Questions w/ JJ Heller (part two)

Here is part two of “Questions” w/ JJ Heller. Enjoy the interview and be sure to visit the links below to learn more about JJ and pick up some of her music.



StSL – Let’s talk a bit about your songwriting process. Do you have any specific methods or places you go to for inspiration?

JJ – I often get inspired by a word or phrase I hear (or read) as I walk through my every-day life. I usually try to explore that concept and what it means before I start strumming a guitar, but sometimes the chords and the beginnings of a melody come before the idea of the song is worked out. I almost always write the words and melody simultaneously so that it all flows together. I've never been very successful at putting preexisting lyrics to music.

I really dislike writing when I know people can hear me. If others are in the room (or the next room for that matter) I won't sing loudly enough for them to hear the lyrics. To me, writing is such a private thing and I don't want anyone to hear until I'm ready to share. If I'm honest, most of this if probably pride.

If I'm having trouble gaining perspective on a song by myself, I frequently ask Dave's opinion after I've spent some time writing a few lines. Much like an editor or producer, he offers his input on chord structure, rhythm and lyric. He's very task driven, so he also often helps me push the song through to the end. He actually wants to write songs way more often than I do. It takes so much emotional energy for me to write that I rarely feel up to the challenge. I'm starting to feel the stirrings of songs again, though.

Co-writing is incredibly personal, so it's been something that we've had to grow into. It's tough to put an idea out there knowing that I could get shot down. Dave's really good at taking those risks, but my perfectionistic nature makes it really difficult for me to make myself vulnerable like that. I want every line I write to be my best line ever, but I'm trying to give myself permission to just express myself without expectations of greatness. I'm definitely still learning more about what it means to be a songwriter.

StSL – Something I really appreciate about your songwriting is your vulnerability. Why is that element so important to you?

JJ – I've found that the more honest I am when I'm songwriting, the more people can relate to the song. In the end, I write songs to connect with people and remind them that they're not alone. I hope to communicate God's message of hope and peace to the people he loves, and as a result, bring honor to his name.

StSL – One of my favorites of your songs is “Have Mercy On Me” from “The Pretty & The Plain”. Can you share the story behind that song?

JJ – Sure. As I mentioned before, I've had a history of anxiety and panic attacks. It's not something I ever thought I would have to deal with, and I certainly never prayed for it to be a part of my life, and yet I know that the Lord has used it to make me stronger. Because of the darkness I experienced, I know first-hand that God tells the truth when he says that he's near to the broken-hearted. It's made me a more compassionate person, and therefore more like Christ. It's still an area where God is at work in my heart, and I know I have much more room to grow. I'm trusting that he will give me the faith I need to believe that he will set all things right.

On a side note - I never actually want to sing "Have Mercy On Me" during a concert (because it's SO vulnerable), but just about every time I do, at least one person will approach me after the show and thank me for singing it. They'll often tell me of their struggle with anxiety, and how God used my song to encourage them.

StSL – Let’s step away from music for a second. What’s your favorite movie quote?

JJ – I'll have to go with a mushy chick flick quote from "Sleepless in Seattle" when Tom Hanks' character said, "I was just taking her hand to help her out of a car, and I knew. It was like... magic."

StSL – A stranger comes up to you and says, “Play me the best song ever written.” What do you play?

JJ – Oh, I'm so bad at favorites! Dave always teases me by saying that my best meal is a fork-full of everything on the menu. I think this applies to music as well. With that said, I'm not sure that it qualifies as the best song ever written, but I love "When It Don't Come Easy," by Patty Griffin. It stirs up my emotions every time I hear it.

Thanks so much to JJ Heller for taking the time to talk with us. Please check out the links below and be sure to join us back here next week for a special 3-part "Questions" w/ Andrew Peterson!

JJ Heller Official Site
JJ Heller on MySpace
JJ Heller on iTunes
JJ’s Blog