“But tomorrow if a golden train came to take you away,
Would you go or would you stay?” – Justin Nozuka

I’m excited. One of my favorite artists is playing here in San Diego tonight at Porter’s Pub at UCSD. Only a month ago, I updated Ticketmaster to give me alerts with my favorite artists and then, voila, one of my top choices appears in my city! I can’t wait to watch him live… once I make it through another quiet work day, where everyone (including myself) is already on “Holiday Mode.” The only tragic thing, is one of my closest friends is a big Justin fan too…but he lives miles away and isn’t available to go with me! I thank him for being the person to really make me appreciate the beauty of the guitar…when I’ve always been a piano girl.

Here is a perfect blurb I found on the flyer comparing him to another favorite artist of mine… Ray LaMontagne.

“Blending elements of neo-soul, folk, old-time blues and pop, Justin has the guts of Ray LaMontagne and the soul of Lauryn Hill.

This guitar slinging aficionado has the street smarts of an urban swinger and the heart-bending soul of a gospel preacher, and is adept at blending a dark, bluesy Americana vibe with warm, acoustic soul where bits of old folk music and flamenco tunes swirl in and out of earshot.”

Hey everyone!
With it being Holiday season (otherwise known as cold and flu season) it has probably been a rough week for some of you as it has for us. Thankfully it is almost Friday! Before we get there though, here is this week’s edition of asapmusicblog’s playlists!
Enjoy!
P.S Thank you all for your continued support of the blog!

F’s Playlist:
1. The Man Who Can’t Be Moved – The Script
2. A Place In This World – Taylor Swift
3. Before We Come Undone – Kris Allen
4. Lean On Me – Glee Cast
5. Hackensack (Live) – Katy Perry
6. Papa Don’t Preach – Madonna
7. Quiet – Lights
8. Raining Here – The Midway State
9. Where Did You Go – Jets Overhead
10. Save Him – Justin Nozuka

J’s Playlist:
1. Penguin, James Penguin – Brad Paisley
2. I Can’t Win – Default
3. Can’t Breathe – Leona Lewis
4. Trap Door – OneRepublic
5. Living in the Sky with Diamonds – Cobra Starship
6. Always – Switchfoot
7. Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
8. Broken – Leona Lewis
9. Whataya Want From Me – Adam Lambert
10. Use Somebody – Laura Jansen

 
când vrei să strângi în braţe nu ai pe cine.
când vrei să dai un telefon sunt toţi plecaţi.
când eşti la pământ cine se interesează de tine?
cui îi pasă? cui o să-i pese vreodată?

înţelege-mă iubeşte-mă, nu-mi trebuie partuze, nici conversaţie,
fii iubita mea permanentă.
hai să uităm regula jocului, să nu mai ştim că sexul e o junglă.
să ne ataşăm, să ajungem la echilibru.
 
dar nu sper nimic. nu primeşti dragoste
când ai nevoie de dragoste.
când trebuie să iubeşti nu eşti iubit.
când eşti la pamânt nici o femeie nu te cunoaşte.

P.S:So what did you say about “after tonight”?Pentru ca am nevoie….

Name: Justin Nozuka

Hometown: Toronto, ON

Label: Coalition Entertainment

Download this: ‘Criminal’
.

.

.

.

.

In just one listen to any of Justin Nozuka’s songs, it feels as though you are staring straight into his eyes, and understanding everything he is trying to convey to you. It is with this degree of soulfulness that makes Justin Nozuka a step above the rest.

While many artists would jump at the first opportunity to sign a record deal, Nozuka was persistent in making an album the way that he wanted to sound. The result of that was his 2007 debut album, ‘Holly’, which garnered him critical acclaim in North America and overseas. On ‘Holly’, there are not only tracks that date back to Nozuka’s younger years, but also shows off his songwriting talent.

Tracks such as ‘Criminal’ and ‘Down In a Cold Dirty Well’ are stemmed from ideas and inspiration, and Nozuka puts himself in that particular perspective much like a method actor would. It’s easy to write about your own experiences, but the beauty of his songwriting undoubtedly works in his favour, and he pulls it off well. His music is the kind that could be playing in a huge room full of people, but it pulls you in and then simply, things fall into perspective and focus.

