Born in Melbourne, Australia, to an English father & South African mother, Justin Stephenson was raised under the influence of a very musical family & began singing and playing piano at the age of 2. Since achieving a Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Music in 2001 (majoring in Jazz Vocal) in Brisbane, Justin has taken his talents to Sydney and Melbourne, notably the Australia Day celebrations at Hyde Park in Sydney in 2001, and at the Melbourne Jazz Festival in 2004. Both of these performances were in collaboration with his two aunts - Trude and Anastasia Aspeling who are accomplished vocalists in Sydney & Melbourne respectively. Justin has also performed with the likes of soul/funk singer/bassist Doug Williams, & master Melbourne jazz pianist Bob Sedergreen, as well as Bob's son, Stephen, also a jazz pianist. Justin has an endless number of vocal & musical influences, including the many talented musicians he has been closely associated with over the years. These influences shine through in his brilliant vocal and band arrangements. Justin is also an accomplished composer & arranger - his greatest achievement being the collation of a Soul/Funk show, arranged for an 18-piece band (rhythm, horn & string sections) with a 20-piece choir (SATB). Justin not only arranged & scored the entire show, but also fronted the band, vocally & musically. Justin has also been able to use his vocal, composition & arranging talent for the Lords' work, having been brought up a NEW APOSTOLIC christian, arranging for the churches' choirs & orchestras in Australia & the UK. Since relocating to London UK in 2006, J-FUNK has created & recorded many tracks, compiling his debut album. J-FUNK creations embrace the "Funkasoul" genre, blending catchy melodies, slick vocal & instrumental harmony, funky rhythms & jazz orientated chords. J-FUNK’s debut album “Breakthru†is available now independently on CD or mp3 (and every other download form!!)
2008 brought much success for J-FUNK, with many gigs around London featuring the awesome live band.
The biggest 2008 achievement undoubtably was the success of signing a record contract with Ismael Records - an upcoming Independent label based in the USA. J-FUNK is currently writing & recording his new album due for release mid 2009...
real editor best profile tools
J-FUNK in shot...
..
J-FUNK'S 2008 shows all around London...
..
