CJ Solar: Bringing Rock & Blues to Country Music

CJ Solar pushes the boundaries of music by combining Southern rock with country, mixed with a bit of the Delta blues. Make no mistake, though; his songs speak plainly to fans of many genres.

A Cajun at heart, this Louisana native has caught the attention of industry insiders and fans after arriving in Nashville. 2017 proven beneficial for the young artist. His love for performing was etched in stone when CJ ventured to Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry as a young teen. Brad Paisley and Dierks Bentley performed that evening, and the young Cajun told himself he would occupy the same stage one day. After returning to Louisana, CJ and other family members formed their own garage band. “We were awful for a long time,” CJ admitted with a laugh. “What that trip did was spur my interest in songwriting.”

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After graduating from high school, CJ moved to Music City and enrolled in Belmont University, majoring in songwriting. When he completed his undergraduate studies, CJ received his first publishing contract with a company owned by his performing idol, Brad Paisley. Cuts by Morgan Wallen, Jerrod Niemann, and regional Texas artists lifted his presence with fellow songwriters. However, CJ also needed to feel the energy transmitted from a live audience.

 

Like most aspiring performers, CJ hit the songwriting circuit in Nashville, playing at any bar or venue where he could demonstrate his songwriting and singing talent. His persistence and skills paid off when he opened for Lynyrd Skynyrd on select dates during their “Last of the Street Survivors Tour” in 2018. Interestingly, CJ saw this iconic southern rock band perform several times as a teenager. “I don’t really get star-struck often, but I definitely had a dose when I met Gary (Rossington), Johnny (Van Zant), and Rickey (Medlocke) during our tour.”

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CJ has many songwriting influences, and one that stands out is John Fogerty. “I felt like so many of John’s songs were country, and his chord progressions are amazing. My mom and dad were into the Waylon and Willie outlaw movement, so I was influenced by their styles too.”

To no one’s surprise, he’s anxious to resume touring in 2021. CJ and his band play the 2021 Gulf Coast Jam along Flordia’s Emerald Coast on June 4. It will be the first time in a while he’s been in front of several thousand fans. Several years ago, CJ penned “Blue Bandana” for Jerrod Nieman. The song describes attending a music festival and gained popularity with festival fans. “I’ve recorded ‘Blue Bandana’ in a live performance and may have to cut it again because of all the songs I’ve written. It’s one of my favorites.”

CJ joined us from his Nashville area home as he’s preparing for his spring tour that begins on May 22 in Clinton, Wisconsin. His latest single, “Get Away With It,” is out, and other tunes like “Watered Down Whiskey” and “Airplane” showcase his vocal ability. You’ll want to follow this young artist because he’ll be a force in country music for many years.