Songwriter Justy Creates Songs Celebrating Intersectionality
Twenty-three-year-old independent singer/songwriter, Justy, from Staten Island, New York began writing music at 12 years old. In 2016 she released her debut EP Saudade V1 which garnered press from lead singles such as “Can’t Explain It.” Her unique blend of R&B, Jazz, hip-hop, on songs like “Feelings” have given listeners a perfect blend of nostalgic and contemporary rhythm and projects such as 1995 (2017) and Soul Food (2017) contributed to her growing buzz. The young artist has recently released her first single, Insecure, which touches on deeper themes surrounding vulnerability chasing one’s dreams.
Justy’s debut single, “Insecure,” which was produced by Lug Soda, was released at the end of August 2018 to a great reception. The relatable lyrics and smooth melodies transport listeners to a safe relatable space where they are free to display their own insecurities as well.
"When you’re an artist, you have a pedestal that you are put on."
“I wrote ‘Insecure’ to open a window of vulnerability amongst myself and my listeners,” Justy wrote in a post on her Facebook page. “After the reception, I realized it opened the floor for others to display their insecurities as well, and so, I was able to put together this ‘Insecure’ instaseries.”
In September 2018 the music video for the track directed by Justy and BH was released. The visual opens to an aerial shot of New York with a warm filter that emits a laid back and somber vibe. Justy enters onto a split screen singing the track as the screen is overlaid with what seems to be old flickering film. We see Justy singing in various locations around the city.
The music video “showcases the struggles within one’s self and who they want to be. In this particular scenario, an independent artist trying to provide for those around them while pursuing their dream,” as stated in the video’s description on YouTube.
Other music from Justy takes a moment to celebrate and bring to light topics that she holds dear. As a queer black woman, her self-written lyrics elevate untold stories of people who span the diverse and intersectional minority.
“When I was growing up in school, they weren’t teaching me or showing me a lot of powerful black people, let alone powerful black women.”
“I went with it and did my own thing,” said Justy in the interview, Conversations With: Justy. When you’re an artist, you have a pedestal that you are put on. It doesn’t matter if you are an artist at my stage or you are a huge artist. With your little bit of power, you should use it to spread awareness towards things that you genuinely care about, things that are underappreciated.”
Justy’s music takes an emotional and thought-provoking dive into the topics of friendship, love, political climates, the music industry, and self-awareness. She brings forth a refreshing take on much needed positive representation.
“When I was growing up in school, they weren’t teaching me or showing me a lot of powerful black people, let alone powerful black women,” said Justy. “A lot of my life is surrounded by black women. My mom was a single mom for a good amount of time. My entire family is filled with black women, and my friends are beautiful black women. So, with a song like “Q.U.E.E.N,” it was very much about the people in my life.”
You can stream the single now on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Music, and TIDAL. Justy will also be performing alongside AM, Terrance Mack, Suky, Huas, Leksi, Jacie, and Jahvel at the Justy & Friends showcase at Muchmore’s NYC in Brooklyn, NY on Sunday, November 18th. “Soul Food: An Album” is slated for release later this month November 30, 2018.