News

Here comes Trouble! May 21, 2013

Hey! Sorry I'm been MIA lately. My stoopid internet broke, lol but I finally got it running again today. :) Here's my latest cover of Taylor's "I Knew You Were Trouble".

Bruno Mars cover April 29, 2013

Love this Bruno Mars song, "When I Was Your Man". Of course, I did the girl's perspective. <3

Erase You April 22, 2013

My newest original, "Erase You". Let me know what you think!~ :)

Fall Out Boy cover April 14, 2013

So things have been pretty busy lately with gigs and rehearsals, but managed to find time to do a new cover! Hurray! Here's one of my fav songs at the moment: Fall Out Boy's "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)". I swear, FOB has the longest titles... XD

Avril cover April 9, 2013

Today Avril's new single "Here's to Never Growing Up" came out. So I decided to do a cover. I only had an hour to learn it because she just posted it. But, I did my best. :) Enjoy!!!

Photoshoot April 4, 2013

Hey hey! So, up above is Stage Monster's latest photoshoot pic. The pics turned out really well and we had lots of fun. Tomorrow I have a gig at Ikebukuro with the band. Looking forward to it!!!

Still Into You March 17, 2013

Been listening to lots of Paramore lately, so here's another cover of their newest song "Still Into You"! By the way, today is my 1 year anniversary of being in Japan! Hurray!!!!

Paramore- Now February 28, 2013

Was in the studio and thought I'd do a Paramore cover for you! My new band Stage Monster is very Paramore-esque so I thought it was a good fit. :) Today we have a gig at Shibuya and I'm totally stoked (see blog). Anyways, hope u like the cover!

Stage Monster Live February 21, 2013

Still working hard with Stage Monster! We have a gig coming up next Thursday (Feb 28th) at Lush in Shinjuku. We start around 9:10pm. Would love to rock out with you! Hope to see you there!!! :)

Heartattack for Valentine's! February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day! Heartattack (Stage Monster) is officially up on iTunes. I wrote this song about half a year ago after a heartbreak- lol. Glad I got something good out of that time! XD Hope you like the tune and thanks as always for your support!

Gig February 2, 2013

Already February! So, our Stage Monster gig went really well. Even though it was our first gig, lots of people showed up. We sold more cds than we had expected, and everyone who came to talk to me after the show was really sweet. Now we're working on new tunes and booking our next gig. Woot!

Stage Monster January 22, 2013

Hello my lovely people!!!! As you all know, I've been working on my new band here in Japan called "Stage Monster". We have our very first gig as a band this Sunday, so I'm getting really nervous and busy. There's so much to do and lots of differences compared to Canada (see blog). Anyways, will definitely keep you posted and will upload a vid of our gig on YouTube! Wish me luck! :)

Ready for New Years? December 28, 2012

Hope you all had an amazing xmas and that Santa was good to you! :) Can't believe this year is almost over... I thought long and hard about my New Years Resolutions. Check out the blog. :)

Bed of Roses December 19, 2012

Such a pretty song! I wish I wrote it!!!: Bed of Roses- by the one and only Bon Jovi. What a talented man! XD

Blog update! December 16, 2012

Coming together...finally!

New stuff December 13, 2012

Can't believe we're already in December. Crazy! So, I've been working on a new Bon Jovi cover for you but haven't had a chance to record it yet... XD Lots has been happening this week including finishing touches on my new band's mini-album. Oh, and I'm also keeping a Daily Diary of my adventures in Japan. Follow me on Twitter to, well, follow me in my adventures. haha :) See u there!

Don't Wanna Miss A Thing November 28, 2012

Someone told me not to do this cover, so guess what I did...hehe~ Aerosmith's Don't Wanna Miss a Thing!

My Heart November 22, 2012

Hello everyone! It's been a while. I've been so busy in the studio recording our new album! The album is sounding awesome so far, but still lots more to do. Here's a Paramore song I was able to record before rehearsal today! Hope you like it, it's one of my fav. Paramores tunes: My Heart.

New band, new album, new song! October 23, 2012

Here I am! I'm sorry I've been gone for a while. As you know, I've been working on a new album with a new band I formed in Japan! I'm so excited about our new album and can't wait to for you all to finally hear it. I will definitely keep you updated on the band name, members, style, etc... In the meantime, here's a sneak peak of a love tune I wrote 3 months ago and it will be on our album! This is Heartattack. Hope you like it!

