Interview: Kerry James, Junior Moves on the Music World with 'Mother and I'

"From small things, mama, big things one day come." I had to pirate that line from Bruce Springsteen; that may well have come from a much older proverb, saying or something, but it highlights most beginnings in the arts. You have to start somewhere.

I was reminded of that through my first contact with Kerry Rodgers, Jr. He answers to KJ, and over the past three years has worked to make his way into music.

An organic sound and a simple one comes from the 22-year-old Chicago native's voice and guitar, typified by the one song that has given him the biggest push, "Mother and I."

KJ speaks of that relationship with his mother, Wendy, but doesn't dwell on the past, one which includes his health issues.

"I had an okay childhood," KJ recalls. "I was diagnosed with seizures at 5-1/2 months old. I had a stroke at 7-1/2 (months). I have a speech impediment problem; it makes my words all cluttery, but I don't let that effect (my life)."

Raised in Gary, Indiana, KJ grew up hearing Motown and R&B, but he credits Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake and Ciara as his biggest influences.

Unless one thinks of the blues or folk worlds, an African-American with an acoustic guitar, playing pop-oriented or mainstream music is not the first thing you notice, something Kerry admits. "I saw Justin Bieber have a guitar when he first came out, and that encouraged me," he says. "I wanted to be the one to break the cycle."

KJ's acoustic was a gift from his mother, and he learned to play by watching videos on Youtube. From there, he started playing on the steps of Gary's City Hall. My first listen was an early demo of "Mother and I" plus two other tracks sent me, which I played on my online program for Radio-Airwaves Station.

How did that song come about? "A friend of mine told me write a song about my mother," he said. "I presented it to (her) on her birthday...and emotions just started coming out, she said, that song is gonna be so powerful."

The appeal is simple as it is direct. "When I sing the words, and you hear it you think the same thing I think."

Regarding songwriting, "I just have to be in the moment," he explains, "it's a feeling, and when you have that feeling you have to write on how life is, 'cause life is a story. In your story, you have to tell it in your own words.

Slowly gathering a name for himself, and he's well aware of the work that comes from being an independent artist. "It's easier now because you have the Internet," he says, "most people know me from (there). It takes time and it takes dedication, progression, its' the image you are trying to give out. I have to learn for myself; how to self-promote, market myself, brand myself.

Persistence recently paid off as KJ made an appearance at the Soul Train Impact Showcase, and landed a nomination for Best Urban Indie Entertainer for the Chicago Music Awards. Chance the Rapper took home the honor, but KJ remains undaunted. "I was blessed to be nominated against a big artist," he said. "I met people, I heard some good music and when it was time for the awards to be presented I wasn't upset."

KJ will return to the studio in the near future to re-record "Mother and I," with a focus on that song. His aim is eventually an EP.

His advice for those on the indie trail, or starting out? "I tell people if you want this as your career, go for it. The sky's the limit. You have to put 210% into what you do; it's the motivation and dedication (you have) for yourself, and the people you represent. And you gotta be humble.

"I'm like a new face; I'm young, and I think it's going to attract a lot of younger people...and send a good message."

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