Nozuka is currently on a North American tour along with Sam Bradley, and though his sophomore album ‘Gray’ has yet to have a confirmed release date, fans can get a taste of the new material and have something to look forward to. Check out http://justinnozuka.com or http://myspace.com/justinnozuka for more information and details.

JAM OUT

I love skank-a-danking to this CHOON.

JOCKIN’ JAY-Z

Jamiroquai. Yes. My ker-a-zee, inspiring friend ZAZ always makes me want to listen to them.

DO DO DO DOOOOOOOOOOOO….”Too Young To Die” Live in London ‘95. Love this performance

J is also for…

<3 Janet. That is how you dance.

John Mayer. BAM-dam-DOO.

Alls I can say is “Heartbreak Warfare”. Check this ISH out.

I <3 Mayer.

Continuum = one of my favourite records.

Let’s hope “Battle Studies” out on Nov 17th is just as good.

H’okay I’m throwing a lot of videos at ya, but it’s so essential and J is just too good a letter – so much talent.

This is a TUNE. Love his tone, love this song. If you have never checked for Mr Justin Nozuka. Do so NOW>

“Stay low in MEXICO”

I swear the list is endless, Jazmine Sullivan, John Legend, JIMI HENDRIX (don’t you worry, he needs his own post! Soon!), JC Chasez, James Brown, Jason Mraz,

Jan A.P. Kaczmarek….

Beautiful.

JANELLE took to the stage last night at Siren Studios, Hollywood CA.

That’s all for now. I could go on and on. J…is for JUST ENJOY.

I want to meet Justin Nozuka! All I have to do is name is band members. Should be easy enough, right?

As a side note, I’ll probably be promoting him on this blog a lot, now that I’m a part of the street team.

I’ve never actually met band members. =( I hear a variety of things; they’re awesome, they’re cool, they can be jackasses. I think the same can be said for anyone who has some level of fame. I’ve met Broadway actors and actresses and Yankee players. Most of them have been nice, saying hello and thank you, allowing pictures and giving out autographs. Some just brush you off, they have no time for the fans. True, you’re throwing yourself in their face, but there’s no need to be rude.

Example: I went to see The Little Mermaid on Broadway last year. I was eighteen. After the musical ended, I decided to hang back with my friends to see if we could get pictures and autographs before the buses left. Lucky us, we were able to snag Prince Eric, King Triton and one of the eels. Prince Eric was played by Sean Palmer ( Sex and the City fans might recognize that name–I think he had a short stint on that show). An attractive man, kind enough to sign our autographs. He took one look at my friends and I and said “A little bit old to be here, don’t you think?” Ouch. ”No” was my reply. Who is Sean Palmer to judge?

But that’s not the point of this blog. What I love about streetteams, and artists with official streetteams are the opportunities. A chance to meet your favorite musical act is probably one of the most coveted and awesome experiences ever. You can chat with them, take pictures, get your autograph done. And sometimes, if it’s a prize to be won or given out, the time limit is more than just the few seconds. It can be five or ten minutes, maybe even greater. And you get to know the artist as a person, as a human being (a little bit) instead of him/her being on a musical pedestal. That’s just so cool.

It also gives you spectacular bragging rights

that golden train came.

korean food, you nourish my soul.
parks, you give me hope.
roommate, you comfort, and i love you for it.

love

_ Les Docks _

_ (08:35pm) opening concert by Lesley Meguid _

_ _

_ _

————–with Christina Courtin
Oct 15 – Eddie’s Attic – Decatur, GA
Oct 16 – The End – Nashville, TN
Oct 17 – Bottle Tree – Birmingham, AL
Oct 18 – The Rocket Club – Asheville, NC
Oct 19 – The Southern – Charlottesville, VA
Oct 20 – The Evening Muse – Charlotte, NC
Oct 22 – The Barns at Wolf Trap – Vienna, VA
Oct 23 – The Saint – Asbury Park, NJ
Oct 30 – Tralfamadore Cafe – Buffalo, NY

