starting out and trying to find their distinct sound?
“Don’t rush finding your identity. Try everything, fail at a bunch of things, then pay attention to what feels natural. And don’t look at what everyone else is doing, your sound only becomes real when you stop comparing yourself to people who aren’t living your life.”
What would you say has been your most memorable or best moment as an artist so far?
“Touring overseas. Performing in the UK and watching a room full of strangers connect with my music like they’d known it for years, that feeling changed me. It made everything I went through before that moment make sense.”
Looking ahead, what do you have on the horizon for 2026, and what are your main goals for the new year?
“2026 is about expansion, bigger releases, bigger visuals, more intentional rollouts, and stepping fully into the artist I’ve been building myself into. I’m aiming for major shows, viral moments, and putting out the most evolved version of my sound yet. The goal is simple: take everything to the next level and make this my breakout year.”
From a childhood outlet in Arizona to a major creative force in the LA scene, CJ Stowklyn’s journey is a testament to trusting authentic emotion and embracing change. The new music proves he is an artist committed to the honesty of his craft, unafraid to blend genres to deliver a sound that is uniquely his own.
With his clear vision for 2026 focused on major shows and even more evolved releases, it’s clear that ‘City Lights’ is just the start of an electrifying journey. We’re definitely looking forward to watching this breakout year unfold.
For more from CJ, be sure to join him today on Instagram and X.
