Justin Utley – All is Bright

By starrymag | January 12, 2021

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound?

 

A) Depending on the album/era in my life, its constantly evolving.  I think my underlying “genre” would have to be Americana Rock.  With my most recent album, SCARS, I was able to immerse myself in a lot of other genres and break free from any of the labels.

 

Q) What was the inspiration behind writing “All is Bright?”

 

A) The ideas and hook for the song have been swimming in my mind for a couple years now.  Since this year all my gigs (and life in general) were put on hold due to COVID, I felt releasing this single would not only be cathartic but also, given its message of hope and being with people you love, whether that be in person or via Zoom.

 

Q) Is there a music video for “All is Bright” in the works?

 

A) Due to COVID, that’s now slated for release next holiday season, which isn’t a bad thing really since it will be another reason for friends and fans to put it in rotation on their holiday playlists.

 

Q) Proceeds from this single will go to benefit the Homeless Youth Resource Center of Utah. What is it about that cause that is most important to you?

 

A) More than 40% of the homeless youth in Utah identify as LGBTQ.  It’s a dire situation, especially since the state’s laws make it difficult to provide shelter for homeless kids, which restricts the number of kids they’re allowed to help to a small fraction of their actual capacity.  My hope is that through more visibility and funding, we are able to persuade the state government to open their hearts and minds and not simply ignore the problem, hoping it will go away.

 

Q) What do you hope fans take away from “All is Bright?”

 

A) That no matter the situation, even if you can’t see the silver lining, especially this year, you can always make one.  “All Is Bright” no matter what.

 

Q) As “All is Bright” does deliver a message of hope, how has music helped you through this time?

 

A) It’s given me encouragement to keep going through the hard times, be it personal, relationships and music related.  My music in general is my own journal in many ways and I draw on it for strength.

 

Q) With “All is Bright” is a holiday-inspired single, did you perform any virtual holiday concerts for your fans?

 

A) I’ve attempted a couple of virtual multi-artist line-ups, but it’s just not the same.  So, I’ve been focusing on writing and releasing new music and videos to keep things going.

 

Q) What do you miss most about performing live?

 

A) The energy exchange between me and the crowd.  To me, that’s something that a virtual show just can’t come close to.  Having that ability to play off the crowd and connect with the audience is something I’ve missed this past year.

 

Q) In addition to being a performer, you are also a huge advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. How have you used your platform to get your message heard?

 

A) I feel very fortunate to have come through my experiences with conversion therapy, religious bigotry and the shame of “the closet” to a place of acceptance.  I feel because of that, for me, I feel I should be giving back and making any difference I can make for someone else who may not be as lucky.  The experiences I’ve had have enriched my life with more empathy and compassion for others and their situations.  I think all of us have an obligation to create a better place for others.

 

Q) In your current musical rotation, tell us your top 3 albums or artists that you would recommend to others?

 

A) My top three albums right now?

Frank Turner – Positive Songs for Negative People: It’s a solid album, likely one of Frank’s best, start to finish.  Folk-punk, loud and heartfelt.

Miley Cyrus – Plastic Hearts: Her best material and performance. She’s matured as a person and an artist and this album shows that.  Big time.

Taylor Swift – Folklore & Evermore: Still getting used to the new, different direction, but the collaboration with Bon Iver has paid off very, very well.

 

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and listeners of your music?

 

A) That there is more to come – new music, new videos and (hopefully) a new set of gigs for 2021.  I’d love to hear where you’d like me to gig next year.  Drop me a line and let me know!