Jusy has highlighted the sheer depths of his creative talents by dipping his toe in the world of music - and finding instant gratification as one of the ten artists chosen to feature on the Hawke’s Bay Compilation Vinyl. 

Jusy is a freelance artist, who acknowledges that financial returns come from multiple avenues as a freelancer, however, he has been extremely fortunate that his chosen speciality has been successful enough to pay the bills for the last couple of years. 

He has the branding, WhatisJusy. This is the umbrella under which all of his various vocations fall under, and is the artist name he has used to release his song under. The tone behind his branding allows him to move fluidly between artistic mediums. 

“I never really want to be defined as a single thing. As a videographer, I also shoot photos, live stream, create music, graphic designing and events. Never want to be put down as one single thing”.

Musically, the song “Best Friend”, that was submitted for consideration is the first one that Jusy has put together. However, he has been around music for years. 

During the first year of primary school, he recognised his desire to sing and became a member of the choir. 

He studied Saxophone for almost three years and even was a member of a Jazz band in High School. 

“I remember jamming with people and they have got guitars and pianos, and you are there with these massive brass things and I realised was going to have to learn something else cause you can't just bring this massive thing along”

Following that realisation, Jusy committed to teaching himself how to play both guitar and piano. 

Jusy's first foray into recorded music came about when he sent a short home-made demo to his fellow Hawke's Bay friend, acclaimed musician and producer, Thomas oliver. Jusy says he initially sent it just to get some feedback, but the feedback turned out to be an enthusiastic invitation to the Treehouse. Which is Thomas' recording studio. So the pair got together and the combination of Jusy's hook-laden vocal writing style and Thomas' world-class production led to "Best Friend".

Thomas Oliver, referred to as a "magician" by another Under the Sun Vol.2 artist Zonny, actually contributed and guided the recording sessions to three tracks on the record. This is only a small taste of his recent contributions to helping Hawke's Bay musicians reach their highest potential. Listening to latest releases from Scarlett Eden, SUNZ and GG (Georgia Godwin) highlights some of the fruits of the Treehouse, and Thomas' mission to raise the bar of the recorded music coming out of this region. His goal is to lift and empower what he refers to as "the multitude of unique and gifted artists in Hawke's Bay" 

“Best Friend” features the phenomenally talented local artist MC Mouse. His vocal prowess is utilised within a rap verse on the song. MC Mouse shared his interpretation of the song. 

“Best friend is essentially recognising that the responsibilities of the world are not yours to figure out, but what is, is your responsibility, your story and  your part to play in your movie of your life, and I think that even thought it can get quite overwhelming sometimes with everything that happens in the world, people growing up, having that realisation, like, man I don't need to be constantly thinking about everybody else's problems and can really look inwardly that can create a sort of light for myself for others to observe but more importantly for me to believe that I can have an impact on my life and have an effect on the things that are going on with me. Basically the difference between your circle of concern and your circle of influence”.

Jusy sites that the second chorus in “Best Friend” as his favourite part within the song. 

“When that kicks in. it's very sonically pleasing, it's very poppy. There are a lot of harmonies going on. There's a lot of high, really exciting frequency going on. The first chorus was quite drawn back and it just smacks in in the second chorus and it gives you the juice and it gives you a lot of energy. The more you listen to it you want to smile. But if you actually listen to the lyrics - it's sad”.

The good energy that has been produced as a direct result of the creation of this song is a driving force behind Jusy wanting to keep creating. 

“It was fun. The whole point of making the song was making fun - so it's cool to justify things because it's being accepted by more people. Just keep doing it - there is no expectations. It's all for the music”.

In terms of the musical side to Jusy’s life, his goals are a simple as enjoyment, happiness and exemplary levels of collaboration. 

“I hope to make more different songs and collaborate with as many people as possible. Cause it's a really fun experience to make something really beautiful with another person, and share in that experience. Making sure it's for the love of music”.

The Hawke’s Bay Compilation Record- Under the Sun, Vol. 2 was produced by Backline Chartable Trust. 

This record would not have been produced without the help of additional funding through Lion foundation, EIT Te Pukenga (Ideaschool) and Aramex.

There is an event being held at Paisley Stage, Napier to celebrate the completion of the vinyl. It will be on 23rd March 2023. 

For more information about this event, and about our local musicians check out the Hawke’s Bay Music Hub website and Facebook page

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