Artist to Watch: USC Singer-Songwriter Menji Breaks Down His New Song “Episode”

For many artists, finding their sound can take years of trial and error. For rising singer-songwriter Menji, that journey is unfolding in real time — between classes, deadlines, and campus life at University of Southern California.

His newest single, Episode, released March 6, offers a glimpse into an artist still shaping his identity while learning how to navigate both the creative and business sides of music. Rooted in vulnerability and introspection, the track reflects the emotional moments that often inspire Menji’s songwriting.

“I would say my sound right now is rooted in honesty and vulnerability,” Menji explained. Growing up, he struggled to express himself openly, but music eventually became the outlet that allowed him to translate those emotions into something tangible. “Music has become this bigger thing where I’ve been able to express myself.”

Today, that outlet takes the form of acoustic-leaning pop and singer-songwriter storytelling, with music that feels cinematic and emotionally grounded.

“My music is rooted in honesty and vulnerability. Growing up I struggled to express myself, and music became the way I could finally do that.”

Turning Real Life Into Music

Like many independent artists, Menji’s creative process didn’t begin in a professional studio. It started much more simply, experimenting with instrumentals and teaching himself how songs come together.

“When I first started, I was literally just looking up YouTube beats and humming melodies,” he said.

Over time, that experimentation evolved into something more collaborative.

Through his time at USC, Menji has been able to connect with mixing engineers, musicians and creators across the university’s music community. Each song now develops differently depending on the inspiration behind it.

“Every song is rooted in a different place or time period,” he said. “You get inspiration at the most random moments.”

That unpredictable spark is exactly what shaped “Episode.”

The Story Behind “Episode”

For Menji, the idea behind the song came after sitting with an instrumental for weeks without finding the right lyrics.

Then something clicked.

At the time, conversations online and in culture often referenced people “having an episode” — moments where emotions reach a breaking point. Instead of treating that idea humorously or casually, Menji decided to explore the deeper emotional meaning behind it.

The song reflects those moments when relationships hit a final breaking point.

“It’s about someone having their last straw,” he said. “Maybe it’s a friend group, maybe it’s a romantic relationship, maybe it’s just the situation they’re in.”

The concept resonated instantly. Like many songs rooted in personal emotion, “Episode” captures a feeling that listeners can interpret through their own experiences, something Menji believes is essential to great songwriting.

Creating Music Between Classes

Balancing a growing music career while attending a demanding university like USC requires a level of discipline many artists don’t think about early on.

For Menji, success comes down to being intentional with time.

“I have to be really intentional,” he said. “Sometimes that means taking 30 minutes every day just to listen to beats and start building songs.”

That routine mirrors the mindset of an entrepreneur as much as a musician. Between writing, recording, marketing and networking, Menji views building his music career as building a brand.

“You’re pitching yourself constantly,” he said. “You’re pitching your brand and your music.”

His background as a former student-athlete has also helped prepare him for the workload. Juggling practices, school and other commitments taught him how to manage multiple responsibilities. A skill that now translates directly into balancing music and academics.

“I have to be really intentional with my time — sometimes that means taking 30 minutes a day just to listen to beats and start building songs.”

Independence in a Changing Industry

While many artists still view record deals as the ultimate goal, Menji sees independence as an opportunity.

For now, his focus is on building a larger catalog and maintaining creative control over his work.

“I’d like to stay independent,” he said. “The industry is changing a lot, and there are still growing pains with labels.”

His marketing background — which he studied in undergrad — gives him an advantage when navigating that landscape. Understanding both the creative and strategic sides of the industry allows him to experiment with promotional strategies while staying authentic to his music.

“I feel like I have the left brain as self-expression and the right brain is more professional,” he said. “It’s fun to blend those together creatively.”

“You’re pitching yourself constantly — your brand, your music, and your reason for making it.”

A Busy Year Ahead

“Episode” took nearly six months from concept to release, including writing, recording, mixing and developing a marketing plan.

The rollout also includes Menji’s first music video, created in collaboration with film students at USC. For him, the project represents another opportunity to merge creativity with collaboration.

Looking ahead, the momentum isn’t slowing down.

Menji plans to release more music this year than ever before, with the goal of nearly doubling his catalog. New performances, creative collaborations and potentially a larger project, like an EP, are already in the works.

“It’s going to be a very busy year,” he said. “But in the best way possible.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN5bLv5joSE

Advice for Student Artists

For other students considering music while in college, Menji believes university is actually the best place to start.

“College is the perfect time to experiment,” he said.

With access to creative communities, clubs, open mics and collaborators, campuses offer a unique environment where artists can learn and grow without the pressure of immediate industry expectations.

Even if music doesn’t become a full-time career, the skills developed along the way — marketing, budgeting, networking, and creative storytelling — can translate into countless other paths.

“As long as you can find the takeaways,” he said, “it’s definitely worthwhile.”

Looking Toward the Stage

As his catalog grows, so do his ambitions. One dream performance stands out in particular: playing San Diego’s Wonderfront Festival, close to where he grew up.

“I’m from San Diego, so being able to play that stage would be amazing,” he said.

For an artist whose music is built around authenticity and personal storytelling, that kind of homecoming would feel like a full-circle moment.

And if “Episode” is any indication, Menji’s story as an artist is just getting started.

Where to Follow Menji

Fans interested in hearing more from Menji can keep up with his latest releases, performances and creative projects online.

Follow Menji on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and new music announcements.

With new releases, collaborations, and performances on the horizon, it’s clear that “Episode” is only the beginning of what looks to be a very busy year for the rising artist.