LA-based singer-songwriter Junior Wright has built his musical identity around versatility, expression and emotional connection. Drawing inspiration from artists capable of moving freely between styles, his own journey began singing in church choir and school chorus as a child, establishing vocals as one of his earliest forms of self-expression.
New single ‘Away’ strips that artistry back to its most vulnerable. Built around piano, cello and Wright's expressive voice, the track explores grief and the difficult space between understanding that somebody is gone and truly accepting the absence they leave behind.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Electric Guitar
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Rap, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Gospel Music
What was the first album you remember owning?
The Score by The Fugees
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Ha! Thriller.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Sometimes, I’ll have melodies or harmonies for songs, but I don’t have lyrics that fit. So, I’ll come up with random, ridiculous words that are placeholders.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
ROLE MODEL and Jungle.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Sade
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Being creative through different mediums and genres, whether they are live performances or in the studio, for example.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Dealing with the business side of music, from the instability for various reasons to the politics.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
It’s not about who knows you, but who wants to know you.
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Junior Wright's new single 'Away' is out now. Check it out in the player below.