——————-with Justin Nozuka
Nov 03 – Webster Hall – New York, NY
Nov 04 – Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA
Nov 05 – Sixth and I Historic Synagogue – Washington, DC
Nov 06 – Trocadero – Philadelphia, PA
Nov 07 – Rams Head on Stage – Annapolis, MD
Nov 10 – Center Stage – Atlanta, GA
Nov 11 – Mercury Lounge – Nashville, TN
Nov 12 – Park West – Chicago, IL
Nov 13 – Varsity Theatre – Minneapolis, MN
Nov 14 – Slowdown – Omaha, NE
Nov 17 – The Fox Theatre – Boulder, CO
Nov 19 – Antone’s – Austin, TX
Nov 20 – Meridian – Houston, TX
Nov 24 – Porter’s Pub – La Jolla, CA
Nov 25 – Saint Rocke – Hermosa Beach, CA
Nov 27 – The Glass House – Pomona, CA
Nov 28 – House of Blues – West Hollywood, CA
Nov 29 – Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA
Dec 01 – John Henry’s – Eugene, OR
Dec 02 – Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR
Dec 03 – Neumo’s – Seattle, WA

Justin Nozuka. He is a Japanese-American singer-songwriter and his music is considered folk, blues and indie. His debut album “Holly” is already out and his sophomore album “Gray” will be released in 2010. Nozuka’s music is refreshing to hear today especially with the current, mainstream music being polluted by acts such as T-Pain, Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers. You can sample his music on purevolume.com, Facebook or Myspace and reverbnation.com. Below is his hit single “After Tonight.”

See what I just did? I promoted an artist I support. Whoever reads this blog may or may not invest some time in Justin Nozuka. If they like him, maybe they’ll buy his music, or go to one of his concerts, or share his music with a friend. This promotion of a musical artist is known as street-teaming. It’s a job that doesn’t require much effort, unless you want to put in a lot of your time. It involves a range of activities from handing out posters and flyers, to showing up to public events as support, to posting links online and even selling merchandise. You can do it unofficially or officially. Most kids my age do it for free, and may sometimes be rewarded with special tickets or a prize. Professionals get paid and get to interact with the artist.

But it’s a really awesome job. I was part of the Fueled by Ramen label street team a few years back. They mailed us posters, stickers, flyers and demos to hand out. I passed it on to most of my friends and people I met at concerts. You’re also part of community that shares your love for whomever you’re supporting. You make new friends, go to new places, enjoy and experience new things. It’s a wonderful feeling, knowing that you’re helping someone with their claim to fame. And it’s very rewarding when you finally see that artist climb to the top of the charts and thank the fans that supported since the beginning, especially if you’re there from the beginning.

Musical street-teaming can lead you onto other paths. If music’s not your thing, you can support causes and non-profit organizations. There you’re making a difference in the world. What’s better than that?

I’ve been half in love with Justin Nozuka for a couple of years, and now he’s on tour in the US. Until now he was out on a crazy European tour, like Jason Mraz was, playing in ridiculous places like Luxembourg and Reykjavik. OK, I don’t know if he really played either of those places, but he sure as hell wasn’t in Dallas, OKC, or anywhere within a reasonable driving distance. And I’m too poor to fly to Bordeaux for a coffee shop appearance, regardless of the level of OMG I might be feeling.

So, turns out he is in the States now, and is playing in Dallas, and I do have three tickets in my possession for the show on November 21st. Certain Friend B is more excited than I expected, and Certain Friend A is just now finding out about him but is equally enthusiastic. Personally, if he does Ain’t No Sunshine and I’m standing within 20 feet of his person, I will consider the two year wait and ticket prices null and void. And even though the last concert pretty much sealed the happy-death deal, I don’t know. I might die ecstatic.

For Certain Friend B, because I miss you, too. November’s not so far away

Sam announced today, via his twitter account, that he has posted NEW tour dates for November and December on his myspace page (which has a new fab look to it).

