Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Justin Lee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Justin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

From as early as I can remember, I remember dad putting on Stevie ray on the TV and I would go running to his guitar and try playing it. I even stood on the guitar just like Stevie at El Macombo. I don’t think dad liked that much.

Justin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve always played from early teens. My dad put together a band for me. He sang amd played guitar/bass My brother was on drums and I was on lead guitar. Shortly after getting out of the Marine corps I started playing again and formed a small trio band. About that time it was hard to get going because of covid but most musicians all kind of know each other in the local area or at least hear of each other. I knew I wanted to playing for a living and heard of Ariel Hutchins. She was more of a rocker than I expected and loved her energy so I reached out to her. She was super kind and asked me to send her a video of me playing a few songs. After that I met her a local show and we hit it off. I followed up the week and auditioned for her and sure enough I got the gig as her rythem guitarist. 3 or 4 months later the other guitarist quit and I was the man. Filling both roles of rythem and lead. Before we knew it we were all close. Like family. Playing together. Riding to shows together. After almost two years I decided to go out on my own and play my songs. I was a bitter sweet moment because Ariel was the one that gave me a shot and my foot in the door. But a new start was going to be challenging but one I was up for. I was at the top of my game with both playing amd songwriting. I have with me my drummer Juan Merlan and bass player Anthony Sanchez who were also with Ariel. We’re looking to continue our momentum. We just click when it comes to music. Like me they grew up playing with their dad and we all just have a chemistry that’s unexplainable. It’s different because of our southern rock background. It’s texas country with a little more attitude. We’re the Disregarded amd already have about 2 albums of material We’re looking to put out soon.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Show up to shows! Stop waiting for the big names to show up artist grow popular by word of mouth. There are so many musicians I have met that would blow me away and never get recognized for it because they don’t have the marketing behind them. In a small town especially. Support your local musicians who are writing and preforming original songs. It’s sad when you have some cover bands who play the same songs over and over and are getting spots in these venues amd an Orginal band is barely making it when they’re the ones that need to be heard.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Getting to tell my story. Every song I write is coming from somewhere deep within myself. It really leaves you vulnerable but it’s a way to maybe say what I need to or how I feel. Maybe paints a better picture than just talking about it. Every now and then you’ll get a reaction that’s above the rest that resonates with people. And it becomes contagious. Before you know it everyone is wanting to here you play and sing on of your own songs that they love. That’s the most rewarding feeling to have in this business

Contact Info:

• Website: Justinleemusic.com
• Facebook: Justin Lee & The Disregarded

Image Credits
Monica Weatherly photography Lildarlin photography