Today, we’d like to introduce you to Justin Wright.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve played music my entire life but became much more focused after finishing college. I toured for a long time with other bands but eventually stopped to focus on other aspects of music and audio.
In addition to composing, I do a lot of studio work (production, mixing, mastering, sound design for films, etc.). Essentially, I’m pretty nerdy about audio and find it very satisfying to work on a variety of projects.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, there have been a lot of challenges in my creative experiences. I think that any creative field is going to be unique and challenging. There isn’t ONE way to do things, even though there are similarities to them all. It’s not easy to create things and make a living at it; the hustle and grind is real. That being said, it can be very rewarding, and that’s what, ultimately, comes down to doing what is rewarding to you and not comparing it to what others are doing.
A mentor a long time ago gave me that advice, and it’s been very important to me. I think it’s important to have a clear idea of what makes you fulfilled and content. This doesn’t mean that you don’t need to struggle or work hard at your creative work. I just mean that we shouldn’t be anxious about what others are doing. I’ve found a really nice work/life balance that ultimately has been the most positive factor in my mental health.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m most proud of finishing a four-record concept album that I started in March 2020 (at the beginning of COVID), inspired by author and activist James Baldwin. I have been greatly moved and challenged by Baldwin’s writing since I was first introduced to him as a literature student in college.
“It is the responsibility of free men to trust and to celebrate what is constant – birth, struggle, and death are constant, and so is love, though we may not always think so – and to apprehend the nature of change, to be able and willing to change.” – James Baldwin, The Fire Next Time (Down at the Cross), 1963.
Each record is based upon the common experiences that all of humanity shares: birth, struggle, death, and love. The four records reflect Freytag’s Pyramid (which is essentially the hero’s journey) and are chiastic in structure (a literary figure in which concepts are repeated in reverse order). You can listen to the entire thing in reverse order, and it will give you a similar experience as you would listening in the normal order. They are also based upon seasons and are meant to reflect the seasons we have in our own lives (in addition to the literal seasons of the planet).
As a literature student, I have always loved the window that stories provide into another lived experience. They provide an invaluable opportunity to learn about other experiences that are outside of my own life. As a composer, I’ve tried to combine my passion for music and literature to create something that provides space for myself and others to learn and grow.
Like many others, I have observed what seems to be an ever-increasing rift of political, social, and cultural divides. It feels that there is less and less space for people to meet on common ground and truly listen to each other, to give one another the benefit of the doubt. I believe that humanity (and particularly America) needs to truly face themselves and see the commonality between all of us, even though we may have vastly different experiences and backgrounds.
These records have been personal reflections on the human condition, time, cycles of violence, redemption, and forgiveness. I am beyond excited to finally have my final record of this series out, entitled “Love” by Justin H. Wright (4/17/24 release date). Ultimately, I do not have big answers to these issues, but I hope that we all can be more thoughtful and kind to one another as we walk through life.
What matters most to you? Why?
This may sound cheesy, but I think what matters most is being a good person. Respect others and respect yourself. The world often seems to bulldoze people, and I want to fight against that mindset. I think one of the things that sets me apart is my professionalism and consistency.
I treat people with respect and approach each project with flexibility and openness. Not only do I do good work (I am very detail-oriented and timely), but I also want people to enjoy the process. Projects can be stressful, and I want the work to be a good time for everyone. I think this eventually translates to a better end product.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.justinhwright.com
- Instagram: @justinhwright
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-h-wright/
