Today we’d like to introduce you to Junior Cruz.
Hi Junior, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started making music when I was about 9-10 years old, I’ve always been into music my whole life, I looked up to Michael Jackson and a lot of 2Pac and Biggie growing up, I was originally born in Salinas, California and we made our move to Park City, Utah when I was about 7 or 8 years old, from there I started looking at videos of people performing and people in the studio making music and that’s where it all started, I knew that I had a story to tell and all I needed was to find a way to put it to life. I grew up in a loving household with a lot of trauma hidden. My mom raised my brothers and I since babies and has done everything alone just to keep us happy. I never was the type to ask for much and I still don’t. One day, I picked up my android and Xbox headphones and just put a beat on, wrote to it and recorded/released it that same day. I got a lot of hate of course because I truly wasn’t good. I kept writing until I was 15 and that’s when I decided to release every emotion I hid for the past 15 years at the time. I released a single called “HELL” and that’s when I got my name out, it truly was one of my worse tracks but that’s because I’m completely different now. As the years went by, I took it more and more seriously and I started to invest into it. I finally wasn’t afraid to ask my mom what I wanted for my birthday, I remember it detail by detail, I said “hey mom, can you buy me an iMac and a microphone for my birthday?”. She said, “nope, go work for it” and so I went back to my room and I honestly cried, it hurt but I knew we aren’t the type to just have money laying around like that. My mom came home a week later after a long shift and surprised me with what I asked for. That was one of the happiest days of my life. I never left the room, I was in there 24/7 writing and making music because I knew this is what I wanted, I knew that I have a gift and a blessing to show everyone but I didn’t know how to yet, so I released every song I made and hoped to get the recognition. Obviously, it doesn’t work like that and I didn’t understand that. Now I’m here, I humbled myself, I learned, I experienced and I grew from it. I believe that I was here for a reason and I’m here to fulfill that purpose of pursuing what I truly love to do. I’m not one to give up and so I never did and look where that got me, I’m doing shows every month, I’ve connected with a lot of artists and a lot of amazing people, I am 100x better than what I was back then. I’m constantly writing and writing every single day, every second. This is my passion, this is my future. My mom. She got me here, I truly know that if my mom never would have given me that computer and mic, I wouldn’t be here. She pushed me, she motivated me to be the best I can be, I never once doubted a word she said because she’s always right and so far, she’s been right. My girlfriend plays a huge part as well, she got me shows, she gave me hope and possessed me with love that kept me going farther. Now I’m just waiting patiently.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
In a way yes but no. We all go through obstacles in life and at the end of the day, it’s on you to overcome all those obstacles, it’s on you to keep it pushing every single day to be the best you can be, it’s all you. I just never gave up, I never will and never could. I went through so much during my time of being an artist and it helped me. I went through a tough break up at the age of 16 and that hit me. I’ve lost so many friendships over money, drugs, relationships, even music. I’ve lost people that I loved and cared about, rip. I’ve lost family, and I’ve seen shit that most people don’t see or have experienced. I’m not special, I’m not different than others, I’m not better nor am I smarter. I’m human. We all experience trauma and losses and heartbreak but it’s on you if you let that get to you.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an artist, I make art in music form. All I really do is just write and record. I’ve done everything independently, I never once asked for anything as an artist, I have always done everything alone. I mix my own vocals, I record on my own time. I release on my own time and that’s just a blessing, a miracle in disguise. I’m known for my flows, my lyrics and who I am as a person. I’m just a junior. I wouldn’t say I’m different than others, I’m unique. Like I said I’m human. We all make what we love to hear and if it makes us happy, we stick to it. Me personally, I just don’t care about anything that anyone says. I’m junior, why would I give someone my energy just for them to bring me down?
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Once I give my family what they deserve. I don’t believe in success, I believe in happiness. Once I knew that I have supported my family, that’s when I made it. All I care about is making them feel what I feel, I want them to experience it with me. Soon.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/theofficialjuniorcruz
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCnzEeKMWIqYCgYSlWPq11Xg
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-735468448
Image Credits
Yung Drezzy
Asic
Xo Fermin
NIX
