The first thing you notice about JJ Helle… Read Full Bio ↴By Kierstin Casella (2006)
The first thing you notice about JJ Heller is a wide grin that stretches across her face and welcomes you in as a friend, whether you’ve known her for years or are shaking her hand for the very first time. These days especially, the twenty-five year old west coast native has a lot to be happy about.
In March 2006, she independantly released her third record (scheduled for national release in November 2006), Only Love Remains, showcasing her pure, penetrating voice, and opening the door to a bold new range of songs. JJ, along with her husband Dave (who serves as guitarist, manager, and co-writer) recorded the distinctive album at Nashville’s Sputnik Sound with Grammy-winning producer Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay, Bebo Norman.)
“I found that JJ has an unadulterated approach to song writing. Her songs actually spoke to me, where a lot of Christian music is the same message with different words,” explains Dane. “[JJ and Dave] live their art, and I never felt like they were trying too hard to be something they weren't.”
In addition to JJ and Dave’s prominent talents, Only Love Remains features Bryan Sutton (Dixie Chicks, The Chieftains) on mandolin, guitar and banjo; David Henry (Over the Rhine) on cello; Ben Shive (Andrew Peterson) on piano; Andy Hubbard (Little Big Town, Fernando Ortega) on drums, Aaron Sands (Jars of Clay) on bass; with Jeremy Casella (singer/songwriter) and Andrew Osenga (Caedmon’s Call) on guitars/backing vocals.
Only Love Remains follows Heller’s 2005 EP, Collection of Thoughts, and her debut release, Songs That I Know (2004.)
JJ began her career nearly six years ago at San Jose Christian College where she dabbled in songwriting and performed at local coffeehouses. After graduating, JJ and Dave got married and relocated to Phoenix to pursue music full time. In August of 2006, they moved to Nashville, TN where they currently reside. The combination of Dave’s business sense and creative input, and JJ’s loose artistic style drives their success.
“We’re definitely two halves of a whole,” she explains. “I write the bulk of the lyrics and Dave is the editor and arranger, making the songs more effective. He also does everything on the business side, which is great because it frees me up to be creative.”
For Only Love Remains, the pair focused on a braver songwriting style, departing slightly from JJ’s prior introspective lyrics and exploring story-songs about the lives around them. Musically, they pulled influence from artists like Damien Rice and Over the Rhine, with a lyrical intricacy akin to Patty Griffin. The result is an exceptional collection of songs that is warm and engaging with a little bit of edge.
In writing material for the new release, JJ poured her every day observations into her songbook: stories she heard while traveling, and those nearer to her heart. “This album is all about redemption,” observes JJ. “ Looking back on the songs, there’s a lot of struggle written into them because that’s life. Everyone has different problems to face, but in the end, the outcome hinges on how you deal with those struggles-- if you allow them to destroy you or make you stronger.”
Perhaps it’s her insight and sensitivity that consistently draw a female audience to JJ’s music. She touches on issues of self-image and worry, questions of faith, and feelings of loneliness; her songs resonate with women and offer encouragement. But JJ’s music connects with people from all walks of life. Whether performing in a quaint coffeehouse, at a weekend retreat, or a Sunday morning church service for 1000 people, the Hellers aim to be themselves wherever they go. They maintain a balance of light-hearted humor and poignant dialogue with their listeners.
As an artist, JJ Heller is a mix of eclectic and down-to-earth: from her jeans and t-shirt style to the way she pushes her own boundaries. When it comes to her music, she never settles.
"Music has a way of speaking to my heart like nothing else can," JJ says. "It is my hope and prayer that my songs will somehow speak to my listeners and bring them hope, peace and inspiration."
All The Beauty
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I believe in every word she says
She’s out to start a fire burning everything I have
I can’t put it out ’cause it’s all inside my head
And then you sing
I hear you sing
You call me lovely
You call me out of death and let me try again
You call me beloved
You call me clean
Then you show me all the beauty that you see in me
I still hear her whisper and sometimes I hear her shout
You’re not good enough and you will never be
But if I focus on your singing I can start to tune her out
’Cause you came with a love to set me free
I know that you love me enough to die
And I will try to see the value that you place on me
And you say I’m worthy
In the first verse of "All The Beauty," JJ Heller describes feeling torn between conflicting voices in her mind. She acknowledges that she knows one of these voices is deceptive, yet she still believes the lies it tells her. This internal struggle is intense and consuming, as she feels like her very existence is under threat from the fire the deceitful voice is trying to ignite within her. The imagery of the fire symbolizes the destructive power of negative self-talk and doubt. Despite this turmoil, there is a glimmer of hope as she hears a divine voice singing to her, offering comfort and reassurance.
As the chorus unfolds, the divine voice addresses JJ Heller with love and tenderness. It calls her "lovely," "friend," and "beloved," affirming her worth and importance. The voice extends grace and forgiveness, pulling her out of the darkness of self-doubt and despair. By emphasizing her cleanliness and beauty, the divine voice acts as a stark contrast to the lies that the deceptive voice whispers. It paints a picture of a higher love that sees beyond flaws and imperfections, revealing the inherent beauty and value in JJ Heller.
In the second verse, JJ Heller continues to struggle with the echoes of the deceptive voice, which seeks to undermine her sense of self-worth. It taunts her with feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness, perpetuating a cycle of negativity. However, she finds solace in the singing of the divine voice, which drowns out the taunts and offers a different narrative. This voice assures her that she is more than enough and that she is deserving of love and grace. By choosing to focus on this affirming voice, JJ Heller can begin to reject the lies and embrace a new truth about herself.
The final lines of the chorus emphasize the profound depth of love that the divine voice holds for JJ Heller. It acknowledges the ultimate sacrifice made out of love and underscores her worthiness to receive such unconditional acceptance. By believing in her own worth and the value placed on her by this divine love, JJ Heller can begin to see the beauty within herself. The song ultimately conveys a message of self-acceptance, healing, and the transformative power of love in overcoming self-doubt and embracing one's true identity.
Line by Line Meaning
I know that she’s a liar when I look into her eyes
I recognize the deception in her gaze
But I believe in every word she says
Yet I still fall for her lies
She’s out to start a fire burning everything I have
Her goal is to destroy all that I hold dear
I can’t put it out ’cause it’s all inside my head
I struggle to extinguish the fears in my mind
And then you sing
But then you bring hope and light
I hear you sing
I listen to your words of love
You call me lovely
You describe me as beautiful
You call me friend
You consider me a companion
You call me out of death and let me try again
You rescue me from despair and offer a fresh start
You call me beloved
You declare me cherished
You call me clean
You proclaim me pure
Then you show me all the beauty that you see in me
You reveal the inherent worth and loveliness within me
I still hear her whisper and sometimes I hear her shout
I am haunted by her negative words
You’re not good enough and you will never be
Telling me I am inadequate and will never measure up
But if I focus on your singing I can start to tune her out
Yet when I concentrate on your message of love, her voice fades away
’Cause you came with a love to set me free
For you arrived with a love that offers liberation
I know that you love me enough to die
I understand the depth of your sacrificial love
And I will try to see the value that you place on me
I will strive to comprehend the worth you assign to me
And you say I’m worthy
As you affirm my value and worth
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