Following on from the release of his highly-praised EP 'Lonely Rock Star' last year, Brooklyn-based artist Justin Meyer is now returning to deliver his first piece of new material of 2023, 'Friends With Fear'.
Capturing more of that fresh and buoyant alt-pop aesthetic he is known for, 'Friends With Fear' makes for a wonderfully fresh and euphoric listen. With his warm and soaring voice layered across a driven production from start to finish, he is returning for the new year with one of his most impactful offerings to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I’ve always loved singing. I grew up singing and watching shows like American Idol and The Voice. I eventually started doing musical theatre and choir in high school and continued studying voice in college as well.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up listening to a lot of music that my parents loved. I remember listening to lots of the Bee Gees, Elton John, and the Beatles.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album that I remember buying and downloading on iTunes is “1000 Forms of Fear” by Sia. It was the first album that sparked an interest in songwriting for me. The first vinyl album that I purchased was “Melodrama” by Lorde, which is the album that made me want to learn how to produce my own music.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
The song that first comes to mind for me is “Maybe You’re the Reason” by The Japanese House. I absolutely love the way the lyrics are written. They’re very introspective and clever. The production is also amazing. I specifically love the guitar riff that plays at the beginning, it feels so spacious and is so intriguing.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
The only consistent thing I do when I’m writing new music is starting with something small. It may be the title, a drum loop, a chord progression, or a melody. How a song starts and builds into a finished product varies a lot for me. If I’m having writer’s block, I try to switch up the way I’m writing, such as stepping away from the production side and just sitting with a guitar for a while. Something else I’ve noticed is I almost always write songs with a larger project, like an album or an EP, in mind.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Carol King. I love her song “It’s Too Late.” I’ve been listening to The Japanese House’s recent release, “Boyhood.” I’ve been loving a song called “Hair Salon Gossip” by McCall. My friend Lily Kelso also just released a song called “The Car” that’s really nice as well.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
There are so many artists I’d love to open for, but I think my first choice is Lorde. Her music has certainly been a guiding light for me, both personally and musically, through the years.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
For me, the most rewarding part is being able to make things that connect with people. I think I’ve always loved music for the way it makes people react and feel connected to certain songs and artists. Additionally, it also feels rewarding to create work that I connect with as an artist, as it’s almost like writing in a diary. When I go back and listen to projects I’ve done in the past, it feels like briefly reliving those times in my life.
And what is the most frustrating part?
For me, the most frustrating part is figuring out ways to get exposure. Needing to use social media a lot to try to find new fans of your music can get tiring and has super random results.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best advice I’ve received is to try not to compare yourself to others, which I think can be extended to life in general. It can be easy to compare numbers and timelines, but everyone has their own journey in life, so you shouldn’t let those types of things discourage you.
-
Justin Meyer's new single 'Friends With Fear' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.