“We all have been through our fair share of tribulations but they only make us stronger once we know how to channel them into our crafts,” J.U.S.T. told Remixd Magazine.
Brooklyn/Long Island native J.U.S.T. is fully committed to pursuing his music career and is paving a lane for himself. The emerging R&B artist just released his debut 8-track EP called A NY LOVE STORY, which showcases his R&B sound through his own unique lens.
First hitting the scene in design, fashion, and modeling, J.U.S.T. decided to switch gears into the hip hop and R&B realm and now creates mesmerizing, melodic sounds that he describes as “daydream music.”The new project features J.U.S.T.’s dreamlike, soothing vocals combined on harmonious beats. He gets vulnerable with his fans on the project, putting his personal tribulations on display for others to hear and allowing a space to be transparent with his audience.
Although this is his first full-length EP, J.U.S.T is already paving his own lane and taking on his own sound. Some artists that he looks to for inspiration would be PARTYNEXTDOOR, Brent Faiyaz, Drake, and Tory Lanez.
J.U.S.T fits right in and finds his own unique path in the R&B realm. His standout voice is certain to attract R&B lovers of all kinds. Continue reading to learn more about the upcoming artist and listen to A NY LOVE STORY below.
What city are you from/ Where are you based now?
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York for half of my life and then I moved to Long Island, New York. I currently live here in Long Island.
How did you come up with your artist name J.U.S.T.?
My artist name is J.U.S.T. My name is Justin Etienne and I created my artist name organically. My family and close friends have always called me Jus so its short for my first name.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?
I started experimenting with music consistently about three years ago. My bros from back home were always in the studio so I wanted to find a new way to express myself aside from fashion design. When my grandmother passed away around the time, music was the only thing that kept me sane so I just did it as a hobby. At the end of my senior year of college, I got the opportunity to open up for Kehlani for FIT’s Springfest thanks to the Student Government Association. I was the first student in our school to ever open for a Big Music artist through school. Ever since that moment I knew that music was for me.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
I definitely would say my upbringing played a role in who I am and defining my sound. I spent a lot of time outside as a kid. I grew up in a single parent household as a child, but I enjoyed it. I always had a lot of friends in my neighborhood and my Mom would always make sure she spent quality time with me. Growing up in a place like Brooklyn will instill a different kind of mentality. You grow up fast, and everyone is always trying to get to it. Moving to Long Island gave me a different perspective as well. Things were slower paced, it was more of a community out here. This gave me a good balance coming from the city. I wanted to generate a sound that is raw, when people think NY I feel like we have an aggressive stigma. I wanted to articulate myself in a more subtle way. Sometimes people want a balance between rap and R&B.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
Therapeutic, fluid, and sincere. I would best describe my sound as “daydream” music. I’m very big on self reflection. It’s important to acknowledge our emotions and our abilities. I want to generate a new sound for NY R&B.
What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career?
There has been a lot going on in the world … People need reminders that they aren’t alone when they are going through both internal and external struggles. Music is a big form of therapy for many people, so I want to be able to speak to those who can relate to me. Music is an extension of who I am now.
What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?
I’m passionate about the connection music creates between people. Someone’s whole perspective on life can change because of one song and that alone is very powerful. I’m inspired by the unknown, I love challenging myself to be better every single day.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
Yes, I think as artists we should never limit ourselves to one thing. I’m a fashion designer, I construct and sew my own garments which go hand and hand with my music. I love to play basketball, read books, draw, play video games, and I’m big on spending quality time with people close to me.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
That’s a hard question, I have music influences in different realms. As of right now I would say Partynextdoor, Brent Faiyaz, Summer Walker, Drake, Kehlani, Sleepy Hallow, Sheff G, Pop Smoke R.I.P to the legend, Drake, and Tory Lanez.
What are some of your music career goals for the future?
I just want to keep progressing with the craft. I want to utilize my platform as a voice for other people and creatives around the world. I will create a lifestyle brand that impacts both the fashion and music and entertainment industries. Things are so fast paced nowadays, but I want longevity in anything I do. I want to be one of the greatest creative artists of our generation.
Tell us about the inspiration behind your latest EP A NY LOVE STORY.
I just released my debut EP titled A NY LOVE STORY. It consists of eight songs that were arranged as a journal of my thoughts and experiences aka “daydreams.” I believe there is strength in vulnerability, so I wanted to put something out that will allow people to acknowledge their emotions. Once you understand your emotions, you can channel them into anything you want. I was going through a lot the past year, this EP allowed me to get through everything.
What has the response been like to that project?
I’ve been getting very good feedback from people. I’m very thankful for the platform I’ve developed within the past few years. I wouldn’t be where I’m at if it weren’t for the people around me pushing me. It’s crazy to get messages from people I have never even met before. It hasn’t even been 24 hours yet since the EP dropped and a lot of people have told me they can relate to a lot of the songs. I think it will grow little by little. So far it seems like my song “Baited” with Amber Simone is getting the most love. She is really talented and I know she’s going to blow up very soon.
What are some projects you’ve done in the past that you are most proud of and why?
This the first time I can say I’m really proud of myself with no self criticism. Aside from my first fashion presentation I had for my clothing line, I think this is the most meaningful project yet and it will be the first of many.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for? Include some dates if you have them.
I’m going to be dropping some garments very soon. A lot of my peers have been highly anticipating my releases with my clothes but the pandemic slowed things down for a while. I got something cool dropping within the next few weeks for sure.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music?
I just want people to acknowledge their emotions and realize they have the capacity to do whatever they want. We all have been through our fair share of tribulations but they only make us stronger once we know how to channel them into our crafts. I think everyone has a purpose on this earth, they just have to figure out what that is.
Where can we follow you on social media?
My Instagram is JustinP.Etn, my Twitter is Justin P. Etn.
