Justin Nozuka’s continuing the media blitz with a new interview with FilmKim. This one’s super short so it shouldn’t take too long to get through. Read about his thoughts on the music industry, American Idol, and what it’s like to be a bonafide rockstar. This guy seriously seems to be years beyond his age. Wisdom is definitely a valuable trait for anyone in the music business.
On your first album already, your sound was really mature. Was there any room left for you to grow?
“Sure, my sound has certainly grown. To me, music is a way of expressing myself. I feel like you grow every single day, so three years ago I was definitely different from where I am now. I was dealing with different emotions and experienced those in a different way too. But I always try to stay in touch with my feelings. I want to be myself and express this in my music.”
That sounds right, but can you make this work within the music industry?
“Of course you always have to adapt yourself to certain situations and the industry, but you can’t put labels on artists. Everyone is different, and every artist should be able to be themselves. The record companies are just there to put you in magazines and give you media attention.”Many young musicians try to make it by taking part in American Idol. How do you feel about that?
“These tv shows feed illusions. They put you in a terrible situation where every decision is already made from the moment you enter the competition. You audition, win and then they say, you’re a rock star and you will sing these songs. There’s no freedom. At one point I considered auditioning myself, but I didn’t. Once you know how these shows work… They don’t see music as an art form, but as business.”You obviously don’t want to be labeled, but still you’re often compared to other musicians such as Jeff Buckley and Ray LaMontagne.
“Of course it depends a bit on who I’m compared to, but generally I think that’s fine. Within the mainstream music, your sound will always be labeled in order to give people a sense of what music you make – acoustic, soul… Everyone has their own associations and that’s fine. As long as people really listen to what they hear.”Your first album was created with a little financial support from your mom. How did this work?
“Well, she provided a very reasonable amount of money, please don’t think that my mom financed the entire album. This start-up money allowed me to record the album. Meanwhile, I started performing and before I knew there was a buzz going on. Yet it wasn’t just a matter of luck: I worked hard and put a lot of energy into it. With each decision, I wondered: if I do this, will it eventually bring me to what I want to achieve?”Even as a kid, you were always playing musical instruments. Were you the kid in high school that girls dreamed of?
“In high school I sometimes was afraid to be myself, because in school there are so many rules that you have to live by. You really feel the pressure to be “normal” like everyone else. Because if you’re not, then you’re ridiculed. This made me a bit depressed at times, but I also found a few very good friends in school. So, I survived.” (Laughs:) “Just keep on breathing.”
Your first album was named after your mother. Is the new album, You I Wind Land and Sea, also this personal?
“This title represents the most important connections in life: everything that brings human beings together. I can’t explain it too well, but think of it as breathing. The wind breathes, which passes it on to the trees and then we breathe in the air again. The entire universe works like this.”You’re quite a romantic. Are you the guy that friends run to for love advices?
“Ha ha, sometimes. But I often rely on my friends for advice too. I can only tell people about my own experiences. What I do know is this: love is the best feeling there is. And rock ‘n roll, but that’s dangerous.”Exactly how ‘sex, drugs, rock ‘n roll’ is your life at the moment?
“It’s none of this at all. I could if I wanted to, but I want to stay focused on connections: loving, enjoying walks, meditating, laughing.”Beautifully spoken, but obviously I don’t believe you – you’re only 21.
“Ha ha, well, that’s the ideal at least. The next few months I’ll keep on touring, making music and most importantly, enjoying life.”
a-Tunes 