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justifide
Interview by George Martinez (George's bio)

[Be sure to also visit Justifide's web site at: http://www.justifide.com]

Music is an interesting thing to talk about because it identifies people. For that reason, one of the first things I want to know when I meet people for the first time is the style of music they like and what artists they listen to. When someone says "hard rock" followed by "Justifide" I know it's going to be a good conversation.

If you don't know by now, Justifide is an Arizona-based trio made up of Jason on vocals and drums, Sambo on bass, and Joey on lead guitar and back up screaming (more on screaming later). I first heard about Justifide just over a year ago. They were getting their act together and generating such a buzz that Billy Smiley from Cul de Sac Records couldn't help but notice them.

Since that time Justifide has carved out a valuable piece of the Christian hard rock music industry. They recorded their debut album titled Life Outside the Toybox which has sold exceptionally well in local Christian book stores. They also have a promising future touring with leading Christian hard rock bands.

It all started with a family fast. Brothers, Jason and Sambo, had the core makings for a band but during their fast Joey felt like God was pulling him to become a part of Justifide. He faced no objections and Justifide had become complete. Their music comes together as a team effort. Joey said, "We experiment, have fun, play music, jam... We just like to go in the living room and play on it. If it doesn't work that day, we'll say 'Let's try it tomorrow.'"

Justifide's sound is attributed to years of listening to music they like. They will admit that they began with a "softer sound" but it progressed to hard rock as their listening preference changed. This was the right move for them because this is what a large portion of the youth are listening to today. They fit into the same category as POD and Skillet. But don't be fooled, Justifide has a mind of their own. They do not mimic the sound, they create their own.

Jason, who is the lead singer, is backed up vocally by Joey. Joey explains his role like this, "I do back up screaming... There is not really a technique to it like you go to class to scream..." He explains that he never thought that he could scream. Especially because at first it would really hurt. But he developed the ability to endure through practices and shows. Now he said that he knows when he performs incorrectly because it can still hurt when he does it wrong.

No longer simply a "local band" Jason said the biggest changes have been the quality of their recordings and the quality of their show and "We have to make a ton more sacrifices... The sacrifice is greater." He also said "Our hearts are for the kids. That's not going to change." They may have learned that from the example of their parents. Jason and Sambo's mother and father have supported them from the formation of the band just over two years ago. With respect and appreciation in their voices they make it clear that their parents played a large role in their success and they continue to be involved with Justifide as managers.

Their relationship with Billy Smiley began with a production deal to record three songs to shop to labels but quickly turned into a full project. They said it was just a good time for them to come out onto the scene. Ardent Records heard them and signed them. This places them in a unique situation being signed to both Cul de Sac Records and Ardent Records.

When you see Justifide you can't help but notice that they are cool, yet the development of their image was not manufactured. Justifide is simply a trio of young people who are being themselves. They have proud parents and a huge local following.

After the interview we talked very briefly on a friendly basis. I was surprised to discover that they were as interested in me as I was in them. Joey walked up to me and looked at me as though I were important to him. I will never forget how much they wanted to share their life with me and how much they wanted me to share my life with them. As believers in a mighty God they want to impact people's lives with purpose.

My favorite quote: Speaking on the topic of criticism Joey said "When you know God is calling you to do something, don't let anything stop you."

Their CD titled Life Outside the Toybox is currently available in Christian bookstores.

About George Martinez: George Martinez is the founder of Christian Songwriters Resource.com and Publisher of Songwriting, the Journal. Phone 480-964-0710. Online Visit: http://christiansongwritersresource.com