Album Notes

"I recorded my first very 'homemade' demo on a karaoke machine in 8th grade. I took it with me to the Boyz II Men concert and gave it to a security guard to pass on to them. Since then, I've made many more (hopefully improved) demos, at home and in New York with producer Ed Tuton. This is a collection of some of my recent favorites that have been passed on by the major label 'know-it-alls'. Now, I'm bypassing the corporate machine and letting you decide for yourself. Take a listen and let your independent ears decide."

Justin Young began his career after a high school economics project landed him in a local recording studio. The class voted to market and sell a cassette of Justin and a couple of friends performing three songs. The very first studio they called agreed to donate studio time. The owner was so impressed that a few months later they offered Justin a record deal through their independent label. Over the next five years, Justin would accumulate 12 number one radio hits in Hawaii, over 70,000 units sold and three Hawaiian Music Awards. Justin has enjoyed his success in the islands but it has never tempered his drive to broaden his audience and his music.

In 2000, Justin left Hawai'i for Los Angeles where he attended a two-year music program at UCLA. "I'm really grateful for what I've been able to do in Hawai'i and for everything I've learned, on-the-job. But I've always hoped it would be a stepping stone." Continuing to perform and write, Justin has evolved into an eclectic singer/songwriter who has a true gift to communicate to his audience. Perhaps his greatest appeal, however, is his sheer ability to cross multiple genres at once. Justin combines his favorite elements from the pop/rock-singer/songwriter and the neo-soul genres. His music is never confined to just one sound or style. "I love things that cross boundaries. Like most people, I listen to more than one style of music. I just try to take my favorite aspects from those genres and throw them in a blender. The challenge is to make sure it's still tasty when you're done with it." Justin's talent and skill in bringing multiple elements to the stage have allowed him to collaborate on various songs featured in such movies as Shallow Hal and An Uninvited Guest.

Justin currently lives and performs in Los Angeles and has been traveling to New York City to work with producer/engineer Ed Tuton (Alana Davis, Maxwell, Eagle Eye Cherry). Stay tuned...