CJ Hampton, 23, has been around music since the time he went to church as a little boy and was serenaded by gospel music. Now a music major, Hampton has carried his passion for music with him while being apart of Citrus College’s music program.
“I found myself in so much peace when I’m playing,” Hampton said. “When I play I’m not getting in my head, it’s a spiritual experience.”
Hampton became serious about music after watching the film “Drumline,” when he was inspired by the cadences in the film and decided to join the school’s concert band.
Hampton knew he wanted to pursue music for a living, but it all came down to where he was going to do it. He said that numerous people told him to check out the music department at Citrus.
He participates in the student bands Night Shift and Blue Note, derived from the music classes offered on campus. Night Shift covers pop songs, from artists Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson and DNCE. Hampton said popular musicians are popular for a reason.
Though pop music is not his go-to genre, Hampton said that pop music is an important component of music.
“There will be an occasional song that will revitalize my desire to listen to pop music,” Hampton said. “It’s a treasure hunt for the next gem.”
Pop music dominates in the music world. Pop artists Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran and Post Malone are the most streamed artists monthly on Spotify. With that, the most streamed song on the music-streaming platform is Sheeran’s “Shape of You” with 2 billion streams since 2017.
Hampton said popular music does not invalidate the artist’s talent.
“If they’re popular then they have talents, that’s a given,” Hampton said. “It’s hard to chase popularity without backing up your claim.”
20-year-old Amanda Enriquez, another Night Shift member said Hampton is a true performer.
“He’s so versatile and full of energy in whatever he does,” Enriquez said. “You can tell he loves what he’s doing in his life.”
Outside of Citrus, Hampton is a part of the “alternative indie-rock” band, Future Reference, with fellow classmate, AJ Curtain. Hampton said the band started as a casual “passion project,” but now regularly plays in Whittier, Pomona, Pasadena, Rancho Cucamonga and other numerous cities around Southern California.
“People just want to know if you can deliver what they want to hear,” Hampton said.
Hampton is invested in making a career out of music. He’s influenced by three-time Grammy nominee Nate Smith, a musician that explores the genres of funk, rock, progressive, R&B and jazz.
In the future, Hampton wants to compose his own music.
“I want to take in the sights and play for the crowds.”
