The American/Canadian Nozuka started penning the songs that would appear on his debut album when he was just 15 years old. Now 21, he released his second full-length album, You I Wind Land and Sea, produced by Bill Bell (Jason Mraz, Tom Cochrane) on April 13th. The album features twelve great songs including the single "My Heart is Yours" and my favorite song, "Heartless," which was written after Justin's brother, Christian Bridges, brought him a melody that he described as "magical."
Needless to say, I think You I Wind Land and Sea is a brilliant record from an artist who has only just begun to uncover the music within. I'm excited to see what kinds of awesome things are waiting for Justin in the future! Check out our Q&A session and get to know Justin Nozuka!
Your latest album, You I Wind Land and Sea, just came out on April 13th. What does this record represent to you?
This album represents the present situation. - Myself and my band, Bill Bell, where we all were during the recording process. - This is my next step.
What was your experience like working on You I Wind Land and Sea with Bill Bell?
Positive and beautiful… I dream to record my own music in the future. This was a very necessary step, and I embrace it in its totality.
The album is beautiful. One of my favorite songs is “Heartless.” Is there any background information or behind the mic info you’d be willing to share in relation to that song?
Yeah, my brother Christian Bridges came to my room with this beautiful melody. It was magical, and I couldn't help but want to write the rest with him and record it for my album. There's a real natural mystic flowing through this song.
I love the cover! What made you decide to choose that photo to represent these songs?
Alex, who plays drums in my band took this shot in Amsterdam. Originally i wanted to have a painting, which is in the booklet, as the cover, but as a team we decided it would be stronger to have a photo, so Alex, who naturally has been taking photos, and I took a walk and captured some different moments. I was really happy with this photo we captured.
What kinds of things have you learned about yourself after recording and releasing two full-length albums?
That capturing true essence of spirit is actually very difficult to do when a microphone, and other people are around, such as when there's a camera, and a stiff interviewer.
I think it’s awesome that you’re just out there making music and being yourself. In a sometimes head-inflating industry how do you keep yourself grounded?
Very difficult to keep myself present and involved, as I've experienced in the past, the confidence behind what I want to speak of, in many cases, gets lost in the midst of the different perspectives in my mind. So, sure I'm always myself, as anyone is, but my truth may be covered by an insecure voice.
Justin Nozuka, photographer unknown
Did you ever have any professional vocal training?
I had a great mentor who's name is Paul Aikins at my school in Toronto… He taught me about breathing and warm ups etc., but I strongly feel singing is really something that can't be taught… sure there is education and insight, which can help but singing "properly" is being deep in the body. Connecting to emotions, being spirit. One can only really experience it for themselves, but from my experience, singing "properly" is more a spiritual connection or alignment. Yoga would benefit me lots… I have to make that step.
Your lyrics are so personal…does it ever get difficult for you to get up on stage and repeatedly open old wounds?
Well, there are times when the connection to inner emotions and energies comes natural, and other times when they aren't present or found at all. -- in those cases, singing in general can feel empty…the challenge for me is to be able to connect deeply always.
Do you ever get nervous when you go on stage and perform?
Many moments of nerves… sometimes it does feel as if I'm in a nightmare… and others, it feels as if I'm floating in heaven.
Do you do anything special to get yourself ready for shows?
To be present and free from thoughts is always my goal before being on stage… depending on how peaceful I feel, I'll try and be in a quiet space and really focus on my senses. Also, lately I've been listening to Sade and found it really opens and relaxes my throat and voice. Vocal warm-ups are usually a must too, but if I'm not present in my body, my throat tends to be tense.
What’s your favorite song to play live and why?
Depends on the night, cause each song feels different each time I play it. Recently I love playing “Unwoken Dream (King With Everything)"
When you’re on tour do you like to stop and get to know fans at the shows?
I love meeting our supporters after the show. We have such beautiful supporters who are constantly writing beautiful letters, making notebooks, and giving us beautiful gifts. Always warming, and humbling to feel their love.
What’s something that not many people know about you that you’d be willing to share?
I love playing Ice Hockey.
Well you’re getting ready to head back on tour, what’re you looking forward to this time around?
Being present through the experience… making stronger connections and being open to experiences that come my way, so I can grow.
What kinds of albums, books and movies are you into right now?
I'm really into Damian Marley's music recently, as well as Sade's album with "By Your Side" - I'm reading The Autobiography of a Yogi, and saw Oceans, magical film.
Check out Justin's MySpace page for more information about his background, complete works and upcoming record!
you i wind land and sea
//track list//
gray
love
carried you
heartless my heart is yours
soulless man
unwoken dream (king with everything)
woman put your weapon down
you i wind land and sea
swan in the water
hollow men
how low
nrj sessions - ep
//track list//
after tonight (live)
golden train (live)
criminal (live)
mr. therapy man (live)
be back soon (live)
holly
//track list//
down in a cold dirty well
golden train
be back soon
mr. therapy man
supposed to grow old after tonight
criminal
i'm in peace
oh momma
save him
if i gave you my life
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