It is an interesting phenomenon that young women exist who are capable of sounding twice their age - in song at least. Ever hear a boy pull that off? You could follow this discrepancy down several puzzling tributaries of interpretation, but in the case of Just Faith it is most germane to simply note that the specific form of intelligence required to mimic an adult personality is strongly indicative of future success in the field of application. This may be seen over and over in the biographies of today's most successful female singers, who one and all developed a sophisticated lyrical style and intricate personal aura before they were teens. Listen to 'Home Sweet Home' and the forming shape of this superb young vocalist's professional identity is already there to behold - gorgeously original and uncompromisingly radio-ready. Independent reporter Blake Wright recently caught up with the beautiful young songbird to talk about her past experiences in music and ambitions for the coming days.
BLAKE: Let's just get this out in the open - what's the craziest thing that's happened to you in your music career?
JUST FAITH: Well I'm only twelve, so I haven't had too many crazy things happen so far! I have had the wrong tracks played when I was scheduled to perform (probably like every other musician). At my last big show, the host was supposed to interview me and my band and I was supposed to do the final song, 'Home Sweet Home'. The host forgot to do the interview and the band was up there waiting to start. I saved my best song for last, so it was really hard to know what to do. The host ended up dismissing the crowd, but we decided to do it anyway as the crowd left... kind of like a dismissal song! A crazy cool thing that came about as a result of this show is that I now have an amazing band. One member toured with Selena Gomez for four years!
BLAKE: Your song ‘Home Sweet Home' is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
JUST FAITH: Actually, at first I didn’t think it was me! I thought it was another artist! When I realized that my song was playing, I immediately posted on social media asking for people to listen and request!
BLAKE: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
JUST FAITH: The inspiration behind 'Home Sweet Home' came from the book/movie 'Heaven is for Real.' It's about three year old Colton Burpo, who got appendicitis and was about to die, but was rushed to a hospital to have surgery and was healed. Not long after he started telling his parents stories that a three year old could not have known. He said angels sang to him in Heaven, he saw his Grandpa that he didn't even know about and his sister that died in his mother's womb. 'Home Sweet Home' is my concept of Heaven!
BLAKE: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
JUST FAITH: Most of my songs come from my experience. For example, I wrote the song 'Ripples & Rapids' because of a friend who was going through incredible trials. Her mother passed away, her father was in jail, and her grandfather had recently died. 'Ripples & Rapids' is about persevering through trials and leaning on each other with God's help. I wrote my anti-bullying song 'Nametags' about the effect name-calling has on people, especially when you don't know what is really going on in their lives. Everyone is unique and has their own gift or calling. I like to encourage people to find out what that is!
BLAKE: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
JUST FAITH: I would characterize myself as down-to-earth, however I like to write about the real things that affect people - being happy with who you are, persevering through trials, bullying, etc. I really love to help people through the music that I write.
BLAKE: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
JUST FAITH: I have several amazing team members - a music producer, mentor, band members, photographer, and of course my family. Each person has helped me take my music and performance to new levels. I wouldn't be where I am without their involvement and support.
BLAKE: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
JUST FAITH: Yes, my grandmother was a concert pianist at age eleven. My mom also grew up playing piano. I have a great uncle and second cousin who have both written and recorded music.
BLAKE: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
JUST FAITH: The most rewarding part about being an artist is sharing my music and message with others. I write music that I hope will encourage people and lift them up - not bring them down. Last month I had the chance to perform a full concert for the Bully Prevention Extravaganza at Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro, CA. Not only did I get to sing all of my original songs, but I got to share encouraging words about the topic. The most challenging thing about being an artist is the practicing!
BLAKE: Who are your role models in music?
JUST FAITH: Flyleaf - love their style/genre. Skillet - I grew up listening to Skillet and love their music, style and message! Colton Dixon - he has an amazing voice, never gives up and has super cool hair! Jonathan Thulin - he is very creative with his musical compositions and songwriting. Lecrae - I really admire his pure soul and moving lyrics.
BLAKE: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
JUST FAITH: My most memorable performance was actually my first one - in front of a large audience of about a thousand people at AMTC's Shine in Florida several years ago! It was at this show that I got my first taste of performing in front of a large audience. I had such a great time it encouraged me to continue performing and developing my vocal and songwriting skills!
BLAKE: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
JUST FAITH: Keep practicing, never give up, take things one step at a time, and know what energy you want to display!
BLAKE: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
JUST FAITH: I just released my full album 'Home Sweet Home' (including ten original songs) on iTunes, Amazon, etc. in May 2015, as well as my first music video 'Ripples & Rapids.' I am looking forward to performing at as many venues as possible, opening for local bands, recording my next music video, and possibly collaborating on a new single!
BLAKE: It is such a pleasure to speak with young, talented musicians like yourself. We are sure your buoyant spirit and strong work ethic will take you to the highest altitudes of the craft!
http://www.justfaithmusic.com
