Check Out CJ Scala’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to CJ Scala.

Hi CJ, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My older sister was a dancer, so as a baby, I was often in the dance studio with her and my mom and I absolutely LOVED it! As soon as I was old enough to take my first steps, I became a dancer just like my big sister. I was two with tap shoes on and in love!

At home, music was constantly playing. I was mostly Influenced by my mom, dad and my grandmother’s musical selections playing everything from the 1920’s to the hits of my youth. I remember being very intrigued by jazz and blues. It was real and raw and had a sound I was drawn to. My grandmother was a singer/dancer and her and my mom would always sing around me and create these beautiful harmonies and I remember thinking, I want to do that! A bit shy, I would often hide in my room and teach myself how to play songs by ear on my keyboard and sing along. At age nine, I started playing the saxophone. At this point, I was traveling the east coast as competitive dancer, playing multiple instruments and developing a deep love for music. Bringing so many of the things I loved together, musical theater became my main focus for a good chunk of my teen/early adolescent years. I wanted to be on Broadway. That was the dream. That was the goal.

Fast forward to my mid 20’s where I decided to focus more on my singing, songwriting and creating my own music. My own sound. Something that was all me! A place where I can tell my story and share my thoughts and experiences with others that might want listen. I realized I needed a change of scenery and surroundings to get closer to my dreams, so I packed up and drove across the country from NYC to LA. A decade later, I’m still living in LA and finally feeling like I’m on the right path. Finally not afraid of being myself and creating music and art my way. Finally feeling like I can really be me! Knowing in my bones, it’s all been worth it and knowing the more I love and believe in myself, that anything is possible. I’m excited about my upcoming projects and looking forward to all of the amazing adventures on the horizon!!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? As I literally laugh out loud, my reply to that question is, DEFINITELY NOT! If it was easy, everyone would do it right? It’s the struggles that allow us to know what we’re willing to fight for. It’s the struggles that make us unique and what makes us who we are. Everyday is a challenge but everyday WE choose how we want to play the cards we’re dealt. I had to learn my power and know that I control my thoughts, my energy and my actions. It’s up to us how we use our power. I choose to love and believe in myself every single day. If you don’t believe in you, who will?

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Most of the people who know me usually classify me as a dancer and while that’s true, it’s not the whole truth. Yes, I’ve been dancing since I was two. Yes, I have many trophies, crowns and olympic medals from triumphant moments in my dance journey. Yes, I still LOVE to dance, but I now have a different love affair with dancing. At this point in my life, the focus has shifted from performing to choreography and creating. You can still catch me on the dance floor in the spotlight from time to time, but for the past several years, I’ve mostly been teaching dance and fitness. Although I am a dancer at my core, I consider myself more of a singer/songwriter and that’s where the majority of my focus and energy is being directed. It’s not only something I’m passionate about, it’s my therapy and what keeps me pushing forward to fight another day.

I’ve been working hard and investing in myself and am ready for what the future holds. I’m very proud of the music I’ve been working on this past year and looking forward to the release of my first music video! I’m hoping to share that with everyone before the end of 2020! What sets me apart from others? Being 100% me! I don’t want to be like anyone else. We can be inspired and influenced by others, but no matter what, the best art comes from truth, so just be honest. Especially to yourself. When I’m creating and able to really flex my creative muscles, is when I’m truly my happiest. With so many ways to achieve that in the arts, the possibilities are endless for where life could take me!

Who else deserves credit in your story?
Whether it was as simple as some kind, encouraging words or physically picking me up off of the floor in my lowest/darkest moments, there are too many to name that have helped me along the way. I have immense gratitude and love for all of them and know I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today if they hadn’t played a role in my life. If I had to name anyone, the two that stand out for me more than anyone else, has to be mom and dad. I am so incredibly grateful for those two! They are my best friends, my biggest supporters, they encourage me to live my wildest dreams and they’ve taught me how to believe in myself. It hasn’t been easy being 3,000 miles away from them, but I continue to fight for my life and chase my dreams every day because of them and the strength they continue to give me. To all of you, especially mom and dad, thank you!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @cjscala