We are Never Ever Getting Back Together September 25, 2012

Seriously the longest song name ever, ever, ever... XD Anyways, here's this week's cover song! Sorry I haven't posted in a while as I've been busy songwriting and recording for my new album! Hope you like the cover. :)

Recording! September 19, 2012

Finally back into the studio and recording a new album. I got my new band members together and we're still trying to figure our sound, etc... out. It's hard work but very, very exciting. Will keep you updated! :D

Japanese cover! August 30, 2012

As you know, I'm living in Tokyo now & working on music. So, it's only right that I do some more Japanese cover songs from now on. Here's one from one of my favorite animes called "Gintama"- Tommy Heavenly6's Pray. 私の発音は多分変ですけど、頑張りました。へへへ〜〜　聞いてみてください！

Taylor Swift cover August 24, 2012

This week's cover is a slow one. I wanted to do something very acoustic-sounding so I decided to play Taylor Swift's Safe and Sound. Such a pretty song!

Blog

So far... April 4, 2013

Wow, things have been an absolute whirlwind! Lately, my life has been revolving around Stage Monster and LIVES (gigs). Last month was my 1 year anniversary of being in Japan. Crazy how time just flies. I guess that's what got me pondering. I tend to ponder a lot. haha~ While you're reading this I'd like to say a huge thank you to well, YOU. Because without YOU, I wouldn't be doing music. The only reason I have the motivation to keep working hard at music is because you inspire me to be the best I can. So, thank you. ^_^ This next year living in Japan, my goal is to work with a Major label and tour across Japan. Actually, one of my goals is to play at Budoukan, and the other goal is to play in Vancouver's Rogers Arena (my hometown). I guess right now it seems far away, but at the same time, I believe it's possible. Here's to an awesome 2nd year in Japan!

New band, new sound March 23, 2012

Hey peeps! Can't believe it's almost March! That means I've been in Japan for almost a year now. How time flies! During this 1 year in Japan, so much has happened. I finally have an official band Stage Monster, and we finally have 4 official members! Since I'm talking about it, I might as well give a small description of each member.
First Kody (bass), is a really fun guy. We were actually the first 2 members who decided to collaborate to make Stage Monster. Kody's roommate is one of my best friends, and that's how we met. Since I was always over at their apartment, we got to know each other well and eventually became best friends. I know I can always count on Kody's bass playing behind me during our gigs.
Next, Abe (drums). Abe, who we call "Abe-chan" (because it's cuter, lol) is the calm and logical one in the group. If me and Kody are goofing off (which happens often) or arguing (which also happens-lol) Abe-chan is the referee to put us back into place. Abe-chan and Kody used to be in a band together about 3 years ago and so their bass/drum combo is amazingly solid. Abe-chan is always patient with me and makes me laugh when he's being silly. Really, really nice guy!
Our newest band member is Seiji (guitar). Kody, Abe-chan and I were in a rut because we couldn't find a guitarist who could be our official member. There were many guitarists out there but it was hard to find someone who was as dedicated, motivated (our rehearsal schedules are insane), the same age, the right style and the right chemistry to compliment the band. Seiji seems to fit it all. Seiji actually lived in Michigan for 1 year to study English and so it's really really nice when I can't understand Japanese or just want to speak English to someone for once. Seiji is always considerate, caring and he likes the same kind of music I do. Since I'm in Japan of course, a lot of guitarists listen to Japanese music, but Seiji in interested in the same artists as I am such as Paramore, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, etc... You know, the american top 40 kind of music. That being said, Seiji knows what kind of sound I'm after so his guitar playing fits right in. Even though he just joined our band, Seiji, me and the rest of the boys are getting to know each other well. Can't wait to play more with Seiji by my side!
And so, there you have it. All the band members in Stage Monster! Now that we're an official band of 4, I can't wait to get started on making new music, playing as many LIVES/gigs as we can, and eventually, doing a MAJOR DEBUT in Japan! Ganbarimasu!!! :)

Stage Monster January 22, 2013

Wow, it's been a busy first month of the year. Stage Monster has been taking up a lot of time- we have rehearsals 4 times this week for 2-3hours each at night. It's exhausting but must be done to get better. It seems like even though we do lots of rehearsals, there's always something to fix. Where do you draw the line? My band members are great. First there's "Kody"- well his real Japanese name is Takayuki but it's too hard to remember, so I gave him a nickname. lol XD Kody is a really hard worker and practices bass all the time til late at night. He is so passionate about music and studying hard to become a better musician. Then there's "Abe-chan"- well, his real name is Abe, but we call him Abe-chan because it sounds cuter. lol XD. Abe-chan works as a teacher but is working hard to making a living from his dream-music. Abe-chan is an amazing drummer and a super sweet guy. We have a support guitarist name Yuya, who is younger than the rest of us. He's shy but works hard to becoming a better guitarist. He says playing with Stage Monster is a lot of fun. :)
So there's my new band members for you. In my new band, I write the music/lyrics and my band arranges the tunes. This band is very pop-punk or pop-rock. We're still a new band so we have yet to discover our original sound, but we're slowly getting there. So excited to start my new life in the band! :D Please add us on Facebook or Twitter. As always, thank you for your support!!!

