We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Justin Lewis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Justin below.
Justin , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I jumped in—that’s exactly what I did and how I grew creatively and improved my performance craft. It was like diving into a slightly chilly pool for the first time, headfirst. Jumping in hasn’t always been in my nature, but it became a defining part of me when I discovered my love for songwriting and performing. The process is simple: play the open mics, write the bad songs, sing the off notes, and build connections with your peers. Over time, you find yourself more at ease in the water, moving beyond the doggy paddle and truly learning to swim on stage.
The most valuable skill I gained from this experience was learning not to be afraid. The more passion you pour into your craft, business, or career, the more confident you become in navigating the process. With that confidence, stepping onto stages of all sizes—without fear of mishaps or malfunctions—it became second nature. The result was my performances consistently improved, every single time. All from just jumping in and listening to my peers.
Justin , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a soulful-americana songwriter/singer based out of Kentucky and I have been writing, and performing for 18 years. I have been honored to have shared the stage with renowned artists such as Norah Jones, Lyle Lovett, America, Gregory Alan Isakov, Lucinda Williams, Houndmouth, Ben Sollee, Leon Russell, and many more. I have performed an original score with Grammy Award winners Teddy Abrams & the Louisville Orchestra and have performed at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas. I have been honored to have had songs featured in numerous featured films on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon.
I first stepped into the world of songwriting and performing in high school, much like many teenagers who have that moment of, “I want to play electric guitar, piano, or be in a band.” I ran with that spark. However, it wasn’t until college that I realized my true passion lay in writing songs and singing rather than thrashing my head up and down.
Reflecting on my career, I feel both proud and humbled. While I’ve put in the hard work, I firmly believe a large part of anyone’s success comes down to the people you surround yourself with—like-minded individuals who bring enough difference and edge to push you, challenge you, and guide you. Fellow songwriters, performers, and industry workers may sometimes feel like competitors, but they’re invaluable allies. Anyone who says they have been successful solo is wrong.
Leaning on others, learning from them, and building those connections have been essential to my journey. It’s a practice I carry with me in every realm of my life.
“A fantastic singer-songwriter.” – Paste Magazine/Daytrotter
“‘Every Little Thing’ is a songwriter record with a punch.” – LEO Weekly Magazine
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Two books that often come to mind in my career are Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Writing Better Lyrics has a blunt, humbling title that perfectly captures its essence. With a foreword by the brilliant Gillian Welch, the book dives into simple yet profound lyric and songwriting exercises that every songwriter should try. It taught me the invaluable lesson that not every song needs to see the light of day. Some songs are just for you, and others are meant to be thrown in the trash and forgotten.
The Hobbit resonates with me as a metaphor for jumping in—diving headfirst into new experiences while finding guidance along the way. I love how Bilbo begins his adventure unsure and hesitant, yet he seeks advice and grows through the journey. It’s a reminder that every step in our creative path is a mix of courage and learning.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Performing at the SXSW Festival many years ago is a vivid reminder of the resilience I’ve built throughout my career. Over the course of just a few days, I played seven shows—running on uncertainty about where we’d sleep and fueled largely by tacos. At that point, I was far from a seasoned touring pro and completely out of my comfort zone.
Still, I dove in headfirst and embraced the chaos, finding joy in the ride. It was a defining moment that taught me the value of persistence and adaptability in the face of the unknown.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.justinpaullewis.com
- Instagram: JustinPLewis
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/JustinPaulLewis
- Twitter: JustinPLewis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@justinlewismusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/justinpaullewis
