Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Country Superstar, Imaj

Since bursting onto the music scene, Imaj has quickly captured the hearts of music lovers around the world, earning her the nickname, “America’s Sweetheart”. It’s a name fitting for this country superstar who is spreading a message of love through her lyrics and using her platform to advocate for equality through race, religion, gender, and mental illness. We caught up with Imaj to learn more about her career and what the rest of the year holds for her.

PC: When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
Imaj: Ever since I was little, sitting on my daddy’s lap as he played the piano, I knew that music would always play a big role in my life.

PC: What’s your creative process like when you’re working on a new song? Has it changed over the years?
Imaj: The creative process is pretty universal. Something hits you and you get in the zone with lyrics, a melody, chord progressions, and then you finish it through to the end of the song. You revisit the song a lot to polish it and what not, but the creative process is all about being in the zone. People get there in different ways, but every artist finds their way there in the end.

PC: Who are your musical influences?
Imaj: I have so many! Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Charlie Pride, Whitney Houston, Dolly Parton, Michael Jackson. All the legends. All the greats, especially traditional country artists.

PC: You’re spreading an important message about love and equality through your songwriting. Have you always been passionate about using your platform for social good?
Imaj: Absolutely! The sole purpose of my career as an artist and my life as a human being is to make a difference in the best way that I can.

PC: What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned about yourself being a part of this industry?
Imaj: I think the lesson is that in a world that wants you to imitate the latest trend, if you want to be the best, the only way you can do that is to be the best at being yourself. Music is art. Picasso didn’t compete against Michelangelo. I’ve had a group that was determined to make me a pop singer. I’ve also had a person insist on me performing a song that just didn’t fit with who I am. Yet, the greatest thing about my generation and social media is that you don’t have to fit into other people’s boxes. You don’t have to be confined to a box at all.

PC: What does the rest of 2018 hold for you?
Imaj: I have some private performances for the holidays and charity events. I’ll be speaking and performing for the American Art Therapy Association Conference in Miami Beach this year. It’s always exciting to perform in my hometown. I’ll also be performing for a police charity in West Palm Beach. As of right now, I’m in the studio for my spring/summer release. Surprises coming soon!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Imaj: The Office reminds me of how hilarious and amazing life is even at its most basic level.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Imaj: Historical documentaries

PC: Favorite book?
Imaj: Transcripts of Jiddu Krishnamurti

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Imaj: Les Misérables

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Imaj: I think my fans see me as pretty unusual in general, so they wouldn’t be surprised by anything on my playlist, unless it was like heavy metal or rap. Well, what do you know? I’ve got System Of A Down and Drake on my playlist.

PC: First concert you attended?
Imaj: Frisco Freedom Fest

PC: First album you bought?
Imaj: Britney Spears

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Imaj: Probably Game of Thrones

PC: Hidden talent?
Imaj: I’ve been a visual artist my whole life, but I almost never talk about it. My mediums of choice are oil pastel and charcoal.

Make sure to follow Imaj on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and pick up her album, America’s Sweetheart on iTunes or Amazon.