10 Questions with ... JJ Weeks

1. You've had some slight transition in your career path over the past couple of years. Will you catch us up on what's been going on in your recent artist-journey?

I've heard that transition is never easy or fun, but it is always necessary. I have seen that the past couple of years. I was an independent artist for a number of years before ever stepping into the industry side of music. After that transition, I have had the honor of linking arms with some great people and have learned a lot. We released our biggest song, "Let Them See You," and saw God do some amazing things through it, but also saw how difficult it can be to follow up on something like that. So after hitting rock bottom in 2018, I stepped away from labels and management; there was cancer and death in my family; and bus accidents. I just wanted to quit. I'd had enough of it. I prayed that God would give me the wisdom to shut the ministry down, I clearly heard him say, "You may be through, son, but I'm not." I heard him say just put one foot in front of the other and keep going. That is what I'd done in 2019 and I have watched God transition me and turn things around that seemed impossible. He has renewed the joy of music and ministry in my life again.

2. What prompted the decision to move away from being a "band" and pursue a solo career?

On paper, I've always been a solo act, but always felt I didn't have the talent to do just a solo thing. Industry people had told me for years to go that route and I just always felt I wasn't good enough. So with all that happened in 2018, it was like I didn't have the option anymore because we didn't have the finances to hold up a full band.

3. How would you be define/describe the season you had with JJ Weeks Band?

Incredible! Over those years, I was able to hang out with incredibly talented people who still hold a place in my heart today. We have seen the music and concerts touch so many lives; it was worth every ounce of energy and time!

4. What have you learned most about yourself over the past couple of years-both as an artist and on a personal level?

I have learned that I am human and can't carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. I learned that, as much as I try, only God holds tomorrow. I feel I've learned more about who God says I am than just who I think I am.

5. Who have you been listening to and leaving the biggest impression on you lately?

I think I am an oddity in the industry because I am actually a Christian music listener. I've been loving the MercyMe guys' stuff lately and Austin French. I've also been reading and listening a lot to Jentezen Franklin lately.

6. What's a song over the past few years that you wish you'd have written?

Probably "In My Blood" by Shawn Mendes. But this can change depending on the season of life I'm in.

7. Speaking of songs, your latest single "The Sound of Freedom" released this week. What do you think is particularly special about this one?

I am, for first time in a long time, just writing songs! Not writing for something particular, just writing what comes to heart. That is what this song represents to me. Freedom. And if freedom had a sound, this is what it looks like to me. Freedom looks different for everyone, but it is something we all need to get ahold of.

8. Do you have any special highlights as it pertains to your career and radio so far?

Obviously, "Let Them See You" changed my life and I will be forever grateful for that simple prayer. What I cherish the most is the radio friends that I have made. I am grateful for the radio guys and girls that have given me a chance and hope to continue to build those friendships and make new ones over the next several years.

9. You're about to head out on the road with the WinterJam tour. How are you feeling about that?

I am super excited to be out on WinterJam this year. To think, not long ago, I was walking away from music. Being on one of the biggest tours just a little over a year later is a testament that God is faithful!

10. Anything else you foresee going on as you head into 2020 that you're particularly looking forward to?

I am so looking forward to this year! We are just getting started! My new EP drops on February 7th. We're making a music video for "The Sound of Freedom." I also have some killer tours coming together and can't wait to see what God is going to do through the music this year.