Meet Justin | Pop-Rock Songwriter and Performance Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Music has always been a safe form of expression for me. When I was young and discovering who I was as a human, music gave me the outlet to feel emotion, to dance, to sing and to be 100% myself. Growing up in a conservative town in NJ, I was expected to play sports, and follow a set of traditional male values that just weren’t me. I was assaulted in High School for expressing myself through make-up and clothing – the attackers “thought I was gay”.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I write songs that empower the listener to sing, dance and love themselves unapologetically. I believe that art is an opportunity to change minds and save lives- any message delivered through creation is like magic to both the creator and observer.

My March 2025 release “Pride Song” is the song I am most proud of, delivering a powerful affirmation of love and self-love wrapped in a pop anthem to be shared around the world for years to come.

I am excited for my upcoming live performances, the new music I am writing, and the song I am releasing this year as well. My lyrics chanting the sounds of unity, hope and courage couldn’t be coming at a more appropriate time. I just released “The Journey” in April- a pop-rock bop about change and struggle, echoing a reminder that we still have the power to change our minds and live our dreams, even amidst corruption and uncertainty.

I wouldn’t be where I am as an artist today without my insatiable desire to continuously fail and learn. It’s my passion for empowerment, my dedication to sharing my message, and the philanthropic work I do that will set me apart and set me up for success in my future. I am not afraid to do what is hard or risky in order to continue to grow and level up my craft. Music is my life long journey and my purpose.

My greatest challenge was believing in myself. When I was 14 years old plucking notes and chords for the first time on my electric guitar, I found safety in my creative process even when I was shamed and assaulted for my outward expressions. Many of my peers and mentors told me I did not have natural talent, my lyrics were trite and my delivery was boisterous, yet I continued to write, create, sing and dance. Looking back at those songs I wrote years ago, I can appreciate my teenage heart, a passion to be heard, and the baby steps that made me the artist with a greater purpose I am today.

I want the world to know that You are my Stars- your stories, your voices and your beautiful lights of individuality are what encourage me to never give up even in my darkest times. Music unites our world, so keep on dancing and keep believing.

Love starts from within. Just Listen.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Both Los Angeles and San Diego are both home to me here in Southern California.

When I am in LA, I enjoy hiking Runyon Canyon and the Wisdom Tree Trail to the Hollywood Sign off Lake Hollywood Blvd. Motherlode and Revolver are my regular West Hollywood stops for a little nightlife. When I lived in Los Angeles full-time I frequently sang with a random mix of musicians on the Monday Nights at the Sunset Jam in the Viper Room, and supported my fellow musicians at various bars and clubs throughout Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley.

I currently live in a quaint yet vibrant neighborhood in San Diego called South Park. During any given week, you might find me at a Monday night rehearsal with the iconic San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, Taco Tuesday at Baja Betty’s, Wednesday at The Dream Girls Revue at Urban Mo’s, and focusing on the business side of my career on Thursdays at Lestat’s Coffee Shop. Hillcrest on Friday and Saturday nights offer a vibrant, local social scene, not to forget some of the best DJs and Drag shows too. During daytime when the weather is nice, I typically go for a run in Balboa Park or enjoy any of the unique Beaches and Hiking Trails. To unwind and reset, I also practice Yoga at YogaBox or get in a workout at South Park Fitness. Some of my other favorite neighborhood stops are University Heights, Coronado Island, Point Loma, La Jolla and Harbor Island. The historic Mister A’s is one of my favorite restaurants for an exceptional view, dinner and cocktail, and recently I’ve become a fan of Petco Park which offers a very safe and inclusive experience for a Padres game or even a concert.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Shoutout is to all the LGBTQ + leaders in my San Diego Community who pave the way and are the example of tenacity during uncertain times, my Life Coaches who keep me passionate about my dreams, and most of all my listeners, fans, friends and family who support me every step of the way on my Artist journey.

Website: https://justinrenaissance.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinrenaissance

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justinrenaissance/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjE9hECzYY8ItU6kOSOkq4Q

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justinrenaissance?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6sqTnYpADAMxNzZ6ON1Yh8?si=ZfGwdbDtS0ezt0TOuYZsdg
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/justin-renaissance/1290415865

Image Credits
SPF Studios, Rikke Photography, Gabe Conover, Sam Johansen, John Anthony Sutton