Interview with “Justin Artist”

Q1 What’s your name?

A1 “Justin Artist”

Q2 Where are you from?

A2 Raleigh, NC

Q3 How old are you?

A3 42

Q4 When did you start making music

A4 1995-96

Q5 How serious are you about your career?

A5 I’m very serious about music. I love making and performing music. I’ve been involved with music for so long some might think that I was crazy for going so long to not have have gotten signed with a major. And of course I would like to have financial stability with a music career. I just haven’t got there yet.

Q6 Have you ever thought about quitting music?

A6 Yes, I thought about quitting because at the time it wasn’t making any cents or sense until I had to self evaluate and establish some type of balance between reality and a dream. I had to ask myself, “what’s currently important right now?”So, I stayed with music while focusing on my obligations in my reality. Balancing reality and dreams have been very difficult for me especially lately. However, I’m managing them both.

Q7 Who inspires you the most?

A7 A large amount of artist/producers and the world. (History, current events, society)

Q8 What got you into making music?

A8 I have a natural attraction to music. I’m a church boy that grew up singing in the choir I believe since birth. My dad always bought a drum set (acoustic or electric) or a keyboard for Christmas.  Also, I guess because my parents used to sing in the church choirs as well when I was younger. I sang in the chorus in elementary school and played in the band in middle school.  In the mid to late 90s I started gravitating toward Hip Hop culture. Inspired by friends and my brother who rapped or wrote rap lyrics at the time, I started making beats and rapping. Not long after, I started playing the drums in church. From then to now, I chose to stay with hip hop music and I continue making beats and rapping/poetry/spoken word in my spare time or performing when the opportunity is given.

Q9 Who is your favorite producer?

A9 My favorite producer is myself. I have a plethora of inspiration from other producers. That list is extremely long.

Q10 What is one of your best songs/beats?

A10 I don’t have a favorite beat. There’s so many beats. My favorite song(s) so far is Phone Call, Golden Moment, and Now. Phone Call is a single that I wrote, produced, and recorded. Along with the other 2 songs, “Golden Moment” and “Now” from my first EP “Beautiful Process” that I also wrote, produced, and recorded. Shouts out to MKMIXEDIT for the mix down.

Q11 Are you signed to a record or label?

A11 No. I’m currently not signed to a label or anyone.

Q12 Have you ever performed?

A12 Yes. I’ve performed several times. I love performing beat sets and songs. Sometimes I could do some spoken word or poetry. I love the vibe.

Q13 Who would you most likely collaborate with?

A13 I would like to collaborate with Big Krit, J. Cole or Andre 3000.

Q14 If you could open for any artist who would it be?

A14 I don’t know.

Q15 What’s next for you?

A15 I’ll be releasing a few singles. One is called, “Beware.” That date to be determined along with other will be forthcoming.

Peace,