MJ Ross is an upcoming electronic music artist and composer hailing from New Haven County, Connecticut. With a lifelong passion for music and a background in classical piano, he has embarked on an exciting musical journey, fusing elements of classical compositions with modern electronic soundscapes.
Growing up playing the piano, MJ Ross developed a deep appreciation for the works of classical masters such as Beethoven and Mozart. Inspired by their intricate melodies and emotive compositions, he began exploring the realm of electronic music, seeking to create his own unique sonic tapestries.
This 2023, MJ Ross is about to embark on a remarkable musical endeavor, releasing his debut album titled ‘Dystopiac’. This album showcases his mastery of electronic soundscapes, drawing inspiration from the likes of Tangerine Dream, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Vangelis. The LP is an immersive and atmospheric journey, blending captivating melodies, pulsating rhythms, and expansive textures to create a sonic landscape that transports listeners to dystopian realms.
EG caught up with MJ Ross to learn more about the incoming drop of his ‘Dystopiac’ album, the release of ‘Skydrifter’ and ‘Last Transmission’, and much more.
EG: Hi MJ! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?
MJ Ross: Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. How have I been? Oh, you know, living the glamorous life of an electronic music composer. I’ve been teleporting between musical dimensions and dodging paparazzi trying to capture my legendary keyboard moves. Right now, I’m hiding in my secret underground studio bunker, where the beats are booming and the inspiration is flowing!
EG: First of all, congratulations on the news of your upcoming debut LP, ‘Dystopiac’! You must be very excited to finally be able to share this project.
MJ Ross: Thank you! Excitement doesn’t even begin to cover it. Creating ‘Dystopiac’ was like embarking on a six-month rollercoaster ride through sonic realms. It’s been a labor of love, pouring my heart and soul into these seven electrifying tracks. I can’t wait to unleash this musical journey upon the world and have listeners dive into the dystopian universe I’ve crafted. Brace yourselves for an auditory adventure like no other.
EG: And you’ve already shared a first glimpse with the drop of ‘Sky Drifter’. What has the reception been like? Were you expecting any of this?
MJ Ross: Spotify is reporting 15,000+ streams within the first 30 days. It’s hard to gauge whether that’s considered good or not by modern standards. But for me, it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about forging a genuine connection with even a handful of people who truly resonate with my music. Even a million streams of a song can feel empty if the listeners don’t keep coming back or communicate their feelings in some way online. My goal is to build a small family of fans who truly connect with my sounds. If that family grows into something bigger, well, that’s just an incredible bonus.
EG: Why did you decide to go with the release of ‘Sky Drifter’ as its first single? What can fans expect to find on this one? Is there an emotional trigger or concept behind it?
MJ Ross: ‘Sky Drifter’ was an exhilarating experience for me because it all poured out during an intense all-night composing session. Time seemed to warp as I recorded and made rapid changes, and what felt like just a couple of hours turned out to be the break of dawn. I had immersed myself in this one song throughout the night, completely unaware of the passing of time. When I finished, I knew deep down that it didn’t require another week or two of tweaks and adjustments. It was a moment of clarity, knowing it was complete, and it was time to move forward. Those moments of pure emotion and decisive creativity are rare, and I fully embraced them.
“My goal is to build a small family of fans who truly connect with my sounds”
EG: As we mentioned, ‘Sky Drifter’ stems from the forthcoming ‘Dystopiac’ LP. For how long has the album been in the works? What can we look forward to? What was the writing process like?
MJ Ross: ‘Dystopiac’ was a whirlwind project for me, taking just six months of intense recording sessions. The album consists of seven songs that delve into a futuristic dystopian universe, weaving immersive electronic soundscapes with melodies that I truly hope will captivate the listener. The writing process for this album, especially within the ambient/electronica genre, presented unique challenges. This isn’t your mainstream pop music; it’s a meditative journey, designed for those seeking to fully immerse themselves and explore the sonic world I’ve painted within the tracks. It’s an invitation to zone out and let the music transport you to new realms.
EG: What does the release of ‘Dystopiac’ mean for MJ Ross? Are there any plans to the ‘Dystopiac’ from the studio to the stage?
MJ Ross: As a debut artist, the release of ‘Dystopiac’ brings both excitement and a sense of anticipation, as I navigate the challenges and joys of introducing my sound and style to the world. While there are definitely challenges that come with being a debut artist, I embrace them wholeheartedly, using them as fuel to further develop my craft and try to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
I anticipate the opportunity to bring my musical creations to life on stage, but that will be in the distant future. At present, my main focus is to continue producing music, and hope that it resonates with some of my fans.
EG: How do you keep entertained when not in the studio? Have you found any good books, movies, or albums lately that you’d recommend?
MJ Ross: When it comes to finding entertainment outside the studio, I have the perfect duo that never fails to captivate me: Hans Zimmer and Christopher Nolan. Their collaborations are like a symphony for the senses. Zimmer’s epic scores, like a cascade of emotions, perfectly complement Nolan’s mind-bending movies. I can’t help but get lost in the world they create together.
EG: Can you share something personal with us only a few people know about?
MJ Ross: Every time I sit down to compose music, my two feline companions are always by my side. It just so happened that they were both present when I created my very first song, and since then, I’ve come to believe they bring a touch of luck to the creative process. Therefore, whenever I venture into the studio, I’ll excitedly call out to my wife and/or kids, “Where are the cats?” and gather them around. They take great delight in observing me play the synthesizer, with 100% feigned enthusiasm.
“While there are definitely challenges that come with being a debut artist, I embrace them wholeheartedly, using them as fuel to further develop my craft and try to connect with audiences on a deeper level.”
EG: What’s next for MJ Ross? Where can your fans catch you next? What new milestones are you looking forward to in 2023?
MJ Ross: I’ve already started work on my 2nd album. I decided, initially, I would spend a few months getting social media going for ‘Dystopiac’ and putting in the hours for marketing and promotion. But honestly, I keep finding myself back on the synthesizer composing. When will this stop? Who knows. But it’s a fun ride. For 2023, I’d like to put out my 2nd album and then take a step back, and begin a more serious marketing promotion to see if anybody out there digs what I’ve been up to.
EG: Thank you for your time, MJ! We’re excited to see what’s in store for you. Take care!
MJ Ross: Thank you so much for your time and support. It has been a pleasure sharing my journey with you. I am truly grateful for the excitement and anticipation surrounding my future endeavors. Your encouragement means the world to me.
MJ Ross’ ‘Sky Drifter’ is out now. Stream and buy here.
You can also find MJ Ross’ ‘Last Transmission’, here.
Follow MJ Ross: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Soundcloud | Spotify