He will be touring in support of Justin Nozuka, who is about to release his second album and was nominated in 2008 for a Juno award.  Hopefully this pairing will be a good thing for Sam as it will help him to reach a much larger audience and introduce new people to his music.

Congrats Sam! We look forward to the new shows!

Are you not following Sam on Twitter yet?? Why the heck not? Go follow him here and while your at it, why not follow the little Shack of Soul, too?

Photo Courtesy of Karie T.

This is my very first post!

So two days ago I heard a song from Justin Nozuka (Canadian singer) it’s called “Swan in the Water”, it’ll feature on his upcoming album due sometime very soon. You can download the demo for free from his site www.justinnozuka.com.

It’s an absolutely amazing song, the voice and the lyrics draw and keep you in. it’s definitely a must listen, it’s already got a play count of 40 on my iTunes

You should also give his first album “Holly” a listen.

The Winchester in Cleveland would like to say congratulations to Marié Digby on the release of her second album, “Breathing Underwater.”  Marié graced The Winchester’s stage along with Justin Nozuka and Eric Hutchinson on May 22nd, 2008.  Good luck into the future, Marié!

Marie Digby (Esquire Magazine Photo)

From Marié’s Myspace Page (www.myspace.com/mariedigby):

Marié Digby first hit the national stage when a homemade video of her performing an acoustic cover of Rihanna’s “Umbrella” made her a YouTube phenom (see video below).  “That was a really wonderful way to start. I could present myself exactly as I wanted,” says Digby, who first started writing her own songs at age 15 on a $50 guitar she bought on a whim.

Her first album, Unfold, debuted at 29 on the Billboard chart, 2 on the iTunes album chart, 3 on Billboard’s Digital Top 100 album chart and prompted a successful string of film and television placements for her songs including ER, Greek, The Hills, One Tree Hill, and Smallville.

Her brand new album “Breathing Underwater” will be out on Sept. 15th 2009 everywhere in the U.S. and Sept. 7th on Amazon.com (www.amazon.com.)

From the opening beats of Breathing Underwater, the listener encounters a bold new Marié Digby.  In marked contrast to the stripped-down vibe of her debut disc, Unfold, the album’s fuller sound enhances Marié’s (pronounced Mar-ee-AY) emotionally rich storytelling and dramatic vocals. The album is a deeply personal snapshot of her life—full of the kind of exposed emotions that make great songs.

“When I was making the album I was falling for someone—someone real and someone in front of me—and that was really scary,” she continues. “There were days when I thought, this most wonderful thing I’ve ever felt. And there were days when I was tormented. That intensity came through in the songs.”

A video of Marié Digby performing her song “Better Off Alone” on 5/22/08 at The Winchester in Cleveland:

A video of Marié performing a much-seen version of Rhianna’s “Umbrella“:

Justin Tokimitsu Nozuka (born September 29, 1988) is a Canadian/American singer-songwriter. His debut album Holly has been released in Europe, Canada, Japan and the United States. He has licensed the album to indie label Coalition Entertainment Records, distributed by Warner Music in Canada, Outcaste Records in the UK/EU distributed by EMI and Glassnote Music in the US distributed by RED.

Very impressive indeed. Anyway, I heard of this guy through a friend reference (Thanks Tammy!). The moment I heard of this song, my memory flashed back right to the time I feel like pampering this girl I was with. How I wish everything works out and you feel better soon. You’re always in my heart.

*JUMP*

There’s something in your eyes
Is everything all right?
You look up to the sky
You long for something more, Darlin’
Give me your right hand
I think I understand, follow me
And you will never have to wish again

I know that after tonight
You don’t have to look up
At the stars no no no no
And I know by the end of tonight
You don’t have to look up at the stars
And I know if the love is alright
You don’t have to look up
At the stars no no no no
I know by the end of tonight
You don’t have to look up at the stars
No no no no no no no no no

Camp is in full force. There is something going everyday (pretty much) till the end of the season. I cannot believe its almost over! 

