Kitchener/Waterloo’s Rising Pop Star JSJ Releases “Free”
Kitchener-Waterloo, ON-based emerging pop sensation JSJ kicks off the summer with a vibrant celebration of self-acceptance and genuine artistic expression with his new song “Free” — available now!
JSJ, real name Joshua Säde James, is an emerging Canadian artist from Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. He has worked across Canada in various shows from coast to coast. JSJ began competing in talent competitions as far west as The Calgary Stampede Talent Search, to Ontario to compete in The Western Fair’s Rise2Fame. Soon he travelled over to PEI to be a part of the Charlottetown Festival, to Newfoundland to play “Pepper” in Mamma Mia! Today he travels the world with Norwegian Cruise Lines performing in various shows including his self-made cabaret.
Drawing on his own experiences and personal stories, JSJ uses music as the ultimate catalyst for messages of self-worth and love, particularly as an ambassador for LGBTQ2IA+ rights. JSJ’s overarching philosophy is clear, “you are worthy, you are loved, and you are imperfectly you.”
JSJ’s uplifting new single was inspired by a challenging time in his life. As JSJ explains, “This song was written during a period when I was doubting my own self-worth and dignity as a queer man. I realized I was alive but not fully living. I was denying the part of myself that made me unique, that made me special, that made me, me.”
“Free” was created around the lyrics, “You don’t need to know where you are going to know who you are.” This important life lesson, like many lessons, was relayed by an educator. “The most inspirational and supportive professor I ever had, Mary-Lu Zahalen,” says JSJ. “She was my popular music performance teacher in college and always strived for us to own our individuality and sense of self.”
The ideas behind JSJ’s music are always inspired by some life event. In the case of “Free,” the song was written as a second-coming (out) song. The goal always remains the same with JSJ’s music, to make people smile by letting them know that they are special, no matter who they are.
There is perhaps no better demonstration of JSJ’s commitment to love and acceptance than the positivity that radiates from the lyrics in “Free,” which begins the moment the music starts.
“And I believe
That you don’t need to know where you are
Going to know who you are
And I can see
The universe’s energy is wrapping all around me
We are free.”
JSJ, real name Joshua Säde James, is an emerging Canadian artist from Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. He has worked across Canada in various shows from coast to coast. JSJ began competing in talent competitions as far west as The Calgary Stampede Talent Search, to Ontario to compete in The Western Fair’s Rise2Fame, over to PEI to be a part of the Charlottetown Festival, to Newfoundland to play “Pepper” in Mamma Mia!
Prior to obtaining his Honours Bachelor Degree in Musical Theatre Performance at Sheridan College, alongside winning the Sheridan: Pop Award (For Outstanding Performance), Joshua Säde James also co-choreographed, co-directed, and starred in his original Revue Diva Dynasty (Sheridan Institute PREP Production); proving yet again he was born for the stage. His latest single, “Free,” joins his WCSW Award-Winning Single, “I’ll Wait For You.”
JSJ has dreamed of becoming a recording artist ever since he first watched his father, highly decorated independent country artist Jamie Warren, sing on stage. He would soon find himself locked in the basement, belting his little heart out to artists like Whitney Houston, Maroon 5, Justin Timberlake, and Christina Aguilera. Thankfully, the KW Arts Fund & FACTOR (ADP) recognized James’s potential, granting him funds to work on his latest project.
A pride anthem declaring self-love and ownership of one’s identity, JSJ’s newest single, “Free,” is available now, right in time for the great weather!