News
Clash Mag premieres Justin Nozuka’s “summer night o8” - January 15th, 2021
Justin Nozuka Releases “No One But You” featuring Mahalia - October 16th, 2020
Justin Nozuka Mobile App Released - September 29th, 2020
Biography
When Justin Nozuka is asked to describe his music, he uses words like honesty, passion, vulnerability, and true love. These themes have been consistent throughout his decade-plus as a world-renowned singer/songwriter, but they have never felt quite so poignant or important as they do within the context of our world today.
The 32-year old New York-born, Toronto-raised and world-travelled Nozuka has been a mainstay of contemporary pop, folk and alternative R&B since he released his first album Holly at age 17. He comes by those influences honestly, following the lead of his four musical brothers. His first obsession was Lauryn Hill’s 1998 masterpiece “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”. That album was the gateway to late 90’s/early 2000’s R&B and 1970’s-era singer/songwriters that have coalesced to define Nozuka’s sound. This sound, even more distinguished, even more refined with the release of his newest single, “No One But You”, featuring the incomparable British songstress Mahalia. The song has already garnered over 2M streams globally and has charted the course for the next stage of Nozuka’s career.
“I’m confidently getting back to the roots and music that taught me how to sing and educated me on songwriting in general,” Justin remarks of his new material. “Contemporary R&B music with a keen ear for ‘70’s era recording sounds and techniques. I think R&B melodies and music has an innate quality of deep passion, pain and love. There’s a nostalgia for 90s/2000s R&B that I crave right now. I also feel recording techniques and sounds from the 70s have an unbeaten richness to them. Those two elements together, make for what I believe is damn good, nourishing music.”
Having self-produced some of his earlier projects, he takes a hands-on approach to his craft. It is this precision, intention and dedication that truly characterizes Justin Nozuka as an artist. These same characteristics have allowed people around the world to connect to Nozuka’s music. Whether it’s two JUNO Nominations in his native Canada, a pair of NRJ Awards in France, or sold-out club performances across Europe and the United States, he has touched many listeners and fans throughout his career.
“The last 10 years have been humbling, hard work,” Nozuka reminisces, “but I’m honestly grateful that being a touring and recording artist has remained my life’s passion.”
“No One But You” hints at a timeless body of work forthcoming. Approaching composition, artistic direction and cohesion with a new focus, Nozuka’s new material is intended to move people.
“My job, and hope, is to create an inspired and inspiring experience for people.” Nozuka continues. “An experience that holds the test of time and ripples through culture and society in a meaningful way.”
“Through honesty, passion, and vulnerability, I hope listeners can feel connected to true love with my music.”
