Singer-songwriter CJ Gill is preparing to release his debut album Eye of the Storm, following a six-year period of songwriting on Chicago’s South Side and a subsequent move to Nashville. His latest single, ‘Time To Go’, draws on that experience, combining rock influences with a reflective story about personal change, resilience and moving forward.
Gill began writing the song in Chicago during a period of personal transition. The lyrics came first, shaped by his reflections on change and the process of leaving behind circumstances that no longer felt right. After relocating to Nashville, a sleepless night produced the guitar introduction that would complete the track and give it the musical direction Gill had originally envisaged.
Recorded shortly afterwards, ‘Time To Go’ features electric, acoustic and bass guitars alongside drums, fiddle and organ. The arrangement moves between a darker, introspective opening and a more uplifting finish, reflecting the song’s progression from uncertainty towards acceptance and renewed strength.
The track also introduces some of the influences that have helped shape Gill’s songwriting. His work draws on the storytelling traditions of artists such as Townes Van Zandt and Kris Kristofferson, while his appreciation for classic rock brings a broader, more guitar-led dimension to the material. Across his writing, Gill focuses on personal stories and complicated situations rather than straightforward resolutions.
“Time To Go means allowing hardship to help grow into a stronger person”, says CJ Gill.
That idea provides the central theme of the single. Rather than treating difficult experiences simply as moments of loss, Gill approaches them as opportunities for growth. The song’s shift from its heavier opening towards a more hopeful conclusion reinforces that message, while keeping the focus on the emotional process of reaching that point.
The release comes as Gill prepares to introduce Eye of the Storm, his first full-length album. The record follows the songwriting period that began in Chicago and continued after his move to Nashville, marking the next stage in an evolving musical direction that brings together rock, roots influences and a strong emphasis on storytelling.
With ‘Time To Go’, Gill offers an early indication of the themes running through his debut: change, resilience and the difficult decisions that can ultimately lead to a new beginning.
