NDJ on Making Music and Writing ‘Catch a Body (123)’ for His ‘Future Girl’
Nathan Davis Jr., best known by the initials NDJ, is a singer-songwriter, actor and social media superstar with nearly 10 million followers on TikTok—and he's only getting started.
NDJ really can do it all, and his latest single, "Catch a Body (123)" is the perfect embodiment of his many talents. The song is fun, flirty and oh-so catchy, and its stylish music video is the perfect demonstration of what NDJ is capable of. Watch it once, and it's guaranteed to get stuck in your head.
Curious about whether the song is about anyone special in particular? We definitely were, so we asked NDJ all the burning questions about the track, and what's been keeping him inspired in these unusual times.
Sweety High: What was the songwriting process behind "Catch a Body"?
NDJ: There were a lot of us that worked on this record. It's so much fun to collaborate with other great creators.
SH: Did you have a particular person in mind when creating the song, and what kind of emotions did you want to channel into it?
NDJ: No, I didn't have a particular person in mind at that time. Usually, when I sing or write songs about love or about me being with someone, I try and think of what I would say to my "future girl." So I have an unreleased catalog of fun, sexy and seductive songs waiting just for her.
SH: Were there any specific artists or sounds you wanted to emulate on the track?
NDJ: I love listening to pop and urban/rap music. So I was going for a Chris Brown mixed with Michael Jackson feel.
@nathandavisjrndjHE FINESSED ME FOR MY MONEY???? Do you believe in magic????? @seandoesmagic ##magic ##prank ##pranks♬ original sound – NDJ
SH: How do you think this track is different from what you've released in the past?
NDJ: This has always been my style. I've always fused pop and R&B together.
SH: How has the pandemic changed the way you make music, if at all? Has it been a challenge?
NDJ: I am a natural-born performer and entertainer. I live for connecting with the audience. Normally, when I book a recording session, I like to have friends and family around me. Their energy makes me go even harder in the booth. But during the pandemic, I had to record my vocals in an empty room. It was a real struggle to tap into my emotions. So It took a lot more effort and sessions to nail the song. But it all worked out and came together as destiny would have it.
SH: How do you feel that TikTok has allowed you to grow, and why do you think you've been so successful there?
NDJ: Well, I jumped on TikTok in November of 2019, and within a few weeks, I had amassed over a million followers. My formula for growing my fanbase was to take my talent as a singer and actor, merge the two, and make it entertaining. It allowed me to be my naturally funny and goofy self. My passion is singing, and the goal was to increase my popularity for more exposure. During the time I got on the app, there were not a lot of singing TikTokers. Most TikTokers were dancing and lip-syncing to other artists' sounds. So I started my "singing challenges" to cut through the noise and to increase my visibility. A couple of music executives reached out to me. The rest is history. I believe it opened the door for other singers to showcase their voices to create their own music career opportunities.
@nathandavisjrndjWE'RE COMING FOR YOU RANGERZ!???? @therangerz @thestormtrooperz ##therangerz ##singing♬ original sound – NDJ
SH: Are there any artists that are particularly inspiring you during these unusual times?
NDJ: Honestly there are too many to just choose one. But I'm inspired by hip-hop, pop and R&B. I literally listen to all genres of music.
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
NDJ: This may sound a little cliché, but I am a testament that everyone should always follow their dreams and keep good people in their corner who are gonna keep it real with them at all times. My mother has believed in me from the very beginning, even when I didn't have the confidence to believe in myself. She has guided me since we moved to California eight years ago.
Love NDJ's music as much as we do? Click HERE for our favorite witty hip-hop lyrics to use as Insta captions.