Justin McRoberts is a highly respected singer, songwriter and speaker who, over the past nine years, has carved out a niche for himself in the independent music scene. He is one of those rare artists who blends artistry, honesty and humor almost seamlessly.
In much the same way that Anne Lamott has written “music lets us meet in places we couldn’t get to any other way,” Justin McRoberts believes songwriting is a way to help people to see their world differently. McRoberts says, ”In and through art, we can learn to understand ourselves and our world more completely; less fragmented or uninspired, but rather a cohesive Divinely-orchestrated story.”
Sharing his songs and stories with an audience is where Justin’s gifts are most fully realized. His live shows strike a delicate balance between intellect and emotion, which allows the 34 year old to approach difficult or controversial subject matter with his listeners. While his audiences can be quite diverse, from playing for congregates in a small rural church, to young professionals in DC, most of Justin’s schedule is made up of appearances on college campuses in the continental US.
McRoberts’ most recent release, Deconstruction (2008), is laden with the same disarming honesty he is known for both in his recordings as well as his live performances. The album is shaped by the classic “call from the desert” overtone that seems to pervade his story. Without becoming heady or overbearing, Deconstruction is a prescription for a healthy re-examination of established religious, consumer and scientific worldviews. The instrumentation on the record is as carefully chosen as Justin’s lyrics. “We really wanted to limit the instrumentation to what was essential; let the songs breathe on their own.” The record’s feel supports its theme in limiting or even tearing down what is superfluous in order to more intimately engage in what is real.
The themes of hope, justice and compassion also run through Deconstruction much as they run through McRoberts’ career in general. Justin writes “I believe these are the defining characteristics of our likeness to God. The need and desire to care for the poor and oppressed is something we share in common with all humanity, not simply the religious.”
Central to Justin’s work is advocacy on behalf of the poor and oppressed, predominately through Compassion International. “Not only do the poor need us,” he writes “we need a the poor to remind us what being human is about. In the same way that the poor learn to identify themselves with their lack, the wealthy likewise learn to identify themselves with their wealth. It is in the meeting of the two that we can recognize ourselves and one another as human.”
THANK YOU FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP & SUPPORT, ITS MUCH APPREICATED. WHEN YOU GET A CHANCE, STOP BY MY SITE AND GIVE A LISTEN TO MY NEW CD ( BACK TO MY ROOTS ) THE RAIN & ROCKBOTTOM ARE DEDICATED TO VICTIMS OF THE FLOODS & FAILING ECONOMY LEAVE A COMMENT OF YOUR THOUGHTS ON WHAT YOU HEARD. PEACE, LOVE & HOPE’N FOR A BETTER ECONOMY, MICHAEL
Thanks for being a friend! All the best gigs in London are at the legendary 100 Club and Camden's Electric Ballroom... Check out... JEFFERSON STARSHIP , QUICKSILVER MESSENGER SERVICE, THE PRETTY THINGS, LOUISIANA RED, CHRIS FARLOWE, CHUCK BERRY, DEAF SCHOOL, ALBERT LEE, CHAS & HIS BAND and lots more... If you can make it, you’d be very welcome. Further details and tickets from: http://www.rhythmgigs.com
hey, i saw you play at the union in naperville and just wanted to say you were awesome ! you have some amazing talent and great stories aha. hope the rest of the tour goes well : ]
Dude, Killer Vox/pipes man. Love your material. Good work My Man, We'll see you when you come to Danbury! Let me know if you need some drinks, or a place to crash. plenty of beer in the fridge and liquor in the cabinet my Man.
If you want the essence of sheedyfrost......then this collection of previous tracks is available from www.sheedyfrost.co.uk Just go to the store at the website and order! (It's our greatest hits!) The Track List for 'The Collection' is as follows: 1.I Will Be With You, 2.Refugee, 3. Barcelona, 4. Rum Daze, 5. I Imagine Her With Me, 6. Fly Against The Sun, 7. Here's To You, 8. Top Banana, 9.Waiting For Answers, 10. Our Voice, 11.Last Recorded Message, 12. City Walls (Live Version), 13. Stealin' Back. OUR NEXT CD WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE AUTUMN AND WILL FEATURE 14 NEW TRACKS! Peace! Paul and Vincent! (Have a lovely day!)
Hopefully you're doing well! We're in a competition with our local radio station Virgin Radio - and we've got 24 hours to get people to vote for us, could you? Just send an e-mail to
rudeawakening@virginradio.ca
And simply state that you are voting for us, Epyllion ! Feel free to tell them how much you think we rock ;)
If you ever have interest check our Networking/Endorsement blog and lets get you in some FULL ARMOR... Got alot beyond the basic free gear we can offer. ALSO- got your single up and featured on our page now...
Great to hear new stuff of yours Justin! Been a fan since the 5-Minute Walk days...
We appreciate your taking the time to send a Friend Request.
Should you ever have interest in building with FULL ARMOR CLOTHING please take the time to check the Networking/Endorsemnt blog on our page and hit us back. Lets see what we can get accomplished together.
Hey Justin, Thanks for the add. Our album is up and streaming, Nick White played drums, Saki mixed it. Check us out if you get a chance. Peace and Blessings, Josh