I’ve just returned from a long trip to Camden, Maine. It was such a nice time. Even though it rained while we where putting up the tents. Everyone had such good attitudes that made it was so much fun. The only thing to complain about is that I’m a little sore from sleeping on the ground. Rocks included. 

I’m so very excited for this weekend my old friend Seth comes up to camp to visit. Seth and I worked with each other two years ago at camp and we’ve kept in touch ever since. He is such an amazing jewelry artist. I envy his attention to detail and drive for perfection.  I can’t wait to have an awesome weekend with old friends and new friends. The plan so far is line dancing, dinner out, and shenanigans! 

Speaking of new friends, I love love love Michelle and Erin. Michelle works in Nature Arts and Crafts (NAC) and Erin works in enamel. I received such a great welcome home from them last night when I came back from my long trip.  We hung out at  last night at Tim Horton’s. Where they made sandwiches at the restaurant from sandwich stuffin’s they got at walmart. Oh good times. I love the art shop’s craziness.

Recently I’ve been loving Justin Nozuka. He’s a Canadian/American, who’s acoustic sounds have been making my summer mood very mellow. I like, alot. 

Here are some photos from my life recently. 

Snap Peas from the Farmers Market.

Day Off Group!

Megan and the Sea

Last night, I went to go watch my friends Matt and Bryan perform at Lucia in Kirkland.

I haven’t seen these guys in forever, they’ve been away on tour and such and they just told me the great news that they had been signed to the label Sound Records and Entertainment. I made a post about their band Bekker before  w/ some videos of their performances, but last night I brought both my cameras out to snap some pictures as well as record videos. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize that the recordings on this other camera would suck so hard. These two are amazing and I’m so happy for them and can’t wait to see what great things will come their way in the near future.

click more for pictures and another video. Also to listen to more music from Matt and Bryan click here

This may not be related to music in Asia, but Justin Nozuka is half Japanese and you know what this is my blog I can give shout-outs to artists of Asian heritage.

I’ve always loved this song, so it’s nice to see a music video to go with it. As some of my friends can attest to, I was very anti-Justin-growing-out-his-hair in the beginning (hey, I missed the circa 2006 buzzcut), but I admit it looks really good longer now. Worthy enough to add to my “Guys Who’s Hair I Envy” list. It kinda reminds me of the 90s. Ironically, my hair got shorter and his hair got longer around the same time.

Uhh back to the topic at hand….the music video. It’s good, the type of music video I would expect Justin to put out.

As much as I love the songs from his first CD, I’m excited to see what else he comes up with.

non è proprio da me fare certi orari, ma poi alla fine, chissenefrega — una volta ogni tanto si possono fare piccoli strappi alla regola..

sono appena rimasto a guardare l’alba rotterdamese e il sole sorgere al laghetto qui vicino, tra luci di lampioni e palazzi in lontanaza.. naturalmente, quindi, prima di andare a dormire sentivo il dovere di scrivere due righe, tanto per non dimenticare attimi di questo primo anno all’estero, il quale, poco a poco, va concludendosi..

due cose volevo dire in questo post: la prima è che è stato troppo bello sentirmi un pò partecipe ad una grigliata tenutasi a 2000 km di distanza, capendo che sono proprio queste occasioni, tra tante altre cose, che mi fanno venire nostalgia di casa, e nostalgia di un’estate sempre più remota..

la seconda cosa è che mi sentivo quasi obbligato a dedicare una canzone a questa nottata, ormai trasformatasi in una (quasi) mattinata.. ed eccola qui:

già che ci sono voglio scrivere altre due cose: sono felicissimo per le numerose, varie e belle notizie che mi arrivano da amici cari e gli uccellini cominciano a cinguettare nel vicinato..

per il testo della canzone cliccate sotto — e se avete un attimo di relax, godetevela..

