Words by Carol Wright | Photos Courtesy of Icon-Publicity

Singer-songwriter RJ Word chatted with us about his song “Love Hurts,” what he’s learned since becoming a professional singer, and his other creative outlets.

When did you realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
I’ve always naturally gravitated towards music. At an early age, I noticed how it could completely change people’s moods and the energy of a room. That just stuck with me. Once I realized I could make a living creating it, I didn’t want to do anything else.

Did growing up in California make you feel as though a career in the entertainment industry wasn’t so out of reach?
My parents were always very supportive so I never really doubted myself. A lot of people around me were successful in the industry so I didn’t see why I couldn’t be.

What is your songwriting process?
It varies from song to song. Sometimes I’ll start with a producer by making the beginnings of a track or sometimes I’ll start on a keyboard with some chords. For choruses, I’ll typically write the melody first then lyrics. However, for verses, I’ll write lyrics and melody at the same time.

Tell us about your song “Love Hurts.”

“Love Hurts” is a pop-funk record with a kind of 80’s vibe. The melancholic lyrics tell the story of a heartbroken guy being ghosted by a girl.

What inspired the lyrics?
While I wasn’t as heartbroken as the guy in the song, I’ve been in a similar situation before. We wrote the chorus first and when I was coming up with the melody, Love Hurts were the words I mumbled/free-styled. We built the rest of the story around that.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since becoming a singer?
The entertainment industry is ruthless. Music especially. I learned not to trust or work with anyone before doing my homework and signing agreements. Just because you uphold your side of the deal doesn’t mean the other party will.

What other creative outlets do you have besides singing?
Photography, filmmaking and occasionally sculpting.

What advice do you have for aspiring singers?
Write as many songs as possible because the ones you’re sitting on probably aren’t as good as you think they are. Just put them out and keep moving forward.