Justin Nozuka – High Tide

By starrymag | November 6, 2017

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Elements of folk, rock and R&B.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) A range from Neil Young to Marvin Gaye to Simon & Garfunkel.

 

Q) Many fans were first introduced to you by your single “After Tonight.” What does it mean to you to this song is still such a fan favorite?

 

A) It’s a good feeling that the song still sticks with people. I still enjoy playing it…I can’t complain!

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “All I Need.”

 

A) “All I Need” is a song I wrote about being by a lake North of Toronto in the country – the warmth of that feeling and how it brings me peace in places where it feels there is none.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) Hard to say…Hopefully, it brings them warmth and some happiness though.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) It’s pretty cohesive with the meaning of the song.

 

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) It’s often different…Sometimes a song will unfold all together, like life coming out of the ground. The best thing I can do is create an environment that the song has a chance. I gotta intentionally be searching for the song most times…playing guitar, thinking of song ideas… Sometimes a concept will arise and I’ll find music to suit and other times the chords come first.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) For this last album I built all the demos at home. Chris Bond took the lead on the production front mostly. We referenced the demos lots to make sure we were improving from it and not losing something…Ultimately without Chris’ touch, this record wouldn’t be! Forever grateful to him.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Justin Nozuka performance?

 

A) Energy, I really want people to buzz at the show. We’ve got a pretty dynamic set at the moment, playing songs from all my records (some of which I’ve neglected for years) as well as the new tunes. It ranges from wild and loud to quiet and intimate.

 

Q) What songs off your High Tide EP are you looking forward to performing live?

 

A) I’ve enjoyed playing all three from this first batch of songs. It’s exciting to play them.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new EP as a whole?

 

A) This is a first part of the album unravelling. With these first three my intention is for you to feel warm, comfortable, at ease and joyful.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) Europe and the US are lots of fun – particularly Netherlands, Southern and Western States in the US (good energy), London, as well as France as it feels like a second home to me.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I’ve been writing and recording with my brothers and some friends. We’ve been working on some side projects. Always a lot of fun.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) Arcade Fire. I love the pacing and energy they deliver. I just got into Cigarette After Sex, great ambience and melody. Neil Young – Harvest or Harvest Moon, it’s a soother.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) They gotta know when we are playing a show nearby or releasing new music. It’s an essential means of communicating and a great way of connecting with them.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I’m so glad to be sharing new music and eager for you to hear this full album…We are going to be touring lots, couldn’t be more thrilled about it! Love you guys!