I won’t bother trying to write an artful autobiography in the third person. I’ve got a story, so I’ll get right to it. Ever since I was quite young, music was simply an instinct. Growing up around the campfire, listening to friends and relatives perform traditional folk songs on beautifully aged acoustic guitars and wailing harmonicas, I couldn’t help but be fascinated – my flame was lit. A dedicated bass player throughout my adolescence, I explored many different styles of music - particularly anything grungy or punk rock - but I did my time in the school Jazz band. I taught myself guitar in the hallways and late at night pan handling on many a street corner. Very quickly my folky roots sprouted, and I found my place in the musical world. At the age of 15, I began pre-production for my independent debut album entitled “As The Sun Meets The Moonâ€(2008). Being equally intrigued by technology and music, I took on the task of building my own studio. Initially, I was located in my grandparents nearby barn, in an upper level apartment – I later relocated at least three times while working on the album. Skipping out on my senior year of high school, I started college early, opening up more free time to spend in the studio on my own and as an apprentice at Muddy Angel Music & Arts, run by producer/engineer/pianist Mark Kelso. A few years of hard work have gone by - my album is complete - and I have opened a permanent studio in our basement called First Mark Music (myspace.com/firstmarkmusic) where I continue to hone my skills. Over the last few years I have been able to share the stage and the studio with many great musicians in the Berkshires and throughout the North East. It has been more than an honor. I count my blessings & the journey carries on. You can find the rest of my story thus far on my new album, which should be available quite soon. Be Well - Justin W. Hillman. For booking and anything else e-mail{
[email protected]} all lyrics, music, sound recordings, & photographs (c) Justin Hillman 2008
