Music In the Upside Down: Justin Wells
We thought it prudent to get the perspective of the state of the music industry and those it employs from one of the most expressive and poignant songwriters we know of, Justin Wells. You may be familiar with this Kentucky-based artist from his critically acclaimed debut album, Dawn in the Distance, or from the buzz about his highly anticipated upcoming album, The United State. Justin graciously answered some curiosities about how people in his position are faring during the pandemic.
Was there a solitary point early in this pandemic where you realized that the music industry was coming to a complete halt?
Probably the same moment as most people: when they canceled SXSW.
In light of tour cancellations, is there anything outside of music that you have been doing to keep the creative juices flowing or to just stay busy?
I've been doing some interesting things that are music-business related, but not necessarily music-related that I'm excited about. Other than that, I've been focused on keeping my twin 7-year-olds from going wild. Plenty of hiking, plenty of driving to absolutely nowhere.
You are married with twin daughters. How has maintaining a music career and parenting changed for your family in the last several months?
I suspect it's similar to what a lot of folks, musicians or not, are going through. Except the volume is up in this house. Lot of spirit in this house.
We're figuring it out together. We're not sending our kids back to school. My heart's out to folks that have to make that decision right now, but we're in a place where we can keep them home til we feel like it's safe for them to be in school.
In the midst of all this, and knowing that I wouldn't be able to tour it, I decided to release an album. I'm independent, so releasing an album without being able to tour it felt like wading into dark waters. Having said that, I feel strongly about the timeliness of the message at the core of the album, which is ultimately empathy, and recognizing the highs and lows of life are universal.
With a new and highly anticipated album coming out later this month, were you able to get all of the recording, mixing and mastering done before quarantine mandates were put into place?
Yes, but I've done some other creative things, mostly video, that have required some logistics to do in a safe way. The first video, for “The Screaming Song,” was assembled using archival footage. Casey Pierce, the director, is masterful, and I think put together something that exceeds what we might have done with no quarantine. Creatives are going to find a way around barriers. But we'll do it with our masks on, damn it.
How different has your album promotion and release process been?
On the down side, no tour. On the upside, the messaging of the album feels urgent now. I'm seeing folks respond to the music (online) in a beautiful way that I don't know that I anticipated. Folks are just looking for connection. I know I am.
As an artist, what are your biggest concerns about the music industry right now and in the future?
Twofold. One, the obvious: budgets are going to go down. Artists that were in certain rooms are likely going to be taking a step back into smaller rooms. But that's okay, it's going to take some symbiotic relationships to keep both artists and venues doing what they should be. Two, the less obvious: as with all things, I think there are going to be people at the top who let greed speak for them. And if they succeed in that, the hits are gonna trickle down.
We, the artist, the audience, the venues, we get around that by remembering what's necessary to do what we love. The place, the fans, the music. I think we may have a golden opportunity to cut the bullshit that has defined this industry since black blues artists were coerced into signing their X on a bullshit contract.
Conversely, is there anything you think this particular moment will allow us to fix or do better in the industry once it returns?
I know I spoke to this a bit in the previous question, but let's apply this to both the music industry and the country in general: we've seen in the past few months how frail humanity can be and how fragile the system we rely on is. Given that, maybe we can learn to push meaningless shit to the side and enjoy the company of others, whether you agree on everything or not.
Have there been any times during the pandemic that something turned out better than expected, personally or professionally?
I'm seeing how hearty my 7-year-old children are. Much heartier than a lot of adults. It's cliche, but kids get it. Give them a book or a box and some paint and they're good. They ain't letting anybody get em down. We should do the same.
Do you have a particular mantra you have been referring to during this?
“We are the same. There is no difference anywhere in the world. People are people." - Willie Nelson
What do you miss most about “normal times,” personally and professionally?
I miss connection. I miss sweat hitting the stage floor. I miss loud amplifiers. Bliss. I miss going to my favorite restaurant in town, this spot with the best Cuban outside of Miami.
A lot of these things are going to be the same, even when we think we've returned to "normal times." We've got to actively care about things if we want them to stay around. You get a plant, you never water it, you don't have a plant anymore. It's the same with these businesses, the same with these venues. The same with the local theater that plays The Wall and Rocky Horror a couple times a year. There's no government mandate that home for the arts has to stay open. This is not deemed essential, regardless of my thoughts to the contrary. If you care about these things, you have to actively care, right now. Venues that are beloved, that almost seem synonymous with the city they're in, they're in dire straits. Help them.
What is the most important thing fans can do to support the music industry during this time?
Well, take care of yourself and take care of your family. No show without people to play for. Take care of your bills. If you've got a surplus, and you love a music venue, go buy one of their t-shirts. I guarantee you they're selling them online right now. If you're a fan of a musician, go get some of their merch. If you don't dig vinyl, keep their Spotify on repeat. Or hit that 'share' button. You'd be surprised how many careers are built not on labels, but on individuals hitting that 'share' button.
Be on the look out for Justin Wells’ forthcoming album, The United State. It’s truly a timely statement given the climate of the world. We are all looking for hope and understanding right now. The United State, out August 28th, is the perfect soundtrack to the human experience and empathetic nature. Pre-orders are available now at https://justinwells.ffm.to/theunitedstate.opr or visit his website at https://justinwellsmusic.com/
Cover photo courtesy of Chad Cochran
