Carl Brister / Jordan “J-Maestro” Brister
1. Congratulations on your LIT Music Awards achievement! Could you share more about your journey and background in the music industry?
Carl: Jordan and I first teamed up musically on my country single, “Will Be Spring Again,” which made it to the first ballot of the Grammys. Jordan was only 14 at the time and had already been studying music and piano since he was 8 years old. From there, I fell in love with it and continued taking formal lessons.
I, Carl Brister, am a recording artist and multi-genre singer/songwriter who has been featured on NBC’s Access Hollywood, ABC’s Here and Now, BET, Aspire Network, and more. I am also the founder and CEO of Music Village, a New Jersey nonprofit organization that produces the annual Love+Unity Fest and community programs that promote diversity through the arts.
Jordan: Nicknamed “J-Maestro” for my ability to play multiple instruments, I also play baritone and tenor sax, clarinet, and the kalimba. My dad was my first piano teacher, and that early start shaped everything for me. My first love has always been the piano, and I am currently in my third year of studying advanced music theory at the Juilliard School of Music’s Summer Extension Program.
2. How do you see this recognition influencing your future music?
Being recognized for creating music from the heart encourages us to keep making music from that pure place. When we started out, our only goal was to create something beautiful with a story that people around the world could see themselves in. This recognition helps us continue creating from that same honest and heartfelt place.
3. What's the moment you first realized music was your calling? Can you describe it?
Carl: It’s funny you should ask, because we both realized that music was our calling around the same age. When I was a teenager, I would race home after school to play the piano and write songs on an old used green piano that my dad got from an elderly couple.
I knew then that this was what I was meant to do. Now, I see Jordan doing the same. As soon as he gets home, he goes straight to the piano — ironically, the one I received from an elderly person who donated it to me.
4. What's the most unusual source of inspiration you've drawn from while creating your music?
Carl & Jordan: One day, while working out at the gym, I was feeling down. It happened to be a cold January day. There was an old man in the gym that saw that I wasn't myself, and he said, "Remember, it will be spring again." When he said these words, I immediately started writing a song. And I finished the lyrics right there in the gym to my single "Will Be Spring Again." The old man was from the south, so I made it a country song. When I got home, I shared the idea with Jordan and we wrote the music together. And that's how "Will Be Spring Again" was inspired.
5. Do you have any quirky rituals or habits when you're composing or recording?
Carl: I tend to drive everyone crazy when I do my vocal warm-ups in the car before a performance or recording session. Other than that, I don’t have anything too quirky.
6. How would you describe your creative process? Is it more of a jazz jam session or a perfectly orchestrated symphony?
Carl & Jordan: We both love to experiment, and that’s what makes our writing sessions so exciting. Jordan is the music-theory guy — he loves making sure the chords and melodies are solid and make sense. Carl is more of a “go with the gut” writer — if it feels right, then we know we’re on the right track, rules or no rules. Together, we balance each other out, and we’re always trying something new.
7. How do you want people to feel or experience when they hear your music?
We want people to feel like the song was made for just for them so they can see their story in the words and music.
8. What's one risk you took with your music that completely changed your career path?
Carl: I was a math teacher in public schools for 10 years while pursuing my music career. It was rewarding to help kids learn, but after a while I realized I was encouraging them to chase their dreams while not fully chasing my own. Eventually, I made the decision to pursue music full-time — no safety net, just faith. And that decision completely changed the direction of my life and career.
9. What's the song or artist that first made you fall in love with music, and why?
Jordan: My dad’s first song for Justin and me was called “Daddy’s Angel,” and it was so emotional and powerful. The music was simple, but the way it moved me to tears gave me the spark to do the same through music — to tell a story and touch people’s hearts the way that song touched mine.
10. What's one moment in your career that you consider a turning point, and how did it shape your journey?
Carl & Jordan: I See You has been a turning point for both of us. We went into the writing process with no agenda other than creating something beautiful together. We didn’t worry about airplay, genre, chart positions — none of it. We simply focused on making music from an honest, pure place.
For us, it’s been one of the most fulfilling musical experiences of our lives, especially seeing how deeply people connect with the song. It has become our blueprint for artistic peace, and it has had a profound impact on both of us.
11. If you could describe your award-winning work in a single sentence, what would it be?
"I See You" is a heartfelt song that captures the magic of meeting that special someone and the moments that make a relationship unforgettable.
12. What was the most challenging part of creating this piece, and how did you push through?
Jordan: Being able to record this song in the studio was a huge moment for me. I had to make executive decisions on a lot of things, and I couldn’t be afraid of making mistakes while playing the piano. Having everyone there supporting me throughout the day really helped me push through and grow from the experience.
13. What upcoming music project or album are you currently working on, or is there a new genre or style you’ve yet to explore but are eager to try?
We have something in store but keeping it close for now! Stay Tuned
14. If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be, and what would the vibe of your track together be?
For me it would be Quincy Jones as producer...I mean he produced Thriller & Off The Wall, and We Are The World. There are so many great singers past and present I'd love to collaborate with, I guess it's hard to pick just one. Cynthia Eryvo, Adele, Ed Sheeran, and Lalah Hathaway would be on the "current" list for sure.
Jordan's favorite composers (so far) are Tchaikovsky, Mahler, and Chopin, he probably would've love to collaborate with them as well as play in the "Tower of Power" horn section since he also plays sax.
15. How would you inspire fellow musicians to participate in music awards, and what valuable advice would you share to guide their journey?
I would say music awards are a great way for more people to hear and get to know your music. Do your research and make sure it's a legit awards platform. Then go for it! You can win it unless you're in it!
