Justine Blazer – Plague

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) How has your time in Nashville influenced you as an artist and songwriter?

A) A bunch. Nashville has some of the best music industry people there is. This town definitely forces you to level up and continue to learn and grow in all aspects

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Plague.”

A) I wrote the song back in the fall of 2019 with Randy Barnette. It just came to me out of nowhere. Maybe it was a premonition of what was to come. I don’t know. But it’s very coincidental considering the COVID-19 pandemic right now in the world.

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

A) I think it’s so relevant right now with everything we are experiencing. The song is a metaphor. Whatever in your life could be a “plague” – that’s what the song is about. Anything that you’re fighting. Could be your own plague, an enemy. I think all people have that to some degree.

Q) What were any challenges you faced while writing and recording the song?

A) I had done three different drafts and demos of this song. I just did not like the way it was sitting. I had to redo it to get it just right. Finally, we got it and I love it.

Q) How does this song show you’ve grown as an artist over the years?

A) It has shown my growth in many ways. As a singer, a songwriter, a composer, a producer and mixing engineer. I continue to keep growing and stretching further. I don’t want to play safe and do the same old, same old. This song has definitely challenged me and all aspects and I’m very happy with the outcome.

Q) The song was co-written with Randy Barnette. How did you come to work together?

A) I reached out to him on social media and asked him if he would be interested in writing with me. He agreed to it and we became friends. He is very talented and a great guy.

Q) Will there be an EP or full album coming in the near future?

A) I released a full twelve song album this time last year. I would love to put together an EP soon. I have a Christmas single coming out, which I am excited about.

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

A) I play at Whiskey Bent Saloon in Nashville. I have a residency there. I absolutely love that place. It’s the epitome of Nashville and the neon dream. It’s so much fun performing to all the fans every day. I also love just recording in my studio, whether it’s for myself or for a project. Something truly intimate and organic about that process.

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

A) As a singer, I would love to collaborate with Reba [McEntire]. As a songwriter, I would love to collaborate with Shane McAnally. As a producer, I would love to collaborate with Linda Perry and Sylvia Massey.

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

A) I really like the artists Hael and Benee. Cool vibe. Modern sound. And I love their production.

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

A) I love social media within reason. However, it is a lot of work! You have to truly commit to every single day interacting with fans and trying to get new fans. It’s important to stay connected because they are the ones listening to your music.

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

A) Thank you so much to all the people that have supported me over the years and any new supporters I am gaining every single day. It truly means so much to me to take an interest in what I do. This is my life, my art. I appreciate people being a part of that journey. [smiles]