Justin Young dreads the term “Asian” singer. Although the 25-year old Hawaiian-born artist is aware that such a label is highly marketable and more easy to accommodate, he prefers to champion music as a universally transcendent art form. Perhaps, this is what motivates Young to create a sound which manages to be distinctly Hawaiian, and yet unmistakably genre-defying. Its rhythms often combine the slinky R&B grooves of the early 90's with a dash of reggae and sensual pop, while his lyrical flair is attributable to classic soul yearnings. Although he believes he started off as a “conceptual” lyricist, the images and emotions that he now evokes spring from a desire to reveal a deeply personal side of him. When music ceases to be “real,” Justin insists, one can no longer connect with the listener or succeed in convincing him or her that a message is being conveyed with sincerity. This prevailing attitude has paid off—in 1995, he received first prize for a songwriting contest.
Thus far, Justin has released eight full-length albums, a startling number for both the rate at which they have been produced—he has been performing since he was 17 years old--as well as the sterling craftsmanship of each individual record. His debut album, No Better Time Than Now, peaked at number three on Tower Records' Hawaiian chart, and stayed in the top ten for six weeks. His sophomore effort, Soothe You, managed to top its predecessor by relinquishing four Number #1 singles in the Hawaiian radio circuit. By the time the dust had settled, Young found himself the subject of some extraordinarily lavish praise. He received three Hawaiian music awards, which included “Best Performance by a Rhythm and Blues Artist,” and “New Artist of the Year.” When Brian McKnight showed up in Hawaii for a '98 solo concert, he immediately tabbed Young as his opening act.
Yet despite garnering such accolades, Young is still eager to progress outside of the realm of “Island” music. While Hawaiian music is steadily gaining popularity on the mainland, Young wishes to expand his own set of expectations, both creatively and commercially. His next project is in the hands of a New York producer, who he hopes can help land the record somewhere in the mainstream consciousness. But Young is reluctant to disengage himself entirely from Hawaiian associations. He continues to record albums for his Hawaiian audience, and relishes performing in his home state. Besides, Young understands that his art can never be too detached from his reality—which comes in the form of the Island spirit, and its breezy, organic charm. Because sometimes, all one really needs to bring down the masses is an ukelele.
www.justinsmusic.com
Justin Young official website
www.towerrecords.com
Where to buy Justin Young records
Published: Friday, February 6, 2004