Justin Nozuka
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Justin Nozuka | |
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 Justin Nozuka at Quincy's in Calgary, AB
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Justin Tokimitsu Nozuka |
| Born | September 29, 1988 |
| Origin | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Genre(s) | Folk, Acoustic Soul |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Label(s) | Coalition Entertainment |
| Website | http://www.justinnozuka.com, http://www.justinnozuka.co.uk |
Justin Nozuka (b. September 29, 1988) is a Canadian singer/songwriter. His debut album Holly has been released in Europe and Canada. 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. He recently graduated from the Etobicoke School of the Arts. He is the brother of R&B singer George, and actor Philip.
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[edit] Biography
Justin Tokimitsu Nozuka was born on September 29, 1988 in New York to a Japanese father, Hiromitsu, and American mother, Holly Sedgwick (sister of actress Kyra Sedgwick)[1]. His parents divorced at age 3 and at 8 he and his family moved to Toronto, Canada. He is the sixth of seven children.
Nozuka first performed to his family at the age of 10, to which is sister remarked on how his "voice is like Christina Aguilera's."[2]. Nozuka began writing his own songs at age 12 and the earliest of his songs on Holly, "Supposed to Grow Old" and "I'm in Peace," were written when he was 15 following an early relationship [3]. While attending St. Andrews College, an international boarding school in Aurora, Ontario, Justin learned to play guitar from Mexican classmates. From there, he went to the Etobicoke School of the Arts, where he cultivated his musical and theatrical skills. During his time at the Etobicoke School of the Arts, Nozuka appeared in two musicals including a leading role in Cats playing RumTumTugger. His musical influences stem from artists such as Lauryn Hill and Marvin Gaye.[4]
With help from a fellow Canadian artist, Damhnait Doyle, whom he met at a song writing workshop, Justin was introduced to Universal Records talent scout, Allan Reid. He recorded three tracks through Universal with Bill Bell as producer, and following this, Universal requested to sign Justin to their label, but he decided he wanted to "record an album on my own, with my own freedom"[5]. He has played at the Green room stage at the Irish music festival Oxegen and T in the Park in 2007. Just recently, he has been on tour across Canada with Hayley Sales.
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. Nozuka recently traveled to Austin, Texas to take part in the SXSW Music Festival as well as being interviewed by many radio stations in the area.
The album has eleven songs to it and includes a hidden track following the final listed song "If I Gave You My Life". Many of Justin's songs deal with mature themes such as the song "Save Him", which draws from a story about an abusive relationship involving two people in the flat next door. Another track, "Down in a Cold Dirty Well", is about his perspective being stuck in a well, watching his life flash before his eyes. Another track is "Criminal" where Justin tells the story of an intoxicated young man who makes the mistake of shattering a glass bottle on the streets "where children play with bare feet" [6], and suffers from the overwhelming guilt.
Holly is named after his mother who helped and supported his chosen career in music. She also funded the album when he decided not to sign with a major record label and become his own individual artist.
In February 2008, Nozuka was nominated for a Juno award in the category of "New Artist of the Year". Although honored to be nominated for a Juno, Justin feels that "its (not) too necessary as far as building a career in music." [7].
[edit] TV
Justin and his brother, George, had cameo appearances in a Season 4 episode of Degrassi: The Next Generation, entitled "Modern Love". They played Chuck and Chad Hosoda, respectfully, along side with their brother Philip who had a recurring role as Chester Hosoda on the series.
Around the same time, Justin also starred as Tony in a small-budget, short-film titled "I Am..." directed by Alan So. The film provides an interesting first person view of modern high school life.
[edit] Discography
Holly (2006)
Song list:
- Down In A Cold Dirty Well
- Golden Train
- Be Back Soon
- Mr Therapy Man (Single, 2007)
- Supposed To Grow Old
- After Tonight (Single, 2007)
- Criminal (Single, 2007)
- I'm In Peace
- Oh Momma
- Save Him
- If I Gave You My Life
- Don't Listen To A Word You've Heard (BONUS TRACK)
[edit] B-Sides
- Why
- Lullabye
- (Sitting On The) Dock Of The Bay (Cover)
[edit] Music videos
- Mr. Therapy Man (Holly, 2007)
- Criminal (Holly, 2007)
- After Tonight (Holly, 2007)
[edit] Upcoming reviews
- Soften Her Heart (Untitled)
- 'Elizabeth' A whispered name (Untitled)
- Echoes (Untitled)
- Japanese Blossom (BONUS TRACK)
[edit] References
- ^ CBC Radio 2 Blog Article on Justin Nozuka, Emerging Retrieved on 9 June 2008
- ^ Interview with Contact Music Retrieved on 15 July 2007
- ^ Interview with FaceCulture Retrieved on 1 April 2008
- ^ Official Biography from justinnozuka.co.uk Retrieved on 15 July 2007
- ^ Interview with TeenSpot.com Retrieved on 15 July 2007
- ^ Official lyrics page Retrieved on 1 April 2008
- ^ eTalk Canada Extended Video Interview Retrieved 1 April 2008