New Years Resolution December 28, 2012

Ahhh!!!! Is the year seriously over??? This year has been a pretty big one for me. Well, for starters my YouTube reached over 1,000,000 views- all thanks to you. Seriously, I do what I do for YOU. :) Another big hurdle this year was that I was able to return to Japan. This was huge as I had to leave due to the big earthquake 2 years ago. I am now working on my new mini-album with a new band here in Tokyo- another big step this year. So after much thought I decided my New Years Resolutions for this year:
1) Be more positive. I'm generally positive, but I can easily get discouraged and slip into a dark hole. I don't want to be a gloom bear. I want others to see the best of me, and also capture my positive energy!
2) Be more understanding.- I want to try to understand others' feelings more. The worst feeling is to be judged and so I want to remind myself to never judge others. I think everyone has their own reasons for doing something/acting a certain way, and the only way to understand them is to stop and take time to understand. I think it's easy to get frustrated with others- I don't want to be that kind of person.
3) Be less jealous/envious.- I think it's easy to look at someone else's life and want what they have. I think jealousy comes from not appreciating what you already have. I want to be able to look at my own life and appreciate what I have. Overall, I have an amazing life and I'm so lucky. If jealousy takes over me, I want to improve my own life rather than compare myself to others.
I don't know if what I'm saying makes any sense. But anyways, I guess next year, I want to improve myself as a person. :) That's all. What's your resolutions? Whatever it is, let's work together to stick to our goals! Have a very amazing and safe New Years!!!

Coming Together! December 16, 2012

After a grueling many months of band practice, things are finally coming together. We did our final vocals and now the mixing is starting. Yay!!! Had a band practice today and we finally go to do a complete setlist. I'm really stoked because my new band members are amazingly talented and try so hard. This time around, I feel like a much stronger songwriter as I've been "studying" and researching different styles, from J-pop to Paramore, to Janis Joplin to Prince, Muse and Carole King. I've also been taking voice lessons again (last time was at Music school) and feel much more confident. To top things off, I've been heading to the studio solo a lot to practice guitar, vocals and my stage performance. It's absolutely exhausting, but so worth it because this is exactly what I've been fighting for. Going to keep up the hard work and excited to start making magic happen! :)
By the way, don't forget to follow me on Twitter! I keep my daily adventures updated complete with pics. See u there!!!

The Story

CJ Li has a passion for music that breaks all boundaries -- she speaks her mind and stands up for what she believes in. Born in Vancouver and raised on the tropical island, Mauritius, this pop-rock talent is in the music industry to stay. CJ is currently in Tokyo working on music.

CJ is an active member of Vancouver's music scene and has a rapidly growing fanbase. Known for being a physically tiny yet confident powerhouse, CJ has proven time and time again that she knows how to rock the stage. CJ Li is entirely indie & "fan"-powered!

CJ Li's 2nd album "Music in My Soul" features an upbeat pop-rock sound with down-to-earth lyrics. After completing a major in Jazz voice, the talented songwriter has used her new knowledge to create infectiously catchy, yet stylistically advanced pop-rock tunes. "I had fun writing the songs and letting the melodies come to me. And thanks to music school, I also had the tools to breakdown the songs and make sure they were exactly how I wanted them to sound.".

CJ has the rare ability of making people stand by her side. Her positivity, determination and fun-loving attitude make fans feel like CJ’s best friend. On the web, CJ has created an empire. To date, the Chinese-Canadian's YouTube videos have had over 1,000,000 views (www.youtube.com/cjlimusic) and she has been crowned the "24th Most Viewed Musician in Canada" and "80th Most Subscribed Musician in Japan". Every week, CJ posts a new YouTube video that features the band, a freshly written song or fan-requested cover song.

Previously known as the timid 7 year-old who wrote melodic harmonies in her room, CJ has spawned into the in-your-face rocker that fans have come to love. The Canada Music Fund Council has acknowledged CJ's potential as a musician by granting her assistance in producing original music and she has also been nominated "Best Songwriter" for the International MusicAid Contest. CJ Li is currently sponsored by Daisy Rock Guitars.

Fun Facts: CJ is fluent in French, Creole & English, has studied German & Spanish, and can speak Japanese. CJ loves swimming, One Piece anime and drinking hot chocolate! Her favorite colour is blue and she named her guitar "Doki Doki" (which is the sound of a heart beating in Japanese).

