About Me
LOCAL LEWIS SHOULD NOT BE OVER LOOKED-Everyone calls themselves a musician nowadays, but it is rare to find someone who knows more than the mainstream bands and can tell you the background behind genres of music. After meeting local artist and University of Louisville sophomore Justin Lewis, though, it becomes evident that there are people who play just for the love of music and not in hopes of becoming rich.Lewis is not going to be trying out for "American Idol" anytime soon, but that doesn't mean he has no intention of sharing his music with other people.Lewis is a self taught guitarist who has been playing for about three years and performing for little over one. For now, though, he doesn't have an album recorded, but he hopes to try and record in May. He makes his education his first priority."That's why I'm not recording until May and that's why you won't see many show listings on my Myspace. Right now I'm focusing on school," he said.Lewis may not know what he wants to do with his schooling (he still hasn't declared his major) but he said, "I like kids a whole lot. I like helping people. Maybe I can do something with that and music too."Like many people, Lewis doesn't like the direction music has taken lately.He commented on how pop radio in general has become so commercialized and taken a downhill turn. He said he would love to provide "something different" with his music, whether it is by introducing different styles of music or new views.He loves discovering unique kinds of music, noting how he will go to the local music store, Ear X-tacy, and randomly buy a CD from an unknown artist.His inspirations range from Ella Fitzgerald to John Mayer to Stevie Ray Vaughn, all of which impact various songs he has written.Vaughn was an important influence in Lewis' decision to start singing and playing, Lewis said.He also said that the passion Vaughn played, combined with his father's own regrets of never learning to play, inspired him to pick up the hobby. Since then, he has written over 10 songs and has 20 more in the works.When trying to find inspiration for new works, Lewis said he tries to change the genres-he usually thinks of past love lives or turns to the political side-and makes it sound like him. Most of the music he has written relies heavily on the guitar rather than vocals.Lewis admitted that the first time he went on stage he was scared. Now that he has made friends with other bands, though, he feels more secure.As long as he has his guitar, of course. "When I had to give a speech for class, I felt naked without my guitar. It just started to feel natural to have it there," he said.If you want to hear Lewis play, the best place to find him may be at a local open mic. "Open mics have been pretty good to me since I don't have an album. I've played at the Red Barn quite a bit too."For additional information about Lewis' music visit be http://www.myspace.com/justinpaullewis.-DeAndra Hoppe-"The Louisville Cardinal"
