A new generation of musicians is attempting to elevate R&B to new heights, and the genre has made a significant comeback to the forefront of music. Ju$tus is widely considered a rising star in the genre, bringing a fresh and innovative sound to his music. He is definitely someone to watch in 2024 and beyond.
Can you share the inspiration behind your latest R&B track?
“Kalon,” my most recent song, is one of my best works. The Greek word “Kalon” means “noble, beautiful, and fine.” This sums up the circumstances well. The concept of “love at first sight” serves as motivation. Her aura and appearance make it hard to resist her. The song functions as a kind of request or offer to enter her life. She is often playing hard to get, but I refuse to give up on her.
What methods do you employ to incorporate your life stories into your musical compositions?
I’ve always believed that infusing your life into my music is important. I constantly use the experiences I had as a young man as inspiration for my writing. In my songs, I always express the truth, whether it’s about coming of age or heartache. I want to be able to relate to the words in music, so I strive to do the same for my audience. The secret is to be a good musician and still be relatable.
As an independent artist, what challenges do you face in the R&B industry?
I won’t lie. It’s difficult to be an independent artist in the R&B industry. You’re aiming to appeal to a different and more sophisticated audience than with rap. Furthermore, many R&B artists are doing the same thing as me. I do everything myself, even promoting my music. Being a college student may sometimes make things more difficult since I feel like my studies are keeping me from pursuing my passion for music.
What sets your music apart from other artists?
The diversity and depth of my lyrics are what distinguish my music from others. I can constantly create music with any beat at any moment. I’ve done everything from soul to dark R&B to even Afrobeats. As I discover my sound, there are still a ton of things I want to do. My lyrics are grounded and relatable. I have been informed that my songs are authentic, and I don’t attempt to pretend to be someone I’m not.
How do you approach the songwriting process for your R&B songs?
Whenever I write a song, I generally start with the beat and melody. To be honest, I find my theme by feeling the beat and following what feels right. I also have a habit of journaling about my experiences and life, and the songs kind of write themselves. It’s weird, but whenever anything horrible happens, my first thought is always how I can turn it into a song. I create lyrics with emotion in my heart.
Could you discuss the role of vulnerability in your music?
In my opinion, it’s crucial to be vulnerable in your music. It means a lot to me to be able to connect and transform your struggle in real life into something lovely. You expose your life and lessons learned to the public when you create music. I was ready to accept it because I wanted my experience to be shared—not just with me, but with everyone who may benefit from hearing it. Overall, it has aided me in managing my emotions in real life.
How do you engage with your audience through your music?
I think I do a very good job of interacting with my audience. Any phone calls or direct messages regarding my music are always answered. Because they are a very modest audience, I treat them with great respect. It would feel more approachable if more well-known artists took a similar approach. People’s thoughts regarding my music and what I should make next are not even something I absorb. My goal is to continue being an artist of the people as I advance in the profession.
What message do you hope listeners take away from your songs?
I want people who hear my music to see an honest young man who is still trying to figure out what life is all about. The only thing separating me from them as an ordinary person is the manner in which I choose to express myself. I would prefer it to be this way because I think too many artists these days believe that their fame puts them above their audience. I recognize that I’m only a human and that I utilize my music to grow from my shortcomings.
Can you describe the creative evolution you’ve experienced in your R&B career?
I’ve been doing music for a long time, and each year my appreciation of music becomes better. I used to feel that making basic melodies on beats from YouTube was sufficient. These days, complex harmonies and the little details that make a song seem cohesive are what I adore. I also enjoy including relevant topics and audio recordings in my compositions. You may hear several pop culture references to make a connection with the listeners.
How do you navigate the balance between artistic integrity and commercial appeal?
My ideal example of creative integrity would be to be a relatively unknown musician. Far too many people miss the artist’s meaningless music because they get caught up in the visual. Although I’ve always been an introverted man, I now understand how crucial appearance is. It’s something I’ve battled with, and it can affect the visibility of your music if no one can see your face. Going into this year, I want more media to coincide with my music and establish a presence in the R&B community.
In what ways do you collaborate with other artists or producers to enhance your sound?
There are highs and lows while working with artists and producers. I’ve met so many incredible people while doing music. However, compatibility is my problem. As a man of God, there are several things and expressions that I avoid using. This makes it more difficult for me to find like-minded individuals. But I’ve also met some nice, down-to-earth folks who share my passion for music. Many people have contributed to my sound and made me a better artist.
What’s your vision for the future of your music career?
My goal is to turn music into a reliable job. Despite my best efforts, music has always been a part of my life. I’m looking for an enduring community of people who can relate to me and trust me. My desire is to have an impact on the business and help shape it into a safer one, not money or notoriety. Too many individuals with greed for money are commercializing music and removing its soul. I want creativity to be the driving force behind artistry, not money.
Be’n Original
