Louisiana native and Nashville singer-songwriter CJ Solar discusses how attending a Doobie Brothers concert as a young teenager motivated him to pursue a musical journey. CJ’s first love is crafting songs, yet his incredible playing and singing talent takes him to new heights. During the 30A Songwriters Festival at SOWAL House in Rosemary Beach, FL, I sat down with CJ to catch up on his latest projects and opening for the iconic rock band Molly Hatchet.
CJ Solar prepares for his 2021 tour by releasing new songs.
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I met and interviewed CJ last year before his appearance at the 2021 Gulf Coast Jam. His introduction to music came when he opened his dad’s guitar at seven and started taking lessons at eight. By 12, CJ’s guitar instructor started showcasing CJ and his younger brothers. By 13, he was playing three-hour sets in local restaurants. Realizing his athletic abilities were not at the level to play at his competitive high school, CJ recognized his creative talents. At 17, CJ enrolled in the songwriting program at Nashville’s Belmont University.
How does a university create Nashville Singer-Songwriter CJ Solar? “It’s difficult to teach songwriting,” CJ reiterated. “When I saw Brad Paisley at the Grand Ole Opry, I started trying to write songs. Jeffrey Steele is one of my favorite songwriters, so my mom and dad drove me to see him for the first 30A Songwriters Festival. I also love Joe Leathers and Kyle Jacobs and remember seeing them too.”
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CJ penned one of his favorite songs, “Blue Bandana,” as a college senior. Soon after, he signed his first publishing deal. Since then, he’s been busy honing his craft by writing with other top Nashville songwriters and performing.
His latest single, “The Future’s Neon,” was released in mid-February, and he’s opening for the iconic rock band Molly Hatchet on April 8th and 9th. Don’t miss this episode with one of Nashville’s rising stars.