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Justin Jay Impresses Us Once Again in Second Full Length Album ‘Home’

October 12, 2017 By Brie French-Sorgini

We’ve said it time and again – since emerging onto the scene just a few short years ago, Justin Jay has been one of those rare few whose music continuously ceases to capture our attention. It’s nearly impossible to not be enthralled by his easy-go-lucky tunes and persona – the success of his debut album Fantastic Voyage should speak volumes on this if anything else. Now, Justin Jay is back with the release of his second full length album Home, and it’s as real, raw, and personal as it was meant to be.

Following the amassed craze around Fantastic Voyage, Justin Jay built his own label while continuing to release music on big names like Dirtybird and Hot Creations. But in the midst of us all being mesmerized by Justin Jay’s easy-going, funkalicous music and upbeat presence, we learned that his journey was seemingly anything but. Realizing the success of his first full length album, Justin Jay said he was left with nothing but anxiety and stress, and no other option but to close off and regroup. During this time, he began writing and playing the piano again, and realized “the Fantastic Voyage album was more a point of departure that an arrival. Instrumentation was a far cry from composing on a computer screen…” It was this realization that manifested itself into Home.

Justin Jay recently posted on his Instagram account the perfect summary of it all:

“My new album is called Home. About a year ago, I pumped the brakes on my career. I cancelled a bunch of shows, parted ways with my manager, and moved back in with my parents. I took a stab at singing and writing songs for the first time and a year later, ended up with this album. It was pretty scary/vulnerable at first, but I was so lucky to have support and guidance from my friends. These songs helped me feel good and stay grounded through the bumpy times. Music is pretty cool like that.. So glad to be getting back out there, and sharing the new songs with all of you! <3″

Just as it was meant to be, Home is made up of 14 tracks that Justin Jay recorded on his iPhone in a lo-fi manner, completely unpolished and raw, mirroring an expression of his feelings. The opener and closer “Home Pt. 1” and “Home Pt. 2” are made up of deep, earnest, almost melancholy melodies, that have also been intertwined into his most recent sets. Fans will be familiar with a number of tracks such as “Can’t Hung,” “Stuck Inside My Head,” and “Time.” Following in the Indie-electro style of these songs are ones like “Ease Up,” “Flowers,” and “Apologies.” Just as you think you’ve grasped the feel of the album, it takes an unexpected turn down a deep and dark techno-like realm in “Drive,” before heading towards his house roots in “One Day” featuring Hila Plitmann.

Home is an impressive medley of songs that are upbeat and easy to listen to, but also deep, dynamic, and truly evocative of the emotional roller coaster that was taken to create this work of art.

Out now on his Fantastic Voyage imprint, listen to the full album below or you can check out Home on Spotify.

Tonight, Justin Jay will be celebrating Home at his album release party in LA at Tenants of the Trees, featuring the entire Fantastic Voyage band. Then, he’s set to embark on his 16-date record tour across the US and South America. See full list of tour dates below:

Justin Jay Tour Dates
October 12 – Album Release Party – Los Angeles, CA
October 13 – Albuquerque, NM – Effex Night Club*
October 21 – Santa Barbara, CA – EOS Lounge Compound
November 7 – Fort Collins, CO – Hodi’s Half Note
November 8 – Denver, CO – Bar Standard
November 9 – Salt Lake City, UT – Elevate
November 10 – Las Vegas, NV – Vinyl at Hard Rock Hotel Casino
November 17 – Brooklyn, NY – Good Room*
November 19 – Chandler, AZ – GoldRush*
November 24 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall
November 25 – Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom
December 8 – Austin, TX – The Parish
December 9 – Dallas, TX – Lizard Lounge
December 14 – Anaheim, CA – The Parish at House of Blues
December 31- South Lake Tahoe, CA – SnowGlobe Music Festival
January 6-10 – Port Canaveral, FL – Holy Ship 10.0
DJ sets marked by *