Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Justin Griffith AKA Grades Of Absolute Truth. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Justin Griffith thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Two projects immediately come to mind, so I’ll dig into both of them…
1) Back in 2016, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Throughout my journey of acceptance, I wrote 60 pages worth of song ideas, thoughts, and entries. I’ve been working toward publishing a book and releasing an album about my experiences. Hoping it helps others get through similar tribulations and shines some light where it’s needed.
2) I released a collection of songs called “the senseless ep” with co-producer Double J in 2015. It served as a huge turning point in my health. I decided to bring the project to life with a cleanse I designed specifically for my weaknesses. For 40 days, I committed to no alcohol, not being around smoke, no pills or medication, no fried food, eating red meat only once a week, no unnatural spices to foods, no soda, no hugging, no kissing, no intimacy or stimulation, looking away as soon as I caught myself visually admiring women, no talking on the phone, no listening to music, no movies or television, getting a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity 4 times a week, no computer time except documenting the process, 8 hours of sleep daily, and drinking at least 64 ounces of water daily. Immediately after the cleanse, I conducted five 48-hour experiments with sensory deprivation. All of those experiences built an inspirational bank to write from and helped me press the reset button.
Listen Here – https://album.link/us/i/972902107
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
I’m a songwriter, recording artist, and performer that releases music under the name – Grades Of Absolute Truth. Expect a soulful indie blend that’s driven by purposeful concepts and lyrics that have meaning. My brand represents progression and positive movement.
Versatility is my specialization. You may see me with a mask on, spittin’ rhymes to a hip hop crowd on Friday night with my group The BARNyartists. Then the next night, I’m performing solo on someone’s couch with an acoustic guitar. On Sunday, I may do a duo cover set as a singer/songwriter at a winery.
Then Monday, I’m back to teaching. Tuesday – I’m giving lessons, then running a recording session. I’m an onion – each layer fulfills a specific part of me. Since 2005, I’ve taught between 600 and 700 students a week, kindergarten through 5th grade. I’ve also been a private lessons instructor, live sound engineer, and DJ with Stage Volume Entertainment since 2014.
The thing I’m most proud of is that I’ve molded a unique career in music that has never forfeited my integrity.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My “why” is to affect the world in a positive way through music. That’s my calling. My Dad was a workaholic. My Mom is OCD. Productivity is what makes me happy and I constantly crave being better. On top of that, my MS diagnosis was a good reminder that our time here is limited. Our health could decline at any moment. I don’t see that as a negative thing. It’s a great reason to keep your intentions clear and in the forefront of your mentality. That’s what keeps my engine revved up.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Acknowledging that creatives hold as much importance as anything else is a good start. Artistic humans often get taken advantage of. The idea that if we’re doing something we love to do, then we should do it for a cheaper rate or for “exposure” is a perspective that needs to be entirely done away with.
We offer a service or experience just like any other business. Remember that your city has a local scene. Many artists in your radius are just as talented, or even more talented, than artists known world-wide. Be respectful of their craft. And if you truly appreciate it, throw them some work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gradesofabsolutetruth.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicbyGOAT
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musicbyGOAT
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/musicbyGOAT
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/musicbyGOAT
- Other: Upcoming Events – https://gradesofabsolutetruth.com/events Listen – https://songwhip.com/gradesofabsolutetruth Merch – https://musicbygoat.bandcamp.com/merch
Image Credits
Phoenix Taylor, Yo-Yo Photography, Sean P, BB, Katrina Timmons