Blending elements of neo-soul, folk, old-time blues and pop, Justin has the guts of Ray LaMontagne and the soul of Lauryn Hill.
This guitar slinging aficionado has the street smarts of an urban swinger and the heart-bending soul of a gospel preacher, and is adept at blending a dark, bluesy Americana vibe with warm, acoustic soul where bits of old folk music and flamenco tunes swirl in and out of earshot.
Half Japanese, half American Justin Nozuka was born in New York and grew up in Toronto. Raised by a single mother, Justin was the sixth of seven children, where all four of his brothers are artists in some form. As a teen, he spun Motown, folk and hip-hop as he fleshed out his music skills learning guitar with his Mexican friends at boarding school.
During his short career, Justin has already snagged stage time with greats like John Cale, Crowded House and Ziggy Marley and with up-and-comers Sam Roberts, Jully Black and Xavier Rudd.
It’s open aired honesty tightly knit. You’ve discovered something that’s all your own yet it spans backstories and countries to fill a million yards and a hundred theatres. This could be Central Park, could be Massey Hall.
QUOTES:
"In his debut album "Holly", Justin Nozuka has created eleven impressive pieces of thoughtful acoustic-soul. Filled with understated melodies, minimal production and an interesting, sometimes dark take on song-craft...4 Stars." -- BBC
"Superior acoustic soul... 4 Stars." -- Q Magazine, UK
"...Nozuka is producing material that is unlike any other singer songwriters - and consequently is beyond genre definition. Largely, it is one man and his faithful guitar - but with a voice like his, there really is no need for any other instrumentation. In truth it would only get in the way. 4 Stars." -- Belfast Daily Telegraph
“Nozuka seemed very modest, but there was absolutely no reason. He had every eye on him and it was nearly impossible to look away. Every song seemed to outdo the one before it, and when he quietly walked off, we were all aching for more.” --Chartattack.com
i loveeed your performance at the el rey a while bakcc =] i wish i got a picturee with youu.. anyway i really like your music. please upload more picturesss soon
Your music captures the real essence of happiness. Its simplicity is captivating and so refreshing. It's great that you find yourself in your music, and don't try to be something your not. It really shows. Please tour the Northwest. We love people like you. =]
Justin, Had to hear yr pure clear lovely tones before this weekend was over. Thanx much for the musical compan- ionship and cyber-friendship, bud. Hope all is well. My songs are in UK now, love it! Best, Beth B.
hey justin, just wanted to say that i luv yu soooooo much. i really wish yu perform in jersey sometime or in new york.lol, i just got my ipod yesterday and the first person i thought of downloading was yu! ily!
My, aren't you popular. Ha, you might not even see this with all of your comments but.. I just wanted to tell you that your music is great. I love how real the songs are and the fact that you put so much truth into your music. Its raw and sweet at the same time. Your voice and the chords flow together perfectly.
Good luck with everything :) And hopefully I'll get to see you play live one of these days
