Published: December 22, 2009 9:18 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight January 2010 Edition
Justin Brown
Alternative New Music Artist/Band of The Week December 27, 2009 - January 02, 2010
Justin Brown photo by Melissa Collins
Justin Brown has managed to create a unique sound that mixes elements of Alternative, Soul, and Acoustic that comes out sounding smooth, sexy, and fresh. His music is full of wonderful passionate lyrics and melodic tunes that fans will soon know why this next artist is on the rise in the music industry. Check out what this super young and talented entertainer had to say about his music in this special spotlight.
Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music? Is there any kind of musical history in your family?
Justin: I started off when I was in the first grade. I did funny impressions of Little Richard's, "Tutti Frutti". I had no clue what I was saying then. I just thought it sounded cool hahaha. That's when I realized that I liked performing. Growing up, I listened to a lot of R&B and Rap, but my mother's boyfriend at the time was in to people like Bruce Springsteen and Garth Brooks. It kinda grew on me; you know?
As far as I know, I am the only one in my family that plays an instrument. My grandparents and great grandparents came from Haiti and didn't have much time to play music much. I am very thankful for them and my mother for working so hard to give me the chance to become what I am and what I wanna be.
Isaac: What drew you to pick up an instrument in the first place?
Justin: Hahaha. This is kinda embarrassing for me to say now but I use to wanna be a Backstreet Boy. I wanted to wear the matching outfits and do the dance moves and get all the ladies. I saw a video of them performing in Orlando and one of the members picked up a guitar and started playing. When I saw him, I was imagining him writing the song and why he did it. I was then when I realized that it wasn't about the fame or the ladies, but for the love of it. So I picked up a guitar when I was 13 and have been playing ever since.
Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?
Justin: I had my first show at an open mic night in a temple in New Jersey and I was really nervous. I've played in front of people before but never alone. Anyway, I decided to play John Mayer's, "Comfortable" as my first song and all the noise around me just went silent. It was like everyone was listening to every note I was playing and all eyes on me. It was amazing to feel the crowd and have them clap loud when I finished.
Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?
Justin: I would love you work with John Mayer. I am very influenced by his music and his style. I always hoped to follow a similar career path as him. There are so many musicians I would love to work with though. I don't think we have enough time for this interview to list them all!
Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?
Justin: Eric Clapton, The Roots, Jordin Sparks, Jay-Z, Ne-Yo, Stevie Wonder, Daniel Merriweather, The Fugees, Trey Songz, Jill Scott, Mario, The Fray, Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes, Oasis, the list doesn't end.
Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?
Justin: I think I have the same goal as every musician out there and that is to be remembered. That is the ultimate goal. Years down the road when you interview new musicians and you ask them the previous question or the question before that, I how that they mention my name. I also just want people to vibe with my music and have it have something to do with there lives somehow.
Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
Justin: I was told that my music was too "White" for black audience and too "Black" for white audiences. Every time I get ready to play, it is never what people expect though. I guess my obstacle is trying to break the barrier and showing people that I can play and be considered rock/pop in Nashville and play in Chicago the next day, with the same songs and be considered as R&B and Soul.
Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?
Justin: It is hard work to be a musician, we all know that. But if you have the drive and determination to do it, there is nothing stopping you.
Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry.
Justin: I honestly believe that the best way to be and stay in this business is to surround yourself with people who love and support you. There are a lot of people who try to hurt and deceive you. Now, I'm not saying to block out everyone in your life or hire a bunch of yes men. Just that keeping close to your friends is more conducive than worrying about everyone's opinion.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
Justin: I would have to say alternative. You know, I get asked that a lot and I never knew how to properly answer that until about six months ago. Hahaha.
Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work?
Justin: My favorite song that I wrote is called "Breathe". Every time I write a song and show my girlfriend a new song she asks the same old question, "Is that about me?" So I decided to finally write one and I gotta say it was one of the easiest songs I have ever written. Not because I just breezed right by it or anything. I was just one of those songs I didn't worry about if it fit or not. It was purely one of the first songs from the soul.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Justin: I am working on a website right now. It should be up in January. I released an EP two years ago called "Fallen Angel". You can purchase it on ITunes or on Napster. For now you can visit me at www.myspace.com/justbrown for more info. I am in the process of recording again and creating my demo CD.
Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Justin: First, I would like to thank my family. Without them, I would be nothing. To my friends, thank you for the support. I see you guys wearing my wristbands everyday and that means a lot. To all my fans, you are the reason why I still do this. I get emails from you guys showing me love and I just want to let you know that I read every single one of them.
Isaac: Any last words?
Justin: Thank you Juniors Cave for this opportunity. Thank you Isaac for interviewing me. I know you're a busy man, and I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me and I hope this won't be the last time hearing from you guys.
