March 29, 2009
Each week, Tumblr selects new artists "On the Radar," and we like to ask a few questions, to keep the rest of us informed. This week, we talk with Cincinnati-based artist, Justin Hite (aka J-10), as he shared his crazy life over the past year, new recordings, and also talks of his upcoming website launch.
Tumblr: So, J:10. What have you been up to? You seem to be staying pretty low, and under-the-wraps lately. What can you tell us about what's been going on in your life?
J.10: Well, it's so nice that you asked. After leaving Los Angeles, and returning home to Cincinnati, I had what most would call an epiphany. It was more like a cross in the road kind of feeling. Literally, the day I returned home, I was met with strife and confusion among those closest to me. 2008, in it's entirety was both the best and most challenging year I've ever endured. It was without a doubt the best thing to ever happen to me. However, things grew quite intense and I was forced to make a few changes immediately upon return, and very few people understand that nature.
Tumblr: We've been listening to the two tracks you leaked onto your Myspace over the past week. They're very interesting, and seem to be a departure from the recent work you did in Fiendish, as well as in Vatica. What brought fourth these tracks, and can we expect more leaks in the near future?
J.10: Yes, the 2 tracks I chose to release are part of a 5-track collection recorded over Spring Break. "If It's Worth It, You'll Go," was a result of a difficult separation I have endured, and that's really the first song I recorded out of this series. It was done in only 2 takes, and the recording is very raw. I wanted it to be real, and no different than if I were playing the song right in front of you, one on one. The other track, "beware," was recorded as intro music to my upcoming website, which I hope to launch in the coming days. And yes, more music is coming. There has always been a 'grand scheme plan,' so to speak, which entails hitting a recording studio, and laying down ALL of the material I've been writing over the past few years, and then, putting together a few other members to play out, live. Those closest to me will know exactly what I'm talking about. My album.
Tumblr: Can you give us any information on your (soon-to-be-announced) website?
J.10: Absolutely. The website is going to combine all of the elements I do. That being, Digital Media and Edits, Fine Art, Recorded Music, Lyrics & Poetry, Short Compositions, Photos, and so much more. This has been coming together for quite some time, and I expect to launch it before Summer. A Main challenge right now for me, is maintaining my academic good-standing. So, while being an artist and self-expressionist, I'm also a student of the game. Hopefully the website will help incorporate all of these elements.
Tumblr: What have been your main sources of inspiration, as an artist?
J.10: Well, growing up, I learned the art of struggle, and what it means. Art has always meant suffering, to some decree. I don't believe we would at all appreciate the beauty in this world, without first identifying with it's pain. Pain and suffering are part of Love. Like when Christ died on the cross. That's ultimate pain and sacrifice, and to me that has always been what art has meant to me. Capturing the bare-essentials of what becomes, "love."
As of late, however, it's been more stripped down. My art is about what i see. It's about who I talk to you every day. It's about the way people make me feel. And it's me firing back at them. I can always tell where I'm at mentally, just by paying attention to what music I will listen to. It never fails. Lately, I've been listening to the new Prodigy record ("Invaders Must Die"), some heavy metal bands - Underoath, Norma Jean, and the new Avenged Sevenfold. But just before that, I was drowning myself with Bayside's acoustic album, Tegan and Sarah's records, "The Con," and "So Jealous," as well as Dave Matthews solo record, "Some Devil." The return to heavier and more uptempo music, to me signifies my own letting go of the negative dwelling, and re-emerging as a person, stronger than before. Like a rising phoenix.
Tumblr: J-10, we thank you for joining Tumblr, and taking the time to answer our questions. We'll watch for the new music, as well as the new website.
J.10: Anytime. Remember, "Nothing worth having comes easy."
Stay connected with J-10: (Links)
VIEW J:10's TUMBLR PAGE!
J:10's Official Myspace page
J:10's Facebook page
J:10 on YouTube
Twitter @ Twitter.com/JustinHiteArt
AIM @ JToThe10