She loves him more, he loves her more
Seems like they aint ever gonna let each other go
Laughing and kissin’
It’s a match made in heaven
Behind the rings on their fingers
Imprints the ink deep in the inner
That has stained their souls together now
Stained ’soul mates’ forever now
Seems like they’ve made it to the other side
Where the grass is greener and the sky is always blue
And it goes on forever and ever
But there is only room for two
Deep at night
I’m awakened from my dreams
Next door yelling, cries, ‘Mercy’
she is begging please
‘Don’t end my life you’re all I need’
And darling I will never leave, never leave
And then she prayed on her knees
She said

She loves him more, he loves her more
Seems like they ain’t never let each other go
Laughing and kissin’
It’s a match made in heaven

A blend of essential musical elements of neo-soul, folk, old-time blues and pop are what make up Justin Nozuka’s music unique; and worth listening to. If one could evaluate his music style, Justin states that he has “the gusts of Ray LaMontagne and the soul of Lauryn Hill.”

This rising ‘indie’ artist has the “street smarts of an urban swinger and the heart-bending soul of a gospel preacher. ” His music consist of a ‘bluesy Americana vibe with warm, acoustic soul where bits of old folk music and flamenco tunes’ swirl in an out of earshot. It’s like beautiful poetry for the ears.

Nozuka is half Japanese, half American; he was born September 29, 1988 in New York and grew up in Toronot, Canada. He was raised by a single mother, he is the sixth child of seven, all his four brothers are artist in some form. Nozuka state as a teen, he spun Motown, folk and hip-hop as he fleshed out his music skills learning guitar with his Mexican friends at boarding school.

In his short career has has managed to snag stage-time with John Cale, Crowded House, Ziggy Marley, Sam Roberts, Jully Black and Xavier Rudd. Recently, Nozuka’s song “After Tonight” has been featured in a commercial for “Scott Baio IS 46 … and Pregnant” on VH1 and has also been featured on mtvU’s The Freshman.

Today on New Music Monday, I will be speaking about the greatness that is Justin Nozuka. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Justin Nozuka, isn’t new.” Of course he isn’t, he’s been out for some time now, but the reason for this revelation on him and his wonderful music is to enlighten those who may have otherwise looked over his music. I mean how is that possible? His music encompasses quite a few styles that will grasp people’s attention after the first listen of any of his songs.

At the age of twenty Justin Nozuka, is experiencing a great buzz about his music and a buzz from the fans, that are firm believers in his talent. I have told many of my friends about his music and in turn, have gotten them hooked on this talented young man. Not many at his age can say that they can experience having their own CD out as well as touring the world doing what they love the most.

Here’s a little bit more about Justin Nozuka . . .

Blending elements of neo-soul, folk, old-time blues and pop, Justin has the guts of Ray LaMontagne and the soul of Lauryn Hill.

This guitar slinging aficionado has the street smarts of an urban swinger and the heart-bending soul of a gospel preacher, and is adept at blending a dark, bluesy Americana vibe with warm, acoustic soul where bits of old folk music and flamenco tunes swirl in and out of earshot.

Half Japanese, half American Justin Nozuka was born in New York and grew up in Toronto, Raised by a single mother, Justin was the sixth of seven children, where all four of his brothers are artists in some form. As a teen, he spun Motown, folk and hip-hop as he fleshed out his music skills learning guitar with his Mexican friends at boarding school.

During his short career, Justin has already snagged stage time with John Cale, Crowded House, Ziggy Marley, Sam Roberts, Jully Black and Xavier Rudd.

It’s open aired honesty tightly knit. You’ve discovered something that’s all your own yet it spans back stories and countries to fill a million yards and a hundred theatres. This could be Central Park, could be Massy Hall.

To read more on Justin Nozuka, his upcoming events, or just to feed you’re already growing obsession head on over to: http://www.justinnozuka.com/ .

Now without firther ado . . . the songs that started it all for me:

And . . .

Pretty friggin’ amazing, huh? You can’t help but feel his music. Disagree? Agree? Let me know what you think of his sound in a comment.

so ever since pandora sent me an e-mail telling me there’s gonna be a 40-HR limit per month, I sorta freaked out and haven’t been on it in a while. so instead I turn to youtube which has no limit

& I’ve just been mindlessly watching videos from the michael jackson memorial, random music videos (marie digby – feel & justin nozuke – golden train)