What Others are Saying About CJ:

"CJ Li's lyrics can be syrupy sweet, but her music comes complete with a hard edge." - Derek Sivers, Former President/Founder of CD Baby

"CJ is really, really good with an amazing voice. It is rare that you come across an artist with a voice as beautifully haunting and rocking as CJ Li's. She is definitely a force to be reckoned with and Daisy Rock is proud to endorse her and be part of her team." - Tish Ciravolo, President/Founder, Daisy Rock Guitars

シィージェーの話 (Japanese biography)

バンクーバーが生んだ情熱的シンガーソングライターCJのモットーは、自分の心を、自分の信念を、歌という音楽にかえて、 世界中の人々に届けることである。バンクーバーで生まれ、南の島モーリシャスの育ちという一風変わった経歴をもつ彼女、そんな彼女の才能は音楽の中で輝き続ける。現在は日本に舞台を移し、 さらなる飛躍を目指す。

CJはその小さな体からは想像できないパワフルな歌声をもっている。そしてステージでは、一人のエンターテイナーとしてはじける姿を何度も見せてくれた。彼女の全てはファンによって支えられている。

CJのセカンドアルバム"Music in My Soul"は軽快でPOPなサウンドと素直でまっすぐな歌詞によって作り上げられている。 大学で音楽の学位を取得後、その知識を生かして多くののキャッチーな曲を作り上げた。彼女は言う「これらの曲を書くのは楽しかった、メロディーが自然にわき上がってきた」と。また「ミュージックスクールにとても感謝している、そのおかげで自分の求める音、曲を作り上げることができたから」と。

CJは誰をも味方にしてしまう。前向きで、一生懸命、そして何よりファンを大事にするその姿勢は、誰もが彼女を身近に感じ応援せざるをえない特別なものなのだろう。

インターネット上では、彼女は多くのファンを引きよせている。彼女のYou Tubeビデオには、1,000,000回以上の閲覧が記録されている。さらに、最近「カナダで24番目に最も閲覧された ミュージシャン」、そして 「日本で80番目に最もサブスクライブされたミュージシャン」として表彰された。

CJは7歳の時に既に作詞作曲をしていた。その頃の彼女は思った事を全て表現するには少し臆病だったが、今ではウ イットの効いた大胆な表現をするロックシンガーにまで成長した。The Canada Music Fund Councilは彼女を“スターミュージシャン”として認め、評価し、アルバム製作に関しても多大なサポートをしている。またInternational MusicAid Contestにおいても"Best Songwriter"としてノミネートされた。彼女の曲はカナダだけでなく、日本のラジオにも登場している。最近では、"Daisy Rock" Guitarsにスポンサーとしてバックアップしてもらっている。今年の夏には、Vancouver’s massive convention “Anime Evolution”に出演し、5,000人以上の観客を魅了した。

CJの曲は一度聞いたら、頭に残る、そして考えさせるものとなっている。曲はそれ自体がストーリになっていて、聴く人を魅了し ている。

備考　　CJはフランス語、英語、ドイツ語スペイン語を流暢に話せる。またスノーボード、ドラムを叩くこと、コーヒーを飲むことが 趣味であり、日本のアニメが大好きで、特に「ワンピース」と「ナルト」に最近魅了されている。また、音楽活動の傍ら、ギター、発声、英語の先生として、ア ルバイトをし、学校の授業料を支えている。

Music

You can purchase your fav. CJ songs on iTunes! Some of these tunes below can be previewed in the music player in the banner above- just scroll using the left and right arrows!

(my band) Stage Monster- mini album

1. One Try
2. Inspiration
3. Heartattack

Music in My Soul

1. Something Beautiful
2. Serves You Right
3. Fall but We Flourish
4. Powertrippin' in Your Underwear
5. Music in My Soul
6. Circus
7. Monique's Song (Your Smile)
8. That's How the Story Goes
9. Pizza in Your Belly
Bonus: Music in My Soul (Japanese version)

Something Beautiful - Single

1. Something Beautiful

What If

1. You're Nothing More
2. What If
3. Don't Belong There
4. Whatcha Gonna Do
5. What Happened to the World?
6. Who'd You Think I Was?
7. Missed the Train

B-sides

1. Lair of Make Believe
2. 'Til Death Do Us Part
3. Halfway There, Not Halfway Dead

Vids

Vids on our YouTube site for you! Here are some of our most popular/featured YouTube vids!

Covers & Originals- Most popular

"Guitar slap"- August Rush style!
I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing- Aerosmith
Bet On Me- CJ Li (original)
Pray (Japanese cover)- TommyHeavenly7
Jet Lag (French/フランス語 cover)- Simple Plan
Twilight- Yiruma (piano cover)

Photo Galleries

CJ	CJ x Band	Gigs

Contact

Email: cj@cjli.net

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/cjlimusic
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cjlimusic
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/cjlimusic